MSYS2 vs Windows Terminal

Struggling to choose between MSYS2 and Windows Terminal? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

MSYS2 is a Development solution with tags like bash, package-manager, build-tools, windows-programs.

It boasts features such as Unix-like environment and command line shell (bash), Package manager (pacman) for installing software, Developer tools like gcc, make, autoconf, Ability to build native Windows programs, Interoperability with MinGW and Cygwin and pros including Easy installation and setup, Large collection of packages and libraries, Active community support, Lightweight and fast compared to Cygwin, Allows building Windows programs natively.

On the other hand, Windows Terminal is a Os & Utilities product tagged with terminal, commandline, cli, tabs, themes, customization.

Its standout features include Multiple tab support, Rich text formatting, Customizable themes and styles, Emoji and font ligature support, Smooth typing experience, and it shines with pros like Modern and fast, Efficient and powerful, Productive for command-line users, Customizable appearance, Smooth typing.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

MSYS2

MSYS2

MSYS2 is a software distribution and building platform for Windows that provides a Unix-like environment. It includes bash shell support, a package manager, and the tools needed to build native Windows programs.

Categories:
bash package-manager build-tools windows-programs

MSYS2 Features

  1. Unix-like environment and command line shell (bash)
  2. Package manager (pacman) for installing software
  3. Developer tools like gcc, make, autoconf
  4. Ability to build native Windows programs
  5. Interoperability with MinGW and Cygwin

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Easy installation and setup

Large collection of packages and libraries

Active community support

Lightweight and fast compared to Cygwin

Allows building Windows programs natively

Cons

Limited graphical user interface

Can have compatibility issues with some Windows programs

Steeper learning curve than Cygwin for beginners

Updating can break programs built against older libraries


Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is a modern, fast, efficient, powerful, and productive terminal application for command-line users on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It provides multiple tab support, rich text formatting, custom themes and styles, emoji and font ligature support, smooth typing experience, and more.

Categories:
terminal commandline cli tabs themes customization

Windows Terminal Features

  1. Multiple tab support
  2. Rich text formatting
  3. Customizable themes and styles
  4. Emoji and font ligature support
  5. Smooth typing experience

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Modern and fast

Efficient and powerful

Productive for command-line users

Customizable appearance

Smooth typing

Cons

Only available on Windows 10 and 11

Steep learning curve for beginners