Software Alternatives & Startups

iTerm2 VS Master Vim

Compare iTerm2 VS Master Vim and see what are their differences

iTerm2

A terminal emulator for macOS that does amazing things.

Rating
4.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Master Vim

Learn Vim with interactive exercises

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, iTerm2 should be more popular than Master Vim. It has been mentioned 119 times since March 2021.

social mentions
119 vs 31
Developer Tools popularity
92% vs 8%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 15

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

iTerm2
Master Vim
Website iterm2.com vim.is
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

iTerm2 6 features
Master Vim 5 features
  • Versatility
    iTerm2 supports a wide range of features such as split panes, multiple tab management, and hotkey-activated terminal windows, making it highly versatile for different workflows.
  • Customization
    Offers extensive customization options, including themes, color schemes, and key bindings, allowing users to tailor the terminal to their preferences.
  • Advanced Features
    Includes advanced functionality like instant replay, which allows users to rewind their terminal session, and integration with automation tools like AppleScript.
  • Performance
    Designed to be efficient and responsive, ensuring it performs well even with multiple sessions and tabs open simultaneously.
  • Integrations
    Seamless integration with macOS features such as native notifications, fullscreen mode, and support for external editors.
  • Community Support
    Active community and comprehensive documentation, which can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning advanced configurations.

Possible disadvantages

  • Mac-Only
    iTerm2 is exclusive to macOS, which means users on other operating systems cannot utilize its features.
  • Complexity
    The sheer number of features and customization options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a learning curve to utilize efficiently.
  • System Resource Usage
    iTerm2 may consume more system resources compared to simpler terminal emulators, which could be a concern on lower-end hardware.
  • Update Frequency
    Occasional updates can introduce bugs or unexpected behavior, requiring users to adjust settings or find workarounds.
  • Efficiency
    Vim allows users to perform text editing using keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up the editing process once the shortcuts are mastered.
  • Lightweight
    Vim is a highly efficient text editor that requires minimal system resources, making it suitable for use on older hardware and in low-resource environments.
  • Customizability
    Vim offers extensive customization options through its scripting language and plugins, allowing users to tailor the editor to fit their specific needs.
  • Versatility
    Vim can be used for a wide range of tasks beyond simple text editing, such as coding and prose writing, due to its powerful features and plugins.
  • System Integration
    Vim is available on most Unix-based systems, including macOS and Linux, and can be accessed and used in terminal environments, which integrates well with command-line workflows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Vim's extensive set of commands and mode-based editing requires time and practice to master, which can be challenging for new users.
  • Minimal User Interface
    Vim's interface is minimal and non-intuitive by modern standards, potentially making it difficult for users accustomed to graphical user interfaces.
  • Limited New User Documentation
    While there is ample documentation available for Vim, the initial introduction for new users can be overwhelming, and they may find it difficult to locate beginner-friendly resources.
  • Dependency on Keyboard
    Vim relies heavily on keyboard shortcuts, which can be difficult for users who prefer or need to use a mouse or other input methods.
  • Customization Overhead
    While Vim is highly customizable, setting it up with the desired configuration and plugins can be time-consuming and may require ongoing maintenance.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

iTerm2
Master Vim

Overall verdict

  • iTerm2 is regarded as an excellent terminal emulator for macOS due to its robust feature set and usability, making it a top choice for power users.

Why this product is good

  • iTerm2 is often praised for its advanced features, customization options, and efficiency that enhance productivity for users who work with the command line frequently. It offers split panes, hotkey window, undo close, instant replay, and a highly configurable interface that caters to power users, making it a versatile tool for developers and system administrators.

Recommended for

  • Developers and programmers who need a highly customizable terminal.
  • System administrators who require powerful scripting and automation capabilities.
  • Users who frequently work with command-line interfaces and require multiple sessions handled efficiently.
  • Anyone seeking an enhanced, feature-rich alternative to the default macOS terminal.

No analysis of Master Vim yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

iTerm2 1 video + Add
Master Vim 1 video + Add

Customizing iterm2 with ZSH and PowerLevel9k | Z shell Tutorial

MASTER VIM with this interactive course (vim.so review)

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
iTerm2
Master Vim
92% 92%
8% 8%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
SSH
0% 0%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using iTerm2 and Master Vim. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

iTerm2 4.0 · 1 review
Master Vim no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Master Vim yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

iTerm2 119 mentions
Master Vim 31 mentions

View more

  • Hacking: Local File Inclusion
    But, just because you use Linux on your server and are good at the shell commands, does not mean your web app is secure. Sure you may know how to use vim, but neither that will stop a hacker. - Source: dev.to / almost 5 years ago
  • Linux Tips For Beginners
    But, vim can be quite difficult to learn because the keybindings are unusual. You can use vimtutor or vim.is to learn quickly. - Source: dev.to / almost 5 years ago
  • Vim like tools
    It is keyboard driven and has quite a hard learning curve (learn vim). Because it's been designed decades ago, some things makes less sense today. To give you an example, you can use both the keys h,j,k,l and the arrow keys to move the... - Source: dev.to / almost 5 years ago

View more

Alternatives to iTerm2 and Master Vim

When comparing iTerm2 and Master Vim, you can also consider the following products.