# graphical terminal

> computer terminal that includes graphics capability in addition to (or instead of) text-only displays

**Wikidata**: [Q28379818](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28379818)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/graphical-terminal

## Summary
A graphical terminal is a computer terminal that provides graphics capability in addition to, or instead of, text-only displays. It is a subclass of the broader computer terminal class and includes devices that render images, drawings, or graphical user interfaces for a connected computer or computing system.

## Key Facts
- A graphical terminal is a computer terminal that includes graphics capability in addition to (or instead of) text-only displays.
- Alias: graphics terminal.
- Subclass of: computer terminal (an input/output device used for entering data into and displaying data from a computer or computing system).
- Notable manufacturers/models include Tektronix 4010 (text and graphics terminals developed by Tektronix) and Tektronix 4105 (computer video terminal).
- IBM examples include the IBM 2250, a vector graphics display system for the IBM System/360, and the IBM 3179G, a mainframe computer terminal providing 80×24 or 80×32 characters plus graphics.
- The Blit is an example of a graphical terminal; its inception is recorded as 1982.
- Topic main category: Category:Graphical terminals.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a graphical terminal and a text-only terminal?
A: A graphical terminal can render graphics (images, plots, or graphical interfaces) in addition to or instead of plain text, whereas a text-only terminal displays only characters and text-based output.

### Q: What are some historical examples of graphical terminals?
A: Examples listed include Tektronix 4010 and Tektronix 4105 terminals, IBM 2250 vector graphics display, IBM 3179G (80×24 or 80×32 characters plus graphics), and the Blit (inception 1982).

### Q: Are graphical terminals considered a type of computer terminal?
A: Yes. Graphical terminals are explicitly classified as a subclass of the computer terminal class.

### Q: What kinds of graphics could these terminals provide?
A: Documented examples include vector graphics (IBM 2250) and combined text-plus-graphics displays (Tektronix 4010; IBM 3179G provides character modes together with graphics).

## Why It Matters
Graphical terminals extended the capabilities of traditional terminals by enabling visual output beyond plain text. That capability allowed computers to present plots, diagrams, and graphical user interfaces directly to users connected to larger systems such as minicomputers and mainframes. By supporting graphics, these terminals made interactive visualization, CAD-style work, and more intuitive interfaces possible in environments that previously relied on line-based text. Specific implementations—such as vector displays and combined text-and-graphics screens—addressed different application needs, from technical plotting to interactive system consoles. As a subclass of computer terminals, graphical terminals represent an important step in the evolution of human–computer interaction, bridging the gap between early text consoles and later full graphical workstations and displays.

## Notable For
- Combining text and graphics in a single terminal (e.g., Tektronix 4010, IBM 3179G offering character modes plus graphics).
- Implementation of vector-graphics terminals for technical and engineering displays (e.g., IBM 2250 for System/360).
- Serving as dedicated hardware for graphical output in mainframe and minicomputer environments.
- Examples spanning vendors and form factors, including Tektronix models and the Blit (inception 1982).

## Body

### Definition
- A graphical terminal is a type of computer terminal.
- It includes graphics capability in addition to, or instead of, text-only displays.
- It is used for displaying data and receiving input from a connected computer or computing system.

### Classification and Parent Classes
- Parent class: computer terminal — an electronic or electromechanical device used for entering data into, and displaying data from, a computer or computing system.
- Alternate name: graphics terminal.
- Category membership: Category:Graphical terminals.

### Notable Models and Vendors
- Tektronix 4010: Described as text and graphics computer terminals developed by Tektronix.
- Tektronix 4105: Identified as a computer video terminal.
- IBM 2250: Identified as a vector graphics display system by IBM for the System/360.
- IBM 3179G: Described as an IBM mainframe computer terminal that provides 80×24 or 80×32 character modes plus graphics.
- Blit: Listed as a graphical terminal with inception year 1982.

### Technical Characteristics (as documented)
- Graphics capability can be provided in addition to standard character display modes.
- Implementations include vector-graphics displays (IBM 2250) and combined text-plus-graphics terminals (Tektronix 4010; IBM 3179G with 80×24 or 80×32 characters plus graphics).

### Typical Uses
- Displaying plots, drawings, and graphical interfaces connected to mainframes or other host systems.
- Providing graphical output for engineering, technical visualization, or more interactive user interfaces than text-only terminals allow.

### Relationships
- Graphical terminals are specific instances or subclasses within the broader ecosystem of computer terminals.
- Multiple manufacturers produced graphical terminals, including Tektronix and IBM.
- Some graphical terminals are associated with specific host systems (for example, IBM 2250 with IBM System/360).

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "graphical terminal",
  "description": "A computer terminal that includes graphics capability in addition to (or instead of) text-only displays.",
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