Newt (programming library)

Newt is a widget-based toolkit for developing visually oriented text mode user interfaces. It draws its name from the character of Newton Geiszler in the movie Aliens. It provides a high-level API for creating common interface elements such as windows, entry fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, listboxes, and message boxes within a text-based environment. These interfaces can be navigated using keyboard controls, enhancing user experience in environments lacking graphical capabilities.

Designed primarily for terminal-based applications, Newt aims to simplify the creation of interactive, user-friendly interfaces within the constraints of text mode. This makes it suitable for building installation programs, configuration tools, and other system utilities where a graphical environment might not be readily available or desirable.

Newt is commonly used in conjunction with the slang library, another toolkit that provides advanced screen management capabilities. Together, these libraries enable developers to create relatively complex and responsive text-based user interfaces. The library handles much of the low-level screen management, allowing developers to focus on the higher-level logic of their applications.

Key features of Newt include:

• Widget-based design: Offers pre-built UI components for rapid development.
• Keyboard navigation: Provides a consistent and intuitive navigation experience using keyboard keys.
• Simple API: Presents a relatively easy-to-use API for creating and manipulating interface elements.
• Integration with slang: Works well with the slang library to leverage its screen management capabilities.

While Newt offers advantages in environments lacking graphical support, its use is largely confined to older or specialized applications due to the limitations of text-based interfaces compared to modern graphical user interfaces.