console

Console is a term used across computing, gaming, and furniture to refer to several related ideas. In computing, a console traditionally denotes the interface that provides access to a computer system for control, monitoring, and management. The system console is the primary text or graphical interface connected to the operating system, capable of local or remote access and often used for administration, debugging, and recovery. Modern usage also encompasses command-line interfaces and terminal emulators that present a shell or prompt to the user.

Command-line interface: a text-based UI where users type commands. Unix-like systems use shells such as bash or zsh, while Windows uses cmd and PowerShell. Terminals display the CLI, along with outputs and prompts, and are essential for scripting, automation, and administration, especially in servers and embedded environments.

Game console: a dedicated hardware platform designed to play video games, typically connected to a display and input device. Examples include consoles from major manufacturers; they run games from media or digital stores and support online services, peripherals, and social features. In recent years, the distinction between consoles and general-purpose PCs has blurred through hybrid devices and PC-like ecosystems.

Other uses include furniture known as a console table, placed against a wall to display objects; a stage production console such as a lighting or sound mixer for controlling performances; and in vehicles, a console refers to a central control area such as the dashboard or cockpit.