Graphical user interface
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Graphical user interface
A Graphical user interface (GUI, pronounced gooey) is a type of user interface (UI) that allows people to interact with electronic devices using graphical elements. Instead of typing commands into a text-only screen, users interact with visual components like windows, icons, buttons, and menus.
GUIs are the most common way people interact with modern computers, smartphones, tablets, and many other devices. They make technology much more accessible and intuitive for a wide range of users compared to older text-based interfaces which require memorizing commands and typing them out.
Key Components of a GUI
Most GUIs share common visual elements that users interact with:
- Windows: Rectangular areas on the screen where applications are displayed and run. Users can often resize, move, minimize, or close windows.
- Icons: Small pictures or symbols that represent files, folders, applications, or actions. Clicking or double-clicking icons is a common way to open items or start programs.
- Menus: Lists of options or commands that appear when you click on a menu title (usually at the top of a window or screen) or right-click on an item.
- Buttons: Clickable graphical controls that perform a specific action when pressed.
- Pointer / Cursor: An on-screen indicator (often an arrow or hand) controlled by an input device like a mouse, touchpad, or trackball, used to point at and interact with graphical elements.
- Widgets / Controls: A variety of interactive elements like checkboxes (to select options), radio buttons (to select one option from a group), sliders (to adjust values), text fields (to type text), and scrollbars (to navigate content that doesn't fit on screen).
Interaction
Interaction with a GUI primarily happens through direct manipulation of these graphical elements using an input device. This includes:
- Clicking or double-clicking on icons, buttons, or menu items.
- Dragging and dropping files or objects from one location to another.
- Typing text into text fields.
- Using the mouse wheel or scrollbars to move through content.
- Using touch gestures (tapping, swiping, pinching) on touch screens.
GUI vs. Command-Line Interface (CLI)
GUIs are often contrasted with Command-Line Interfaces (CLIs):
| Feature | GUI | CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Interaction Method | Clicking, dragging, visual controls | Typing commands and parameters |
| Input | Mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, keyboard | Primarily keyboard |
| Learning Curve (Basic Use) | Generally easier for beginners | Requires memorizing commands and syntax |
| Automation / Scripting | Limited without specialized tools | Powerful for scripting and automating tasks |
| Resource Usage | Generally uses more system resources | Generally uses fewer system resources |
| Precision | Can be less precise for complex tasks | Precise control via specific commands |
For many users, especially beginners, the visual nature and direct manipulation of a GUI make it much easier to learn and use for common tasks. CLIs, while requiring more initial learning, can be very efficient and powerful for repetitive tasks, automation, and system administration for experienced users.
History
The concept of the GUI was pioneered by researchers at Xerox PARC in the 1970s. Early influential systems included the Xerox Alto and the Xerox Star.
GUIs were popularized for personal computers in the 1980s by the Apple Macintosh and later became widespread with the success of Microsoft Windows. These systems established many of the GUI conventions still used today.
Ubiquity
Today, GUIs are almost ubiquitous in computing. They are provided by the operating system on desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets, forming the environment in which applications run. They are also found in embedded systems, car dashboards, smart TVs, and many other electronic devices, making technology more accessible and user-friendly.
See Also
- User interface
- Command-line interface
- Text-based user interface
- Windowing system
- Widget (GUI)
- Human–computer interaction
References
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Encyclopedia definition.
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Explains GUI in the context of design.
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Discusses GUIs from a usability perspective.
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Information about the pioneering Xerox Alto.
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