TUI Applications

TUIs are CLIs with an interactive surface. Inherit CLI essentials, then add discoverable in-app help. Parent: Software Product Essentials.

Extra on top of CLI

  • In-app About / Help pane (keybind documented on the first screen)

  • Show version + build id there, not only via --version

  • Export diagnostics from a menu key (still redacted)

  • Graceful resize and no-color/fallback for limited terminals

Updates

Same as CLI: package manager first. If you self-update, exit the TUI cleanly before replacing the binary; tell the user to restart.

Checklist

  • --version and in-app About agree

  • Help keybind visible without reading the README

  • Diagnostics export from the UI

  • Package or installer story documented

  • Update does not corrupt a running session