Wave Terminal is a modern, open-source terminal emulator designed to rethink how developers interact with the command line by combining traditional CLI workflows with graphical capabilities and AI-powered assistance. It runs across macOS, Linux, and Windows, offering a cross-platform environment for development and system operations.

Unlike conventional terminals that are limited to text-based interaction, Wave introduces a hybrid interface where developers can work with visual elements directly inside the terminal. This includes rendering files such as images, markdown, PDFs, and CSVs, as well as embedding tools like web browsers, editors, and widgets into the terminal workspace.

A key component of Wave is its AI integration. The platform includes a context-aware AI assistant that can read terminal output, analyze command results, interact with files, and assist with debugging or command generation. It supports multiple AI providers (e.g., OpenAI, Claude, Gemini) and allows developers to bring their own API keys or run local models.

Wave also introduces a modular workspace system where users can organize terminals, editors, previews, and AI tools into customizable layouts. Features like command blocks, tabs, and drag-and-drop interfaces allow developers to structure their workflow visually while maintaining the speed of keyboard-driven operations.

Another important aspect is its support for remote development. Wave enables persistent SSH sessions that survive disconnects and restarts, along with built-in file editing and synchronization between local and remote environments.

Overall, Wave Terminal positions itself as an “AI-native terminal” that reduces context switching by bringing browsing, editing, debugging, and automation into a single unified interface, while still preserving the power and efficiency of the command line.

Key features include:

• AI-powered terminal assistant with context awareness
• Inline rendering of files (images, markdown, PDFs, CSVs, etc.)
• Built-in editor, browser, and widget system inside the terminal
• Customizable layouts with tabs, blocks, and drag-and-drop UI
• Persistent SSH sessions with automatic reconnection
• Cross-platform support (macOS, Linux, Windows)
• Support for multiple AI models and local inference
• CLI-integrated command system (wsh) for automation

Common use cases include:

• Enhancing terminal-based development workflows
• Debugging and analyzing command output with AI
• Managing remote servers via persistent SSH sessions
• Previewing files without leaving the terminal
• Reducing context switching between terminal, browser, and editor

Wave Terminal is developed as an open-source project by the Wave team, with contributions from the community and active development on GitHub.