What is Alternate TextBrowser?
An alternative text browser is a type of web browser that prioritizes the display and navigation of text-based content on web pages, rather than focusing on a graphical user interface. These browsers are designed to be lightweight, customizable, and keyboard-driven for fast and efficient online reading and research.
Some key features of alternative text browsers include:
- Keyboard shortcuts for most operations like opening links or adjusting text size, reducing the need to use the mouse
- Customizable color schemes and fonts to optimize readability
- Mouse-free navigation by using keys like Vim or Emacs
- Minimal interface elements like menus, buttons, and ads for distraction-free reading
- Support for standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Tools for saving web pages to read offline later
- Scriptability and extensibility to customize the browsing experience
Some examples of popular alternative text browsers include Lynx, w3m, Links, Elinks, and eww. They run right inside the terminal on Linux and other UNIX-based systems. Some cater specifically to developers and power users looking for a fast command-line web browser tailored to text interaction.
An alternative text browser can provide a productive online reading environment for those focused primarily on text rather than multimedia web content. They load quickly, allow rapid page navigation, and give users control over their browsing experience through extensive customization.
Sublime Text, Notepad++, GNU nano, TextMate, Kate, GNU Emacs, Notepad3, Textor, Notepads, CudaText, StNotepad Touch, QuasiMemo, BlueGem are some alternatives to Alternate TextBrowser.