PowerShell vs Terminal : Which is Better?

PowerShell icon

PowerShell

PowerShell (including Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core) is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and associated scripting language built on the .NET Framework. Developed by Microsoft

License: Open Source

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux

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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

PowerShell VS Terminal

PowerShell is a versatile scripting language and shell designed for system administration, with capabilities like object-oriented scripting and deep integration with Windows. Terminal, on the other hand, is a command-line interface providing a simpler and more user-friendly environment for executing commands across various platforms.

PowerShell

Pros:

  • Powerful scripting capabilities
  • Object-oriented pipeline
  • Integration with Windows and .NET
  • Remote management features
  • Extensive built-in commands

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Less intuitive for simple tasks
  • Mainly Windows-focused (though cross-platform exists)
  • Complex syntax can be confusing

Terminal

Pros:

  • Simple and straightforward command execution
  • Supports a wide range of commands
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Lightweight and fast
  • User-friendly interface with tabs

Cons:

  • Limited scripting capabilities compared to PowerShell
  • Not as powerful for system administration
  • Less integrated with Windows features
  • No object-oriented capabilities

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