GUI, or Graphical User Interface, is an interface used in computers to enable people to interact with the machine. It usually includes a display, pointing device, and keyboard, and is designed to make it easier for a user to access, manipulate, and interact with data, software, and hardware.
GUI-based interfaces require that a mouse, pointing device, or keyboard be able to move around a graphical screen that contains various icons, typically representing programs, documents, or actions. The user then clicks on these icons to open and interact with the applications, documents, and files.
Throughout the years, the development of GUIs has allowed for a number of simplifications that make it easier for users to interact with the computer, regardless of their computer literacy. Since its development, GUI-driven computing has become increasingly popular among computer users, particularly in the consumer market.
Today, some of the most popular operating systems, such as Apple’s macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux have all adopted the GUI-based approach for their users. These systems are renowned for their ease of use, and have come to be regarded as industry standards.
GUI, as a concept, has evolved in recent years to encompass touchscreen and gesture-based interfaces, as well as virtual reality and augmented reality. This has opened up the possibilities for further improvements in usability and applications, enabling users to interact with programs and hardware in even more intuitive ways.
