Terminal app Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

I activated the Linux terminal on my Pixel, and you should too

Google's Pixel devices now include a Linux Terminal app, introduced with the March 2025 Pixel Drop update. This app allows users to access a version of Debian on their smartphones, enabling them to execute commands, install packages, and perform internet-related tasks similar to a desktop Linux terminal. The app is available for Pixel phones running Android 15 or newer and is currently exclusive to these devices. To activate the app, users must enable Developer options, toggle on the Linux development environment, and install the app, which has a download size of approximately 565MB. The feature is experimental and may have bugs, such as persistent notifications and connectivity issues. The app operates within a virtual machine, isolating it from the device's data but allowing access to the Downloads folder.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

This is the best companion app for the Linux terminal on Android

Google's latest Pixel Drop update has introduced a Linux Terminal app that runs within a Debian-based virtual machine. The Linux Command Library is a companion app designed to assist users with the terminal experience, featuring three main tabs: Basics, Tips, and Commands. The Basics section offers an overview of essential commands, the Tips section provides curated commands for beginners, and the Commands tab serves as a master search tool for more experienced users. Users can copy and paste commands directly from the app into the terminal. Not all commands in the Linux Command Library are compatible with the default Android Terminal app, and some command-line games may not function as intended. The app aims to help users navigate the complexities of the Linux Terminal, making it a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced users.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

5 ways to use the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal, allowing users to execute familiar commands, though running GUI applications can be challenging. With Android 16, the terminal receives more space. Users can connect to remote machines via SSH by configuring the SSH config file for easier access. The terminal serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, executing commands, and accessing manuals. Developers can use it for coding, with Python pre-installed, and can create applications directly on their devices. The terminal also supports the installation of the MariaDB database server for database management. Additionally, users can create hidden files for storing sensitive notes using the Nano editor.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

How to Set Up Windows Terminal with WSL, PowerShell, and CMD for Maximum Productivity

Windows Terminal is a unified interface that allows users to access multiple command-line environments, such as Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), from a single application. It features a tabbed interface for running multiple sessions and supports split panes for side-by-side work. Windows Terminal is pre-installed on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, while Windows 10 users can download it from the Microsoft Store. Users can add profiles for different shells, customize themes and appearance, configure startup actions, and define custom keybindings. The application enhances productivity by consolidating command-line tools and providing an organized workspace.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

5 things to do with the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal that allows users to execute various commands typical of Linux environments. While it is robust, installing graphical user interface (GUI) applications can be challenging. The terminal can be used for SSH connections by configuring the SSH config file for easier access to remote machines. It serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, with options to execute commands and access manual files. Developers can use it for coding, as Python is pre-installed, allowing for immediate programming tasks. Users can also install the MariaDB database server for database management directly from their mobile devices. Additionally, the terminal can be used to securely store notes by creating hidden files with the Nano editor.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

How to use the Warp AI-enabled terminal for Windows or Linux

Warp is an intelligent terminal application that enhances the terminal experience by utilizing a natural language model to interpret commands. It features a familiar interface similar to Linux or PowerShell, supports multiple tabs, and includes an output window for displaying responses and code snippets. Users can enter commands in natural language or traditional code, and it is free to use with an optional paid plan. Warp allows users to execute OS-level commands, such as listing directory contents and saving the output to a file. It also simplifies complex tasks like renaming images based on creation dates through natural language processing. Additionally, Warp can assist in coding by creating Python scripts, verifying library installations, and generating executable files using PyInstaller. The entire process can be completed quickly, demonstrating Warp's capability to streamline development for users of all skill levels.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google says its new Linux Terminal feature isn’t a replacement for Android’s desktop mode

Google has introduced a Linux Terminal app for Android, allowing users to run a Debian instance within a virtual machine. This app aims to integrate more Linux applications, tools, and games into the Android ecosystem, rather than providing an additional desktop environment. The Linux Terminal app features a text-based command line interface and does not include a graphical desktop environment by default, although users can install desktop environments like XFCE or GNOME. Google is enhancing the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to support this development, with plans for future updates to improve functionality, including tab support and GPU acceleration. Currently, launching Linux apps outside of the Terminal is limited, but Google envisions a future where Linux applications work seamlessly alongside native Android apps in desktop mode.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Linux on Android: Google clarifies the new Terminal app’s purpose

Google's new Linux Terminal app for Android, launched with the March 2025 Pixel Drop, allows users to create and manage a Debian virtual machine on their Pixel devices through a command-line interface. The app is designed to enhance the Android app ecosystem by enabling the use of Linux apps, tools, and games, rather than creating a new desktop environment. Users can control their Linux environment, including storage allocation and port forwarding. While users can install Linux desktop management systems like XFCE or GNOME, these will not be the default experience. Google is also preparing GPU acceleration for future releases. The development indicates a convergence between Android and ChromeOS, but both systems will retain their distinct functionalities, with Android focused on mobile use and ChromeOS optimized for desktop productivity.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Google Reveals the Real Purpose of Android’s New Terminal App

Google introduced a Terminal app on Android as part of the March Pixel drop to facilitate the integration of more Linux applications, tools, and games into the Android environment. The app is not intended to create another desktop environment, as Google aims to avoid confusion from multiple window management options. The focus is on supporting Desktop Linux applications similarly to ChromeOS, while allowing users to install alternative Linux desktop environments if desired. Future enhancements include GPU acceleration and the ability to install applications via Flatpaks or APT repositories, with the recent Android 16 Beta 3 update adding support for multiple tabs within the Linux Terminal.

AppWizard

March 15, 2025

Android’s Linux Terminal app adds tabs so you can multitask more easily

Google has enhanced its Linux Terminal app for Android, introduced in the latest Pixel Drop, allowing users to run a complete Debian instance within a virtual machine. The app now features a tabbed interface with multitasking capabilities, enabling users to open multiple tabs simultaneously, although rearranging or renaming tabs is not yet available. The update includes a non-functional “Display” button for launching graphical Linux applications, with plans for future improvements such as speaker and microphone support. Users must enable Developer Options to access the app and download a Debian image to run it in a virtual machine using the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF).