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
An AI-powered code editor that writes, edits, and debugs code for you. Built on VS Code with AI agents that can modify entire codebases.
AI systems that break complex tasks into steps, make decisions autonomously, and adapt based on results without constant human input.
An AI-powered app builder that turns prompts into full-stack web apps with real code you can deploy and customize.
The programming language that runs in web browsers, making websites interactive and handling everything from form validation to real-time updates.
A set of rules that lets different software programs talk to each other and share data or functionality.
Join 0 others building with AI