What libraries are needed for graphics like vim or nano?

Question

What library is used to make a static terminal window like vim, nano, irssi or aptitude as opposed to a scrolling terminal?

I'm using C, but I'd be interested in libraries for other languages (for example, a C++ specific library).

Answer 1

I believe the library you are looking for is Curses (or NCurses). There is also PDCurses for cross-platform (includind Win32) development.

I also remember the days of Conio on DOS based systems.

Answer 2

Curses like library are usually used for that. pdcurses for windows, most *nixes come with a native version, or e.g. ncurses