Introduction to Linux Terminal Apps
The Linux terminal can be intimidating, especially for users who do not want to memorize commands. However, terminal user interface applications (TUIs) make it possible to work inside the terminal using visual menus and keyboard navigation.
What are TUIs?
TUIs run directly in the terminal but present interactive interfaces that resemble lightweight graphical tools. Meanwhile, they provide a middle ground between command-line utilities and full graphical applications.
Bandwhich: Monitoring Network Activity
Bandwhich is a terminal-based network monitoring tool that displays live connection activity across the system. For example, it shows active processes making network requests, process IDs, and data transfer rates.
- Active processes making network requests
- Process IDs
- Data transfer rates
- Network adapters in use
- Destination hostnames
Installation varies by distribution. Additionally, the tool must be run with elevated privileges: sudo bandwhich
Caligula: Burning ISO Files with Ease
Caligula is a lightweight TUI designed for writing ISO and IMG files to USB drives. Instead of manually running dd or other disk-writing commands, users can launch Caligula with: caligula burn filename.iso
Kew: Playing Local Music from the Terminal
Kew is a terminal music player designed for users with a local music collection. By default, Kew scans the ~/Music directory and displays the library in a navigable interface.
nnn: Fast File Navigation
Nnn, also called n3, is a terminal file manager that reduces repetitive cd and ls commands by relying on keyboard-based navigation. Launching nnn is simple: nnn
Conclusion
In conclusion, these four Linux TUI apps can make the terminal more practical for everyday tasks. Therefore, users can stay within the terminal while reducing reliance on memorizing syntax-heavy commands. Finally, all four tools are open source and available through common Linux package managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a TUI, and how does it work?
A TUI is a terminal user interface application that provides a visual interface for interacting with the terminal.
- How do I install Bandwhich on my Linux system?
Installation varies by distribution. For example, on Debian or Ubuntu systems, use
sudo snap install bandwhich - Can I use Caligula to burn ISO files to a USB drive?
Yes, Caligula is designed for writing ISO and IMG files to USB drives.
- How do I launch Kew and play music from the terminal?
Launch Kew with the command
kew, and then navigate to the desired music file or directory. - What is nnn, and how does it provide fast file navigation?
Nnn is a terminal file manager that reduces repetitive
cdandlscommands by relying on keyboard-based navigation.
