Textual development CLI
Textual CLI serves an existing terminal application in a browser, letting its author show the same Python code on the web.
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Extended access
Why this level
- Execution commands run application code, and the console exposes app logs and internal messages.
Install
Manual install
pip install textual textual-devFirst Installing block. This entry covers developer execution and diagnostics tools.
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- Execution commands run application code, and the console exposes app logs and internal messages.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Textual CLI and `textual-dev` run and inspect Python terminal applications. Developers open an app in one terminal and a debugging console in another. The console shows system events, logs and print output while the main screen displays the interface. The bundled demo shows library widgets and their behavior. Authors write their own Python application using Textual; the development commands execute that code and display its runtime messages. File access and other actions depend on the application code and process permissions.
Who it is for. Textual app authors needing a separate diagnostics console and browser-based execution checks.
Good fit when
- The app occupies its terminal, and the developer opens logs in another window.
- An author explores the bundled demo before choosing widgets.
- An existing interface is shown in a browser using the same application code.
- After an edit, the developer relates user actions to application events.
Not a fit when
- You need a finished business tool without developing an app.
- An app must be exposed publicly without access review.
- You need an MCP server controlling arbitrary terminals.
Example request
Prepare our Textual app with a separate development console and explain what its logs will contain.Limitations
A real workflow requires application Python code; the developer tools do not provide business logic. The development console comes in the separate `textual-dev` package, so check both documented components are installed. Serving executes the application with the process’s file access and permissions. For browser use, review the listening address and permitted users; logs can contain internal application data and need corresponding access controls.
How to disable. Stop the app, console and serving process. Uninstalling packages does not remove your application sources.
FAQ
Why install textual-dev?
It supplies the console and developer utilities. Install it alongside Textual as documented.
How do I start the demo?
Run `python -m textual`. It showcases the library rather than your app.
Can apps run in a browser?
Yes. `textual serve` accepts an application path; the guide uses `textual serve my_app.py`. Replace the filename with your own and configure server access before sharing the interface.
Where can I see printed app output?
Run `textual console` in one terminal. In another, use `textual run --dev my_app.py`, replacing my_app.py with your application file. Its print output and logs will appear in the first console. See the [console setup](https://textual.textualize.io/guide/devtools/#console).
Is a command palette available?
Press `Ctrl+P` in a Textual app. Developers can add their own application commands to the palette.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The command palette opens with `Ctrl+P`. Application authors add actions that users can find by name.