iTerm vs Terminal : Which is Better?

iTerm icon

iTerm

iTerm2 is a replacement for Terminal and the successor to iTerm. Developed by iTerm Project

License: Open Source

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Mac OS X

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Terminal icon

Terminal

Terminal (Terminal.app) is the terminal emulator included in the macOS operating system. Developed by Apple Inc

License: Free

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Mac OS X

iTerm VS Terminal

iTerm is a powerful terminal emulator with extensive customization options and advanced features, making it suitable for developers and power users. In contrast, Terminal is a lightweight, built-in application on macOS, ideal for basic tasks and users who prefer simplicity.

iTerm

Pros:

  • Highly customizable with themes and profiles
  • Supports split panes for multiple sessions
  • Advanced search and autocomplete features
  • Integration with various shell environments
  • Support for 24-bit colors and true color

Cons:

  • Can be overwhelming for new users due to complexity
  • Requires configuration to take full advantage of features
  • May consume more system resources

Terminal

Pros:

  • Built-in application on macOS
  • Lightweight and does not require installation
  • Basic functionality for terminal usage
  • Quick access to command line
  • Good for simple tasks without configuration

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Lacks advanced features compared to iTerm
  • Not suitable for power users

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