The Resurgence of TUIs: Why Terminal User Interfaces Are Gaining Popularity Again

The Resurgence of TUIs: Why Terminal User Interfaces Are Gaining Popularity Again

Terminal User Interfaces (TUIs) are once again gaining attention among developers. A notable example of this trend is the Linux distribution “Omarchy,” released by 37signals co-founder David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), which adopts TUIs as one of its primary interfaces.

Omarchy’s Three UI Strategies

Omarchy is built around three types of user interfaces: the first is the TUI, which combines instant feedback with a geeky charm; the second is web applications, chosen due to 37signals’ experience in selling SaaS-based web apps; and the third is GNOME-style native applications.

This configuration closely mirrors the evolution of code editors over the past decade. Native editors like BBEdit, TextMate, Notepad++, and Sublime transitioned to Electron-based tools like Atom and VS Code. Meanwhile, some hardcore developers gravitated toward vim and Emacs, trading ease of use for steep learning curves.

The Disarray of GUI Strategies on Windows

The resurgence of TUIs is partly due to the challenges of native app development across various platforms, particularly on Windows, where inconsistent GUI strategies have been a long-standing issue.

Microsoft has introduced a series of frameworks over the years—starting with MFC, OLE, and COM, followed by ActiveX, WinForms, WPF, Silverlight, WinUI, and MAUI—but none have achieved lasting success. Developer Jeffrey Snover once remarked that Microsoft hasn’t had a coherent GUI strategy since Charles Petzold’s era.

Domenic Denicola further critiques this approach, pointing out that rebuilding OS and UI APIs every few years is an enormous undertaking. Each new layer introduces “gaps,” where features available in older frameworks are lost. Consequently, many enterprise and personal desktop applications now rely on Electron apps.

The Situation on Linux

On Linux, the lack of UI uniformity has been more intentional, as different teams pursued their unique goals. This led to the development of two major frameworks, GTK and Qt, both designed for cross-platform native development but primarily used on Linux.

However, the sheer variety of distributions, desktop environments, and hardware combinations has made native Linux app development a daunting task for many companies. As a result, they often resort to Electron apps or abandon Linux support altogether.

Why TUIs Are Being Chosen

In this context, the renewed interest in TUIs becomes clear. Native app development requires adapting to different frameworks for each platform, which is costly to maintain. While Electron offers consistency, it is resource-intensive. TUIs, on the other hand, are lightweight, can run on any platform with a terminal, and provide a consistent user experience.

DHH’s decision to incorporate TUIs into Omarchy is not merely nostalgic but a practical choice. The combination of immediate feedback and the ability to optimize workflows by balancing modern web and native apps underpins this approach.

Future Outlook

The revival of TUIs symbolizes a diversification of development tools and a reassessment of user experiences. In a world dominated by Electron-based desktop development, the terminal—a tried-and-true interface—is reemerging as a viable alternative. Looking ahead, the distinction and balance between TUIs, web apps, and native apps are expected to become more refined and sophisticated.

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Q: What is a TUI?
A: A TUI (Terminal User Interface) is a text-based user interface that operates within a terminal. While it uses textual elements, it can mimic GUI components like menus, buttons, and windows. TUIs are more intuitive than Command Line Interfaces (CLI) and lighter than Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).

Q: Why are TUIs being reconsidered over Electron apps?
A: While Electron apps allow developers to use web technologies for desktop apps, they are resource-intensive in terms of memory and CPU usage. TUIs, in contrast, are extremely lightweight, consume minimal resources, and provide a consistent user experience across platforms.

Q: What is DHH’s Omarchy?
A: Omarchy is a Linux distribution created by DHH (David Heinemeier Hansson), co-founder of 37signals. It offers a unique desktop environment by combining three types of interfaces: TUIs, web apps, and native apps.