minicom
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Description:
Menu-driven communications program
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: System utilities
Tags: terminal serial communications hardware utilities
Install: brew install minicom
About:
Minicom is a text-based menu-driven communications program similar to the MS-DOS Telcomm. It provides a full-featured terminal emulation for connecting to remote systems via serial ports, supporting protocols like Zmodem for file transfers. Its primary value is providing a robust, scriptable interface for system administrators and developers to manage console connections and device debugging.
Key Features:
  • Menu-driven interface for easy configuration
  • Support for Zmodem file transfers
  • Scripting capabilities for automation
  • Multiple dialing directory support
Use Cases:
  • Managing console connections to servers or routers
  • Debugging embedded hardware via serial ports
  • Transferring files to remote systems using Zmodem
Alternatives:
  • screen – Screen is a terminal multiplexer that can handle serial connections but lacks Minicom's dedicated menu-driven configuration and dialing features.
  • picocom – Picocom is a minimal serial terminal emulator, lighter weight but missing the advanced menu system and file transfer features of Minicom.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 15, 2025 10:29pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 811f05cb