zoom_in Click to enlarge

Terminal.app

▲ ▼

description Terminal.app Overview

Terminal.app is Apple’s built-in terminal emulator application, providing a command-line interface for interacting with macOS and accessing shell environments like Bash or Zsh, allowing users to execute commands and manage system settings directly.

help Terminal.app FAQ

What is Terminal.app on a Mac?

Terminal.app is Apple's built-in command-line application for macOS. It lets users interact with Unix shells, run commands, manage files, and automate tasks without using graphical controls.

Which shell does macOS Terminal use by default?

Modern macOS versions use Zsh as the default login shell, while Bash remains available for compatibility and scripting. Apple documents Terminal as an interface to shells including Bash and Zsh.

Where can I find Terminal.app?

Terminal is included with macOS and is normally located in the Applications folder under Utilities. Users can also open it through Spotlight by searching for Terminal.

Can Terminal.app change system settings?

Yes, commands entered in Terminal can inspect or change many macOS settings, depending on permissions. Administrative commands may require sudo and should be used carefully because Terminal has direct access to the operating system.

swap_horiz

Looking for Terminal.app alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward