How to Install Terminator on Linux Mint 21 or 20

This guide will illustrate how to install Terminator on Linux Mint 21 or 20, either through the command-line terminal with the APT default repository for enhanced system stability, or by incorporating the Terminator LaunchPAD PPA to access the latest stable version.

Terminator, a powerful console application for Linux Mint, offers a dynamic and efficient way of managing multiple terminal sessions. Its versatility and robust feature set make it an ideal choice for both beginners and advanced users alike.

The key highlights of Terminator include:

• Multiple Terminals in One Window: Streamlines workflow by displaying several terminals simultaneously.
• Customizable Layouts: Tailor the terminal interface to your specific needs.
• Advanced Features for Power Users: Offers functionalities like horizontal and vertical splitting of terminals, which are invaluable for complex tasks.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Enhances efficiency with quick access to a variety of functions.
• Save and Restore Sessions: Convenient for users who work with multiple sessions.
• Plugin Support: Extend Terminator’s capabilities with additional plugins.

Terminator’s integration with Linux Mint amplifies its performance, delivering a seamless user experience. The process of installing Terminator is detailed in the following sections.

Install Terminator on Linux Mint via APT Repository

Update Linux Mint System Before Installation

To begin installing Terminator, it’s essential to first update your Linux Mint system. This step ensures you have the latest software packages available.

Open the terminal and execute this command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command updates your system’s package database, making sure that you install the most current version of Terminator available in the Linux Mint repository.

Install Terminator Using APT Command

After updating your system, you can now install Terminator. Use the following command to begin the installation process:

sudo apt install terminator

And that is it; for an alternative method, the section covers installing or upgrading the Terminator from a PPA from the Terminator Team.

Install Terminator on Linux Mint via Terminator Team PPA

Update Linux Mint Before Installing Terminator

Before installing Terminator, it’s crucial to update your Linux Mint system. This step ensures that all the existing packages are up to date.

To do this, run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Add Terminator Team PPA to Linux Mint

To install the latest version of Terminator, you need to add the Terminator Team’s Personal Package Archive (PPA) to your system. This PPA contains newer versions of Terminator than the default Linux Mint repositories.

Use this command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gnome-terminator/ppa -y

Refresh Package Index After Adding Terminator PPA

Once the PPA is added, it’s important to refresh your system’s package index. This step ensures that your package manager recognizes the newly added PPA and its packages.

Update the package index with this command:

sudo apt update

Install Terminator via APT Command from the PPA

With the Terminator Team PPA added and the package index updated, you are now ready to install Terminator.

Use the following command to install it from the PPA:

sudo apt install terminator

This command fetches and installs the latest version of Terminator from the PPA, offering you enhanced terminal emulator features.

Note: If Terminator is already installed from the default Linux Mint repository, running the above command will upgrade it to the version available in the PPA.

Launch Terminator on Linux Mint

Launching from the Command-Line Interface (CLI)

To open Terminator using the CLI, access your default terminal emulator and execute this command:

terminator

Press Enter, and Terminator will start, providing an enhanced terminal emulator environment.

Launching from the Desktop Environment

Different desktop environments in Linux Mint offer various methods for launching applications like Terminator. Here’s how to do it based on your desktop environment:

• Cinnamon, XFCE, KDE:
  • Click on the Menu or Application Launcher.
  • Type “Terminator” in the search bar.
  • Click on the Terminator icon to launch it.
• GNOME:
  • GNOME utilizes a different approach. You need to:
  • Press Super (Windows) key to open Activities Overview.
  • Enter “Terminator” in the search bar.
  • Click on the Terminator icon to start the application.

First-Time Tips for Terminator on Linux Mint

General Tips for Getting Started

When you first start using Terminator on Linux Mint, here are some foundational tips to enhance your experience:

• Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Terminator offers a range of shortcuts that can significantly speed up your workflow. Familiarize yourself with these for efficient navigation and management of your terminals.
• Explore Right-Click Menu: Right-clicking in the terminal window reveals a context menu packed with useful features. It’s a quick way to access several of Terminator’s functionalities.

Customizing Your Terminator

Tailoring Terminator to your preferences can make your terminal work more enjoyable and efficient:

• Change Terminal Preferences:
  • Open Terminator.
  • Right-click and select Preferences.
  • Here, you can adjust various settings like fonts, colors, and behaviors to match your work style.
• Create Custom Layouts:
  • Terminator supports multiple panes in a single window. Experiment with splitting your terminal horizontally or vertically to suit your task needs.
  • Save custom layouts for future sessions to maintain a consistent workflow.

Other Useful Tips

Beyond the basics, here are some additional tips to elevate your Terminator experience:

• Use Profiles for Different Tasks: Terminator allows the creation of profiles. Each profile can have its settings and preferences, making it easy to switch between different task setups.
• Extend Functionality with Plugins: Investigate plugins to add more features to Terminator. This can range from simple enhancements to complex new functionalities.
• Regularly Check for Updates: While this guide doesn’t cover the update process, remember that keeping Terminator up-to-date ensures you have the latest features and security improvements.

Terminator Keyboard Shortcuts Overview on Linux Mint

Mastering keyboard shortcuts in Terminator can significantly enhance your efficiency. Below are detailed tables of keyboard shortcuts, each catering to different functionalities within Terminator.

Navigation and Window Management

Text Operations

Zoom and Display

These shortcuts are designed to streamline your workflow in Terminator. Learning and utilizing them will enable you to navigate and manage your terminals with greater speed and less effort. Whether you’re managing multiple terminals, working with text, or adjusting your view, these shortcuts are invaluable tools in your daily tasks.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the efficient installation, essential tips, and powerful keyboard shortcuts of Terminator on Linux Mint. It’s clear that Terminator is more than just a terminal emulator; it’s a tool that can significantly enhance your command-line experience. My final recommendation? Dive in and make the most of Terminator’s robust features. Customize it to suit your workflow, and don’t be afraid to explore all the functionalities it offers.