tmux

A terminal multiplexer that lets you run and manage multiple terminal sessions inside one window.

🔁 Detach & reattach sessions 🧩 Split panes & multiple windows 🧠 Persistent workflows 🖥️ Great over SSH

What is tmux?

tmux (terminal multiplexer) allows you to create a session that contains multiple windows and panes. You can split your terminal into side-by-side panes, keep long-running commands alive, and even disconnect (detach) and reconnect (attach) later — especially useful when working on remote servers over SSH.

Why people use it

Persistence: run builds, logs, and servers without losing them when your terminal closes.
Organization: group related tasks into windows/panes (editor, tests, logs, git).
Remote-friendly: detach before you lose connection; reattach when you’re back.
Efficiency: navigate with keyboard shortcuts instead of juggling many terminal tabs.

Quick start cheatsheet

# Create a new session
tmux new -s work

# Detach (default prefix is Ctrl-b, then d)
Ctrl-b d

# List sessions
tmux ls

# Attach to a session
tmux attach -t work

# Split panes (Ctrl-b then % or ")
Ctrl-b %    # vertical split
Ctrl-b "    # horizontal split

# Switch panes
Ctrl-b o

# Create a new window
Ctrl-b c

# Rename current window
Ctrl-b ,

Tip: Most tmux commands use the prefix key (default Ctrl-b), followed by another key. You can remap the prefix in your ~/.tmux.conf if you prefer.

Resources

Common next steps

Create a ~/.tmux.conf to customize keys, status bar, and behavior.
Install TPM for plugins.
Try a session template tool like tmuxinator.

Example minimal ~/.tmux.conf

# Mouse support (optional)
set -g mouse on

# Faster key response
set -sg escape-time 10

# Better pane navigation
bind -n C-h select-pane -L
bind -n C-j select-pane -D
bind -n C-k select-pane -U
bind -n C-l select-pane -R