macOS - Software Lifecycle - Install iTerm2

What the iTerm2 Installer does

This Automox Worklet™ automates the download and installation of iTerm2 on macOS endpoints. ITerm2 is a popular replacement for the built-in macOS Terminal application, offering features like split panes, hotkey windows, search with regular expressions, autocomplete, and extensive customization through profiles and triggers.

The installation process downloads the iTerm2 ZIP file from the Automox software cache, extracts it directly to /Applications, and cleans up temporary files. The Worklet also checks for pip3 availability and installs Xcode Command Line Tools if needed, which iTerm2 uses for certain integrations.

Why deploy iTerm2 through Automox

Developers and system administrators often prefer iTerm2 over the default Terminal due to its productivity features. Split panes allow running multiple sessions in one window, the search function helps navigate command output, and profiles enable quick switching between different environments or SSH connections.

Deploying iTerm2 through Automox standardizes the terminal experience for technical teams. Rather than having each user download and install manually, you can deploy a consistent version across your development environment with proper dependencies in place.

The Worklet handles the Xcode Command Line Tools dependency automatically, which saves time during first launch when iTerm2 would otherwise prompt the user to install these tools.

How iTerm2 installation works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet checks if /Applications/iTerm.app exists on the endpoint. If iTerm2 is present, the endpoint is compliant. If iTerm2 is missing, the evaluation triggers remediation.

2. Remediation phase: The script checks if pip3 is available. If not, it installs Xcode Command Line Tools using softwareupdate. Then it downloads the iTerm2 ZIP from api.automox.com, extracts it to /Applications using unzip, removes the temporary ZIP file, and verifies the installation succeeded.

iTerm2 installation requirements

• macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later

• Intel or Apple Silicon processor

• Network access to api.automox.com and Apple's software update servers

• Xcode Command Line Tools (installed automatically if missing)

Expected state after iTerm2 installation

After successful remediation, iTerm2 appears at /Applications/iTerm.app. You can verify successful installation by checking the Applications folder or by searching for the application in Spotlight. Users can launch the application and immediately begin using advanced terminal features. First-time users may want to explore Preferences to customize colors, fonts, and keyboard shortcuts to their workflow.

You can verify the installation by checking for the application in /Applications or by reviewing the Worklet execution logs. If Xcode Command Line Tools were installed as part of the process, this is also noted in the logs.

How to validate install iterm2 changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot macOS endpoint and review evaluation output for install iterm2.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as exit, else.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as function, else, touch, then rerun evaluation for compliance.

For technical validation, compare endpoint state to the Worklet evaluation logic and remediation flow for install iterm2. This supports repeatable software lifecycle workflows, faster change control review, and auditable compliance evidence.

Useful script references for this Worklet include evaluation operations such as exit, else and remediation operations such as function, else, touch. Use these indicators to verify that endpoint changes match intended policy outcomes.