Terminal vs iTerm2: Comparing Two CLI Tools on macOS

If you ’re a front - end developer who ’s often working on the command line port or CLI , opportunity are that you are using either Terminal or iTerm2 . They ’re both splendid , but one ca-ca it easier to code on the go . Terminal and iTerm2 are the two most popular command line interfaces on macOS . The Terminal comes pre - installed on every MacBook while iTerm2 is a terminal emulator for macOS and the successor to iTerm . Here are some of the advantages that iTerm2 has over Terminal to MacBook exploiter .

Table of Contents

1. Multiple Panes

Yes , you scan it right . If you were looking to speed up up your coding game , then iTerm2 is definitely for you . It supports multiple panes as compared to the Terminal . you could work on different project or run different commands inside different panes , in the same windowpane .

Unlike Terminal , you do n’t need to keep switching tabs in the thick of your academic term . Simply split paneling vertically and horizontally to keep go . The shortcut to break open a pane horizontally isShift + Cmd + Dand to split up vertically , pressCmd + D.

2. Toggling a Pane Full Screen

Working on multiple panes in iTerm2 may reduce the screenland size of it of a single superman . That in return would put a strain on the eyes when working long sessions of coding . Fortunately , iTerm2 allows you to maximize and minimise a dot on need , without mess up with existing open panes .

The crosscut to toggle a Elvis to full CRT screen and back isShift + Cmd + Enter , this shortcut will act on the presently active pane .

3. Customizability

Terminal has evolved from being adamantine about customizations to allowing customizations . But the routine of customizations iTerm2 brings to the table is still beyond Terminal .

you may state the app to not show warn dialogues while quitting the app or closing a check , even when there ’s a unconscious process running . If you are always fiddling in the Terminal then customizability might make you love iTerm2 even more .

Pro Tips : Here is a handy list of keyboard shortcuts forTerminalandiTerm2 .

Multiple Panes iTerm2 MacOS

4. Key Bindings

Previously enabled keyboard crosscut and the ability to bind new ace are the thing , that give iTerm2 an surplus star for being loose and convenient . you may also do some tailor-make key bindings in the Terminal by produce an Automator script for the same .

But that affair is a botheration for Terminal substance abuser . Whereas in iTerm2 you may just to Preferences > Keys > Key Bindings and can add together or bump off any bind according to your taste . The skillful part , if you are using multiple machine for work , you just take to set up your bindings on the 1st one only . After that , you’re able to just export and import it to the other data processor within a few seconds .

5. Find on Page

Every mortal using Terminal must have gone through the penury of searching for a word or a statement on their screen at least once . And when you apply Terminal for a long session , it is sate with commands and scripts , and finding a specific Good Book can be tedious .

So iTerm2 ’s “ detect on page ” comes as a rescuer . You just need to press Cmd + F and start type the word you ’re looking for . Just like Chrome and Safari , it will highlight the specific word . The salutary part is that you’re able to use “ obtain on Thomas Nelson Page ” in iTerm2 in multiple panes , and this will by all odds save you some metre on your hired hand .

6. Supports Various Plugins

iTerm2 support many plugins which makes using it playfulness . On the other hand , Terminal supports only a few plugins . For model , iTerm2 supports zsh auto - suggestions , vim , git , oh - my - zsh , and many more . iTerm2 is quite plugin - friendly and the developers have made sure of that .