Interfície

An interface is a shared boundary across which two separate components of a system exchange information, signals, or control. It defines how the components interact and what they can send or receive, enabling integration and modularity across software, hardware, and human users.

There are several main types of interfaces. User interfaces facilitate human interaction with machines, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and command-line interfaces (CLIs). Programming interfaces enable software systems to communicate, such as application programming interfaces (APIs) and application binary interfaces (ABIs). Hardware interfaces connect devices or components, examples being USB, HDMI, or PCIe. Network interfaces expose connectivity for data exchange between machines and services.

Design and specification of interfaces emphasize clarity, compatibility, and safety. Usability, accessibility, and feedback are key considerations for user interfaces, while consistency, discoverability, and appropriate error handling improve overall interaction. Interfaces are described by protocols and data formats, such as HTTP or REST for web services, and by physical standards like USB or PCIe for hardware connections.

Interfícies are central to system integration, interoperability, and scalability. They allow components to be updated, replaced, or extended with minimal impact on the rest of the system. The field spans software, hardware, and human interaction, and it continues to evolve with natural and AI-enabled modalities, including voice, gesture, and context-aware interaction.