Paul Krill
Editor at Large

Python-based Textual apps are coming to the web

news
Aug 22, 20231 min

Textual Cloud Service will allow Python-based terminal applications built with the Textual framework to run in web browsers.

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Textual, a rapid application development framework for building terminal applications, will soon support building browser-based apps.

Textual allows developers to build sophisticated user interfaces with a simple Python API, according to the Textual GitHub repo. Begun in 2021, Textual is a modern framework that integrates terminal applications with the desktop. Support for deployment to web browsers is due soon.

Textual requires Python 3.7 or later, and runs on Linux, macOS, or Windows. Built by Textualize, Textual adds interactivity to the Rich Python library for rich text and formatting in the terminal. Textual apps draw on 16.7 million colors, mouse support, and flicker-free animation. A layout engine and reusable components help developers create terminal applications that rival the desktop and web experience, Textualize said.

Textual applications can be built exclusively with Python, requiring little specialized knowledge. Concepts are borrowed from the web world for rapid development, including reactivity and components that can be distributed independently. The Textual Cloud Service enables applications to be web-facing by pairing them with agent software that maintains outgoing TCP/IP connections to the cloud service. Textual is offered via an MIT license.

Paul Krill

Paul Krill is editor at large at InfoWorld. Paul has been covering computer technology as a news and feature reporter for more than 35 years, including 30 years at InfoWorld. He has specialized in coverage of software development tools and technologies since the 1990s, and he continues to lead InfoWorld’s news coverage of software development platforms including Java and .NET and programming languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, and Go. Long trusted as a reporter who prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and the best interests of readers, Paul is sought out by technology companies and industry organizations who want to reach InfoWorld’s audience of software developers and other information technology professionals. Paul has won a “Best Technology News Coverage” award from IDG.

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