Tekstimuodoksi

Tekstimuodoksi is a Finnish term that translates to "text format" or "text mode." It refers to a way of displaying information on a computer screen using only characters from the standard character set, without any graphical elements like images, icons, or elaborate fonts. This was the primary way computer displays operated in the early days of computing, before the widespread adoption of graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

In tekstimuodoksi environments, text is typically displayed in a fixed-width font, meaning each character occupies the same amount of horizontal space. This allows for precise alignment of text and characters, which was crucial for creating tables, diagrams, and simple visual layouts using only keyboard characters. Common examples include the MS-DOS operating system and many early BBS (Bulletin Board System) interfaces.

While modern computing is dominated by GUIs, tekstimuodoksi still finds applications. Command-line interfaces (CLIs) on operating systems like Linux and macOS operate in a text mode. They are favored by programmers, system administrators, and users who prefer efficiency and automation. Furthermore, certain text-based games and the content of plain text files (.txt) also adhere to this format. The simplicity of tekstimuodoksi also makes it highly efficient and accessible on systems with limited resources or for users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers.