terminalfirst

Terminalfirst is a design philosophy and approach in software development that prioritizes the terminal and text-based interaction as the primary user interface. In terminalfirst systems, software is designed to be operable from a command-line interface, emphasizing scripting, automation, and keyboard-driven control. The term is used to describe tools, libraries, and workflows that assume or require terminal usage rather than relying on graphical user interfaces.

Origin and context: The concept draws on the UNIX philosophy of small, composable programs and the widespread use of shells, scripting, and text-based interfaces. It gained visibility in communities focused on devops, systems administration, and open-source tooling that value reproducibility, portability, and efficient workflows.

Design and features: Terminalfirst software typically offers strong scripting capabilities, predictable command-line options, standardized exit codes, and robust error messages. Interfaces favor keyboard navigation, minimal dependencies, and the ability to be used in pipelines with other programs. Across platforms, terminalfirst aims for portability and consistent behavior in diverse environments, including headless servers.

Reception and limitations: Proponents cite speed, automation potential, and lower resource usage, while critics note a steeper learning curve for newcomers and reduced accessibility for users who benefit from graphical interfaces.

See also: Command-line interface, Unix philosophy, Text user interface, CLI tool design.