Getting Started

Introduction & Architecture

High-performance, pure Rust-built modern SSH and SFTP desktop client engineered for C++-class speed and zero lag.

What is CATerm?

CATerm is a modern desktop SSH and SFTP client built from scratch in Rust. Designed specifically for cloud architects, sysadmins, and DevOps engineers who demand zero input lag, minimal memory footprint (< 30MB idle), and military-grade Zero-Knowledge encryption.

Architecture Highlights:

  • Uncompromised Native Performance: 100% pure Rust backend with no garbage collector overhead. Remote PTY sessions run through dedicated ssh2 channels on isolated OS threads.
  • Zero-Knowledge Encryption: All server credentials, SSH private keys, and session configs are encrypted locally with Argon2id and SQLCipher (AES-256-GCM). Encryption keys never leave your machine.
  • Integrated Dual-Pane SFTP: WinSCP-grade file manager featuring real-time MD5/SHA256 checksum verification, remote in-place editor, and server-side tar/zip compression.
  • Zero Telemetry: No analytics, tracking, or remote phone-home mechanisms. Your infrastructure data remains strictly private.