CoolTerm

CoolTerm

CoolTerm is a simple serial port terminal application for macOS, Linux, and Windows. It allows users to connect to serial devices and send/receive data. Useful for debugging hardware or connecting to devices like microcontrollers.
CoolTerm image
serial terminal hardware-debugging

CoolTerm: Simple Serial Port Terminal Application

Connect to serial devices, debug hardware, and communicate with microcontrollers with CoolTerm, a user-friendly terminal application for macOS, Linux, and Windows.

What is CoolTerm?

CoolTerm is a popular open source serial terminal program available for macOS, Linux, and Windows operating systems. It provides a simple interface that allows users to connect to serial devices such as microcontrollers, modems, GPS units, and more to send and receive data.

Some key features of CoolTerm include:

  • Supports common baud rates from 50 to 230400
  • ASCII, hex, and binary modes for sending/receiving data
  • Time stamping and data logging capabilities
  • Tabbed interface to connect to multiple serial devices
  • Macros for automating repetitive tasks
  • Supports serial connections over physical ports as well as TCP/IP

CoolTerm is often used by hardware engineers and hobbyists for debugging, programming, and communicating with their electronics projects. For example, it can be used to send code to a microcontroller like an Arduino. It provides a simple terminal interface without extra features, making it lightweight and fast compared to other serial programs.

Overall, CoolTerm is an approachable and flexible open source program for communicating over a serial port on major desktop platforms. With support for advanced features like data logging and TCP/IP connections, it is useful tool for technical computer users working with serial devices.

CoolTerm Features

Features

  1. Serial port terminal
  2. Send and receive data
  3. Supports multiple connection types (TCP/IP, UDP, serial)
  4. Scripting and automation
  5. Data logging
  6. Customizable interface
  7. Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Simple and easy to use

Lightweight with minimal dependencies

Supports many connection protocols

Active development and community support

Cons

Limited feature set compared to paid alternatives

No official support offered

Some platforms not officially supported (e.g. BSD)

Lacks advanced terminal features (e.g. VT100)


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