Windows Terminal is a modern, fast, efficient, powerful, and productive terminal application for users of command-line tools and shells. It provides a robust set of experiences for users of command-line applications while adding new capabilities such as multiple tabs, panes, Unicode and UTF-8 character support, custom themes, and more. Windows Terminal is designed to be the central location for access to environments such as PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and Azure Cloud Shell in one application.
Terminal emulators like Windows Terminal are software programs that replicate the functionalities of classic computer terminals. They allow users to communicate with the operating system by entering commands. These emulators create an interface that mimics the behaviors and capabilities of traditional terminals, making it easier for users to interact with the command-line interface of modern operating systems.
The Windows Terminal project was founded by Microsoft and first announced at the Microsoft Build 2019 developer conference. The motivation behind creating Windows Terminal was to address the growing needs of developers and IT professionals who rely on command-line tools for their work. By offering a modern and customizable terminal application, Microsoft aimed to enhance the command-line experience on Windows operating systems and unify the various command-line environments under one roof.
As of the current market share, Windows Terminal has been gaining popularity among developers and sysadmins due to its advanced features and customization options. While specific market share data for Windows Terminal within the terminal emulator category may not be readily available, its adoption by the developer community indicates a positive trend. With Microsoft's continued support and updates to Windows Terminal, it is likely that its market share will grow in the future as more users recognize its capabilities and embrace its flexibility for command-line interactions.
