WPTerm
An xterm-like plugin to run non-interactive shell commands.
The facts
- Rating
- 5★ from 14
- Active installs
- 4k+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 16 Aug 2026
- Added
- Apr 2017
- Requires WP
- 5.0
- Tested up to
- WP 7.1
- Requires PHP
- 7.0
- Downloads
- 70,673
Our analysis
AI-assistedWPTerm is a WordPress plugin that allows you to run non-interactive shell commands directly from the WordPress admin dashboard. It functions similarly to a terminal, enabling various tasks such as changing file permissions and viewing network connections. However, it is important to note that using shell commands can be risky if you are not familiar with them.
This plugin is suitable for users who have experience with Unix-like systems and shell commands, as it is not compatible with Microsoft Windows. WPTerm includes features such as password protection, customisation options for fonts and background, and a history buffer for command recall.
Best for: Users with experience in Unix-like systems who need to run shell commands from WordPress.
What it does well
- ✓Runs non-interactive shell commands from the WordPress admin
- ✓Customisable fonts and background colours
- ✓Includes password protection for access
- ✓Multisite compatible for SuperAdmins
- ✓Supports both English and French languages
Where it falls short
- •Requires familiarity with Unix shell commands
- •Not compatible with Microsoft Windows
- •May not work on shared hosts with disabled PHP execution functions
Verdict
WPTerm provides a powerful interface for users comfortable with shell commands, but caution is advised due to the potential risks involved.
From the developer
bruandet's own description of WPTerm, lightly tidied.
An xterm-like plugin to run non-interactive shell commands.
WPTerm is an xterm-like plugin. It can be used to run non-interactive shell commands from the WordPress admin dashboard.
Just like a terminal, WPTerm lets you do almost everything you want (e.g., changing file permissions, viewing network connections or current processes etc). That’s great, but if you aren’t familiar with Unix shell commands, you can also damage your blog. Therefore, each time you use WPTerm, please follow this rule of thumb: if you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t do it!
Compatibility
WPTerm is not compatible with Microsoft Windows; it works on Unix-like servers only.
Because it makes use of PHP program execution functions such as exec or shell_exec, it may not be compatible with some shared hosts that have disabled these functions. To make sure your server is compatible, follow these steps:
- Download this script.
- Rename it to “wpterm-check.php”.
- Upload it inside your website root folder.
- Go to http://YOUR WEBSITE/wpterm-check.php
- Delete it afterwards.
Password Protection
You can (and probably should!) password protect the access to WPTerm. Consult the contextual help, or type help at the terminal prompt to get more details about how to enable this feature.
Features
- Selectable PHP program execution function to run commands.
- Custom fonts family, size and color.
- Custom background color.
- History and scrollback buffer.
- Terminal bell (audible / visible).
- Optional password protection.
- Contextual help.
- Multisite compatible (only accessible to the SuperAdmin).
Supported Languages
- English
- French
Requirements
- WordPress 5.0+
- PHP 7.0+
- Unix-like OS (Linux, *BSD etc) only. WPTerm is NOT compatible with Microsoft Windows.