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iTerm2: the Mac Terminal Every Power User Needs

Linux•12 November 2024

For many Mac users, the built-in Terminal app is their gateway to the command line. While it's serviceable and gets the job done, anyone who spends significant time in Terminal has likely found themselves wishing for more functionality. That's where iTerm2 comes in. Designed as a powerful alternative, iTerm2 offers a suite of features and enhancements that elevate the Terminal experience to new heights, making it a favorite among developers, system administrators, and command-line enthusiasts alike. Here's a deep dive into why iTerm2 is better than the default Terminal app and how it can transform your workflow.

1. Split Panes for Multitasking

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 allows users to split the window into multiple panes, either vertically or horizontally. Each pane acts as an independent terminal session, which is invaluable for running multiple commands or monitoring different processes simultaneously. You can configure shortcuts to easily navigate between panes and even synchronize input across them.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal requires you to open separate windows or tabs for multitasking, which can clutter the screen and make it harder to organize your workflow.

2. Searchable Scrollback

  • iTerm2: With iTerm2, users can search through their entire session history using an integrated search bar. This feature supports regular expressions and even highlights matches, making it easy to find specific commands, errors, or output from previous sessions.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal lacks a sophisticated search function, making it harder to locate specific lines in lengthy outputs without scrolling through manually.

3. Customizable Profiles and Appearance

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 offers extensive customization options, allowing users to create profiles with different themes, colors, fonts, and cursor shapes. Profiles are helpful if you work on multiple projects, as each profile can be tailored to a specific workflow.
  • Default Terminal: While Terminal supports some level of customization, it doesn't match the flexibility and depth of options available in iTerm2.

If you're interested, you can download my custom iTerm2 profile. To use it, simply download the JSON file and import it in iTerm2 by going to Settings > Profiles. From there, feel free to adjust and customize it however you'd like!

4. Mouse and Trackpad Support

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 includes mouse support, allowing you to click to place the cursor, highlight text, and even access certain menus within terminal applications. This is especially useful for applications like vim and htop.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal has limited mouse support, so navigation typically relies on keyboard shortcuts, which can be restrictive for users accustomed to more intuitive point-and-click interfaces.

5. Inline Image Display

  • iTerm2: With iTerm2, you can display images directly in the terminal window. This is helpful for data visualization, allowing you to view charts, graphs, or even screenshots without switching to a different app.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal doesn't support inline images, limiting it to text-only output. This can make it harder to view certain kinds of visual data (e.g. QR codes) without additional tools.

6. Autocomplete and Command History

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 has a robust autocomplete and command history feature, allowing you to search through past commands without scrolling. This functionality includes suggestions based on your typing and even supports "fuzzy" matching for partial commands.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal has a basic command history, but it doesn't support fuzzy searching or advanced autocompletion.

7. Advanced Scripting and Automation

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 comes with AppleScript support and Python scripting APIs, allowing you to automate workflows and execute complex scripts within the terminal. This is a powerful feature for users who want to streamline their processes or create custom shortcuts.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal has very limited scripting and automation capabilities by comparison.

8. Hotkey Window for Quick Access

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 includes a "hotkey window" feature that pops up as an overlay, giving you immediate access to a terminal session without needing to open the main app. You can set a global shortcut to open the hotkey window anytime, making it perfect for quick command execution.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal doesn't have a hotkey window feature, so you need to switch to it manually, which can interrupt your workflow.

9. Session Restoration and Stability

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 can automatically restore your previous session when you reopen it, including all open tabs and panes, preserving your exact setup. It also offers better crash recovery to minimize disruptions.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal doesn't support session restoration, so you'll need to manually reopen tabs and restore your environment each time.

10. Clipboard History and Triggers

  • iTerm2: iTerm2 provides a clipboard history that stores text you've copied, allowing you to easily paste previously copied text. Additionally, it offers "triggers" that can automatically highlight, alert, or perform actions based on specific keywords or patterns in your terminal output.
  • Default Terminal: Terminal doesn't offer clipboard history or trigger functionality, limiting its ability to handle repetitive tasks and complex workflows.

Conclusion

While Apple's built-in Terminal is adequate for basic tasks, iTerm2 significantly enhances the user experience with a range of powerful features. From split panes and advanced search to customization and automation, iTerm2 makes working in the command line more efficient, organized, and enjoyable. Whether you're a developer, data scientist, or systems administrator, iTerm2 is a worthy replacement for the default Terminal app—one that will make you wonder how you ever got by without it.