xterm is a terminal emulator for the X Window System, allowing users to interact with the command line interface of their operating system. It provides a graphical window where users can execute commands, run scripts, and manage files, making it a vital tool for developers and system administrators. Originally developed in the late 1980s, xterm supports various features such as text selection, customizable fonts, and color schemes. It is widely used in Unix-like systems and is known for its stability and compatibility with many applications, making it a popular choice among users who prefer a lightweight terminal solution.