iTerm2
iTerm2 is a macOS terminal emulator that replaces Terminal with split panes, search, profiles, and automation tools for command-line work.
What is iTerm2?
iTerm2 is a terminal emulator for macOS that helps developers, system administrators, and power users work more efficiently at the command line. It replaces Apple's Terminal app with a richer interface for running shells, connecting to remote systems, and managing multiple terminal sessions. Common uses include software development, server administration, SSH workflows, build tasks, and general Unix command-line work on a Mac. iTerm2 includes features such as split panes, searchable session history, paste history, profiles for different environments, and a hotkey window for quick access. It also supports shell integration, session restoration, scripting, and tmux-related workflows, which makes it useful for users who want a more customizable and automation-friendly terminal.
Key features
- Open multiple terminal sessions in tabs and split panes
- Search terminal output and revisit previous commands
- Use profiles to launch sessions with different settings or commands
- Bring up a dedicated hotkey window for quick terminal access
- Restore sessions after relaunching the app
- Automate workflows with scripting and shell integration
- Connect to remote systems through SSH-based terminal workflows
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Safe
iTerm2 is a well-known terminal application for macOS. It can run any shell command you enter, open remote sessions, and integrate with your shell, so the main risk comes from commands, scripts, or remote hosts you choose to use rather than from the app's normal purpose. Review any startup profiles, AutoLaunch scripts, command URLs, or pasted commands before running them, especially if they came from a website or another person.
Recommendation: Keep iTerm2 if you use the Terminal regularly or prefer it over Apple's Terminal for development, SSH, or automation. If you no longer use it, removing the app is usually low impact beyond losing your saved profiles, settings, and local terminal customizations unless you back them up first.
Common paths
/Applications/iTerm.app~/Applications/iTerm.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.googlecode.iterm2
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/iTerm
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.googlecode.iterm2.plist
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