31
submitted 6 months ago by matcha_addict@lemy.lol to c/android@lemmy.world

In the desktop world, we have the option to use the command line: a uniform interface for a multitude of apps that would otherwise be very different when implemented as GUIs.

Using the same interface, I can move or edit files, cross out tasks on my to-do list, retrieve my password for my email account (using Bitwarden or pass), etc. All in the command line. The GUI for each of those are wildly different.

The other benefit is it is very easy to create a new command line app, as opposed to a GUI.

Is anything like this possible for the smartphone world (even if it doesn't or will never exist)? What would it look like?

Since smartphone typing is much slower, we can't simply reuse the command line. We'd need something different. An interface that can still support a various spectrum of different operations, yet ergonomic for a smartphone. What are your thoughts?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] matcha_addict@lemy.lol -1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

It may not have to be typing-centric. Maybe the answer is in interfaces that leverage gestures better and in a uniform way, or mixing it with a clever use of buttons.

our devices aren't really being used for file management, tooling, complex work

Only because the experience of doing so is not pleasant like it is on desktop. People would use it for that otherwise.

doesn't even make sense to have a command line

I don't want to have a command line, and I emphasized that in my post. Only something that is similar in its ergonomic enhancement.

[-] captainjaneway@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago

I see. Well without a command line, I wouldn't call it a terminal. I think you just want tooling to be available on an Android? It would probably look like a button or series of buttons on an app. Maybe you could connect the dots between them to insinuate a pipe? E.g., you have a "mv" button and a "file" button. When you drag from mv -> file you could maybe kick off a process that moves the file. Maybe it would prompt you for other arguments like destination? I suppose this theoretical app could allow people to install additional tooling and make their own custom commands.

But I just feel like a button UI for these kinds of things will always be awkward. If you don't have a keyboard/terminal interface, it's hard to implement anything that would even behave like terminals in terms of functionality.

this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2024
31 points (78.2% liked)

Android

27912 readers
182 users here now

DROID DOES

Welcome to the droidymcdroidface-iest, Lemmyest (Lemmiest), test, bestest, phoniest, pluckiest, snarkiest, and spiciest Android community on Lemmy (Do not respond)! Here you can participate in amazing discussions and events relating to all things Android.

The rules for posting and commenting, besides the rules defined here for lemmy.world, are as follows:

Rules


1. All posts must be relevant to Android devices/operating system.


2. Posts cannot be illegal or NSFW material.


3. No spam, self promotion, or upvote farming. Sources engaging in these behavior will be added to the Blacklist.


4. Non-whitelisted bots will be banned.


5. Engage respectfully: Harassment, flamebaiting, bad faith engagement, or agenda posting will result in your posts being removed. Excessive violations will result in temporary or permanent ban, depending on severity.


6. Memes are not allowed to be posts, but are allowed in the comments.


7. Posts from clickbait sources are heavily discouraged. Please de-clickbait titles if it needs to be submitted.


8. Submission statements of any length composed of your own thoughts inside the post text field are mandatory for any microblog posts, and are optional but recommended for article/image/video posts.


Community Resources:


We are Android girls*,

In our Lemmy.world.

The back is plastic,

It's fantastic.

*Well, not just girls: people of all gender identities are welcomed here.


Our Partner Communities:

!android@lemmy.ml


founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS