While the built-in Windows Remote Desktop client works for basic tasks, developers often need more sophisticated features like:

• Tabbed interface for managing multiple connections
• Saved session management with credentials
• Support for various protocols (RDP, VNC, SSH, etc.)
• Scriptable automation capabilities

1. mRemoteNG

This open-source successor to mRemote offers excellent session management:

// Sample XML configuration for mRemoteNG
<Connections>
  <Node Name="Production Server" Type="Connection">
    <Protocol>RDP</Protocol>
    <Hostname>prod01.example.com</Hostname>
    <Username>admin</Username>
    <Domain>CORP</Domain>
    <Inherit>None</Inherit>
  </Node>
</Connections>

2. Remote Desktop Manager

Devolutions' solution provides enterprise-grade features:

• Secure credential management
• Team collaboration tools
• PowerShell integration

3. Royal TS

For developers who need scripting support:

// Royal TS JavaScript example to automate connections
var document = RoyalApi.GetDocument();
var connection = document.CreateObject("DynamicFolder");
connection.Name = "Automated Connection";
connection.AddConfiguration("RDP", {
  ComputerName: "devserver-01",
  GatewaySettings: {
    UseGateway: true,
    GatewayHostname: "vpn.example.com"
  }
});
document.Add(connection);

For developers comfortable with SSH and lightweight solutions:

# PuttyCM configuration snippet
[Session1]
Protocol=SSH
Host=dev.example.com
Port=22
Username=developer
PrivateKey=C:\keys\dev_rsa.ppk

Most modern RDP clients offer CLI tools for automation. For example:

# Using Remote Desktop Manager CLI to export connections
rdm-cli export --format json --output connections.json

<Connection>
  <Name>Production Server</Name>
  <Protocol>RDP</Protocol>
  <Hostname>192.168.1.100</Hostname>
  <Username>admin</Username>
  <Domain>CORP</Domain>
  <Inherit>Default</Inherit>
</Connection>

# Example Royal TS dynamic folder script
$servers = Get-ADComputer -Filter * | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "WEB*" }
foreach ($server in $servers) {
    New-RoyalTSDynamicFolder -Name $server.Name -ComputerName $server.DNSHostName
}

# Bulk remote command execution
$computers = "server1","server2","server3"
$cred = Get-Credential
Invoke-Command -ComputerName $computers -Credential $cred -ScriptBlock {
    Get-Service | Where-Object { $_.Status -eq "Running" }
}