formtextual

formtextual is a Python library designed to simplify the creation and management of text-based user interfaces within the terminal. It allows developers to build interactive command-line applications with features commonly found in graphical user interfaces, such as input fields, buttons, and labels, all rendered using text characters. The library aims to provide a more engaging and user-friendly experience for terminal applications compared to traditional command-line interfaces that rely solely on raw input and output.

The core concept behind formtextual is the use of a declarative approach to define the structure and appearance of the interface. Developers define widgets, which are the building blocks of the UI, and arrange them in a layout. formtextual then handles the rendering of these widgets to the terminal, managing user input, and updating the display as needed. This abstraction allows developers to focus on the application logic rather than the intricacies of terminal manipulation.

Key features of formtextual include a variety of built-in widgets, support for custom styling and themes, event handling for user interactions, and a responsive layout system. It can be used to create simple forms, data entry applications, interactive dashboards, and more, all within the familiar environment of a terminal window. The library is written in Python, making it accessible to a wide range of developers.