Putty vs Windows Terminal: What are the differences?

Putty and Windows Terminal are two commonly used tools for terminal emulation. Let's explore the key differences between them.

1. Interface and Customization: Putty has a simple and minimalistic interface that focuses solely on terminal emulation. It lacks advanced features like tabs, split panes, and multiple windows. On the other hand, Windows Terminal offers a modern and highly customizable interface with support for tabs, panes, themes, and various font styles, allowing users to personalize their terminal experience.

2. Compatibility: Putty is primarily designed for Windows systems and provides excellent compatibility with various protocols like SSH, Telnet, and serial connections. It can also be run on other platforms using third-party software. Windows Terminal, although primarily developed for Windows, is an open-source project and can be compiled and used on Linux or macOS systems as well. It offers a more versatile platform support with a broader range of terminal protocols.

3. Integration with Shell: Putty is a standalone application that doesn't integrate with any specific shell. It relies on external tools like PowerShell or Command Prompt to execute commands. On the other hand, Windows Terminal is designed to integrate seamlessly with various shells like PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), and more. It provides a unified terminal experience by allowing users to switch between different shells within a single interface.

4. Customizability of Keybindings: Putty offers limited customization options for keybindings. Users have to rely on third-party tools or hacks to remap keys or create custom shortcuts. In contrast, Windows Terminal provides extensive keybinding customization options. Users can easily modify or create new keybindings for specific commands, functions, or applications, enhancing productivity and convenience.

5. Multi-Tab Support: Putty lacks native support for multiple tabs. Users can open multiple instances of Putty windows to manage multiple connections simultaneously, which can be cumbersome. On the other hand, Windows Terminal provides a built-in tabbed interface, enabling users to open multiple terminals within a single window. This feature streamlines workflow and improves organization, particularly when working with multiple remote connections or tasks.

6. Extensibility: Putty offers limited extensibility options, primarily through third-party tools and plugins. Windows Terminal, being an open-source project, provides a more extensive ecosystem for extensions and plugins. Users can benefit from a range of community-developed add-ons, themes, and productivity tools, further enhancing their terminal experience.

In summary, Putty is a lightweight SSH and telnet client primarily used for remote server access on Windows systems, offering basic terminal emulation features. In contrast, Windows Terminal is a modern, feature-rich command-line interface application from Microsoft that supports multiple shells, tabs, and customization options, providing a more versatile and user-friendly terminal experience for developers and system administrators.