xterm vs iTerm2 : Which is Better?

xterm icon

xterm

xterm is the standard terminal emulator for the X Window System. A user can have many different invocations of xterm running at once on the same display, each of which provides independent input/output for the process running in it (normally the process is a Unix shell). Developed by Thomas E. Dickey

License: Open Source

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Mac OS X Linux BSD

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iTerm2 icon

iTerm2

iTerm2 is a GPL-licensed terminal emulator for macOS. It was derived from and has mostly supplanted the earlier "iTerm" application. Developed by George Nachman

License: Open Source

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Mac OS X

xterm VS iTerm2

iTerm2 is a powerful terminal emulator for macOS with extensive features like split panes, scripting support, and high customizability, making it ideal for advanced users and developers. In contrast, xterm is a lightweight, open-source terminal emulator that provides basic functionality and stability, suitable for users who prefer simplicity and low resource consumption.

xterm

Pros:

  • Lightweight and minimalistic
  • Open source and free to use
  • Good compatibility with various Unix-based systems
  • Basic functionality with low resource usage
  • Highly stable and reliable

Cons:

  • Limited features compared to modern terminals
  • Less user-friendly for beginners
  • Lacks advanced customization options

iTerm2

Pros:

  • Highly customizable interface
  • Powerful split pane functionality
  • Excellent search capabilities
  • Strong support for scripting and automation
  • Robust session management

Cons:

  • Requires some setup to fully utilize features
  • Can be resource-intensive compared to simpler terminals
  • Not open source

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