iTerm2 3.5.0

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

AI features & behavior

  • 3.5.0 adds two main LLM features:
    • “Engage AI” (Cmd+Y): user types a natural-language request; iTerm returns shell commands in a small pane; user must explicitly paste/run them.
    • “Codecierge” in the Toolbelt: can watch terminal output and guide the user toward a goal; optionally can “run commands automatically,” with strong warnings about risk.
  • Both require the user to supply an OpenAI API key; no key → features don’t function.
  • Default prompt focuses on returning copy‑pasteable shell commands without extra commentary.

Privacy, security, and compliance concerns

  • Many commenters are uneasy about any AI integration in a terminal, especially with an option to stream “everything that happens” to OpenAI.
  • Some argue this is unacceptable for confidential work or regulated environments (HIPAA/SOC2, enterprise security policies).
  • Others counter that:
    • The feature is strictly opt‑in and can’t work without a user-supplied key.
    • Network controls/firewalls are the real enforcement layer.
    • Source code is available for audit.
  • Concern that junior staff may feel pressured to enable AI to “keep up,” creating organizational risk.

Local models and configuration UX

  • iTerm allows configuring a custom “URL for AI API” in Advanced settings, enabling OpenAI‑compatible local services (e.g., Ollama), though support for some setups is only in the next/beta release.
  • Several users found the AI settings discoverability and lack of an explicit “enable/disable” checkbox confusing.
  • Debate over whether updater/release notes made AI changes sufficiently clear.

Attitudes toward AI in terminals

  • Supporters see clear utility: generating jq/awk/ffmpeg commands, explaining obscure errors, and avoiding context‑switching to a browser.
  • Critics see “AI everywhere” as gimmicky, risky, or philosophically wrong for terminals, and some plan to avoid or pin older versions.

Other notable features & general reception

  • Non‑AI improvements appreciated: better shell integration behavior for long outputs, OSC 52 clipboard support (good with Neovim 0.10), tmux control‑mode integration, leader key support, and continued overall polish.
  • iTerm2 is widely praised as feature‑rich, stable, and donation‑worthy, though some prefer simpler/faster terminals.

Alternatives & ecosystem

  • Alternatives mentioned: WezTerm (frequently praised), Alacritty, Kitty, Ghostty (private beta), Prompt, and stock Terminal.app.
  • Some users consider switching specifically to avoid any AI hooks; others view the backlash as overblown given the optional nature.