Unlocking Efficiency: Windows Terminal 1.21 Introduces Session Saving and New Features

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The latest update for Windows Terminal, version 1.21, is rolling out, introducing a highly anticipated feature for users: the ability to save terminal sessions. This new functionality is designed to improve the command-line experience for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, making their workflows more efficient.

Overview of Windows Terminal and Recent Updates​

Windows Terminal serves as the command-line interface for Windows, offering users a powerful environment to run command-line programs, scripts, and utilities. It's a modern alternative to the traditional Command Prompt and PowerShell, with support for multiple tabs, split panes, and various customization options. The Terminal has evolved significantly since its initial release, and this latest version marks another step forward in usability.

Key Features of Windows Terminal 1.21​

  1. Session Saving:
    • The standout feature in this release is the "Open windows from a previous session" option. When enabled, this feature saves the terminal's window buffer and state when the user closes the app. Upon reopening Windows Terminal, the state from the last session is restored — much like modern web browsers and tools like Visual Studio Code that offer session restoration.
    []Enhanced Customization:
    • The update also introduces new settings for font display, enhancing user customization options. This includes more control over how text appears, making it easier for users to tailor their command-line environment to their preferences.
    [
    ]Right-Click Menu:
    • A right-click menu has now been integrated, allowing for quick access to common actions. This shift reflects a broader trend aimed at refining the user interface for easier navigation and interaction.
    []Experimental Features:
    • Users can explore additional experimental options which could be useful for advanced tasks. These options demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to actively developing the Terminal to meet user demands.
    [
    ]Improved Rendering:
    • The new text rendering engine, AtlasEngine, enhances pixel-perfect rendering. This supports custom box drawing and PowerLine symbols, providing a visually pleasing experience that many users have come to expect.

      What's Next: Windows Terminal 1.22 Preview​

      In conjunction with the stable 1.21 release, Microsoft has also announced a preview version of Windows Terminal 1.22. This preview includes several noteworthy enhancements:
    • Support for Sixel Images: This feature allows applications to display images directly in the command line, reducing the need to open additional windows. A demonstration showed a Python tool rendering a 3D graph, showcasing how visual data can be represented in a terminal setting.
  • Snippets: New support for “snippets” will let users store commands or strings of text for quick access. While users currently need to add these snippets via the settings JSON file (as they are not yet implemented in the user interface), they can use the Command Palette to retrieve them easily later.
  • Quick Fix Suggestions: A new feature will suggest installation packages from Windows Package Manager (winget) when a command isn't recognized, helping users streamline their command-line interactions and ensuring smoother workflows.
  • Console Hosting Subsystem: Upgrades to the console hosting subsystem aim to improve overall application reliability and performance.

    The Impact on Windows Users​

    For many Windows power users, the introduction of session saving is a game changer. Users often juggle multiple tasks requiring various terminal instances, and being able to preserve these sessions means less time rewinding to recreate setups. It's a welcome evolution in Windows’ command-line utilities, encouraging users to rely more on the Terminal. Moreover, the ongoing development of features that integrate advanced capabilities—like image support and snippet storage—demonstrates Microsoft's trend toward a more versatile command-line experience. Improvements in accessibility and usability will likely appeal to developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts who depend on terminal commands for their daily tasks.

    A Historical Context​

    Windows Terminal has made substantial strides since its introduction. Prior to its launch, command-line interfaces on Windows were limited and primarily utilized the traditional Command Prompt or PowerShell. These tools often lacked the intuitive design and advanced features available in terminal emulators on Unix-like systems. The introduction of Windows Terminal marked a shift, consolidating these aspects and innovating further with modern features such as tab support, customizable appearances, and now, session management.

    Looking Ahead​

    As Microsoft continues to develop Windows Terminal, users can expect ongoing enhancements that cater to their needs. The integration of preview features into the stable releases will likely be met with enthusiasm from the community, facilitating a more streamlined and productive workflow. For those intrigued by the latest updates, Windows Terminal can be downloaded directly from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Users are encouraged to take advantage of both the stable and preview versions to experiment and provide feedback to Microsoft, shaping future iterations of the application. Keep an eye out for the official release of version 1.22, as it promises to bring further innovation and usability enhancements that align with the ongoing evolution of computing interfaces in Windows.
    Source: How-To Geek
 


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