User interface

A user interface specifies the conventions for communication between the user and the computer program. There are a number of different kinds of user interfaces. One is the command language dialogue, in which the user issues commands to the computer through typed commands. If the program is used infrequently, it may be difficult for the user to remember the commands and how they can be used together to perform more complex tasks.

“Menu” systems avoid this problem by displaying the command options on a screen; the user can then issue a command by pressing a key indicated as corresponding to a particular menu option, or by moving a cursor on the screen until the appropriate selection is highlighted. Newer interfaces make use of graphics and icons.