Use Tmux on Linux

Cover-tmux.jpeg
Cover-tmux.jpeg

Tmux (short for Terminal Multiplexer) is a powerful tool that allows you to manage multiple terminal sessions within a single window.

1. Installing Tmux

Most Linux distributions come with Tmux pre-installed. If not, you can install it using your package manager:

  • Debian/Ubuntu:

    sudo apt install tmux

  • Fedora:

    sudo dnf install tmux

  • Arch Linux:

    sudo pacman -S tmux

2. Starting Tmux

To start a new Tmux session, simply type:

tmux

This will open a new session with a single window. You’ll notice a status bar at the bottom of the screen, which displays information about your session.

3. Basic Tmux Commands

Tmux uses a prefix key to execute commands. By default, the prefix is Ctrl + b. After pressing the prefix, you can enter a command.

Common Commands:

  • Create a new window:

    Ctrl + b, then c

  • Switch between windows:

    Ctrl + b, then [window number] (e.g., 0, 1, 2)

  • Split window horizontally:

    Ctrl + b, then "

  • Split window vertically:

    Ctrl + b, then %

  • Detach from the session (keep it running in the background):

    Ctrl + b, then d

  • Reattach to a session:

    tmux attach

  • List all sessions:

    tmux ls

  • Kill a session:

    tmux kill-session -t [session_name]

4. Customizing Tmux

Customize Tmux by editing its configuration file, typically located at ~/.tmux.conf. Here’s an example of a simple configuration:

cat << EOF > ~/.tmux.conf
## Change the prefix key to Ctrl + a (easier to reach than Ctrl + b)
# unbind C-b
# set-option -g prefix C-a
# bind C-a send-prefix

# Enable mouse support (for scrolling, resizing panes, etc.)
set -g mouse on

# Set the status bar to the top
set-option -g status-position top

# Use a more visually appealing status bar
set -g status-bg colour235
set -g status-fg white
set -g status-left-length 50
set -g status-right-length 50

# Reload the config file with Ctrl + a, then r
bind r source-file ~/.tmux.conf \; display "Reloaded ~/.tmux.conf"

# Start window and pane numbering at 1 (easier to switch to)
set -g base-index 1
setw -g pane-base-index 1

# Use vi mode for copy-paste (useful for vim users)
setw -g mode-keys vi

# Easier window navigation
bind-key h select-pane -L
bind-key j select-pane -D
bind-key k select-pane -U
bind-key l select-pane -R

# Resize panes more easily
bind-key -r H resize-pane -L 5
bind-key -r J resize-pane -D 5
bind-key -r K resize-pane -U 5
bind-key -r L resize-pane -R 5

# Automatically renumber windows when one is closed
set-option -g renumber-windows on

# Increase scrollback buffer size
set -g history-limit 10000

# Enable true color support (for better colors in terminal)
set -g default-terminal "screen-256color"
set-option -ga terminal-overrides ",xterm-256color:Tc"

EOF

After making changes, reload the configuration with:

tmux source-file ~/.tmux.conf

5. Practical Use Cases for Tmux

  • Remote Development: Tmux is perfect for remote servers. You can detach from a session and reattach later without losing your work.
  • Multitasking: Run multiple commands simultaneously in split windows.
  • Scripting: Automate tasks by scripting Tmux commands.

6. Creating a Blog Post Using Tmux

If you’re writing a blog post, Tmux can help you stay organized. Here’s how:

  1. Start a new Tmux session:

    tmux new -s blog

  2. Split the window:

    • Use Ctrl + b, then % to split vertically.
    • Use Ctrl + b, then " to split horizontally.

  3. Use one pane for writing:

    • Open your text editor (e.g., Vim, Nano) in one pane.

  4. Use another pane for previewing:

    • If you’re using a static site generator like Hugo or Jekyll, run the local server in another pane.

  5. Detach and reattach as needed:

    • Detach with Ctrl + b, then d.
    • Reattach with tmux attach -t blog.

7. Conclusion

Tmux is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance your productivity on the command line. Whether you’re managing servers, writing code, or even creating a blog post, Tmux provides a streamlined way to handle multiple tasks. Give it a try, and you’ll soon wonder how you ever worked without it!

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