Terminal
A text-based interface where you type commands to control your computer, install packages, run scripts, and manage files.
What is Terminal?
Terminal is a text-based interface where you type commands to control your computer instead of clicking through menus and windows.
It's built into every operating system (Terminal on Mac, Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows, various shells on Linux) and gives you direct access to install packages, run scripts, manage files, and control development tools.
Most builders use it daily for Git commands, installing dependencies with npm or pip, running local servers, and deploying code. It's faster than clicking through GUIs once you know a few basic commands like cd (change directory), ls (list files), and mkdir (make directory).
Free and built into your OS. Popular alternatives include iTerm2 for Mac and Windows Terminal which add features like split panes and better customization.
Good to Know
How Vibe Coders Use Terminal
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Idea to AI Business In Days
Join Dan, Zehra and 0 others building AI businesses in days with video tutorials and 1 on 1 support.
Related Terms
A cloud platform for storing code, tracking changes, and collaborating with other developers using Git version control.
An AI-powered web app builder that turns text prompts into working websites and apps in minutes, with live preview and instant deployment.
The programming language that runs in web browsers, making websites interactive and handling everything from form validation to real-time updates.
Autonomous software that observes, decides, and acts to complete tasks without constant human input, using LLMs as their decision-making brain.
An AI-powered code editor from Codeium that writes, edits, and debugs code across your entire project in real-time.
Join 0 others building with AI