How to use the command tmux (with examples)

Tmux, short for “terminal multiplexer,” is a powerful command-line tool that allows users to access multiple terminal sessions from a single window. It provides the flexibility to run and manage multiple terminal sessions in a single window, split into panes, and more, offering enhanced productivity for developers and system administrators. Tmux is particularly useful for those who work extensively within the command line and need to multitask without opening several terminal windows. It serves as a versatile solution to navigate sessions, manage tasks, and organize workflows efficiently.

Start a new session

Code:

tmux

Motivation:

Starting a new session in tmux is the basic foundational step for using the terminal multiplexer effectively. It enables users to begin working within a tmux environment, providing the ability to manage multiple windows and panes within a single terminal. This primary action facilitates a structured workflow, crucial for individuals dealing with complex or multiple tasks simultaneously.

Explanation:

The command tmux on its own initializes a fresh tmux session. Without any additional arguments or options, it opens a default unnamed session and directs the user into this environment. Here, users can start utilizing the core functionalities of tmux to improve their multitasking capabilities.

Example output:

Once the command is executed, your terminal screen will change slightly to indicate that you are now in a tmux session. The status bar at the bottom, often in a different color, typically denotes the tmux environment.

Start a new named session

Code:

tmux new -s name

Motivation:

Naming tmux sessions is particularly advantageous when managing multiple sessions. Giving each session a unique name allows users to easily identify, access, and manage different sessions based on their tasks or projects. This organized approach contributes to an efficient workflow when dealing with various ongoing processes.

Explanation:

• new: This argument tells tmux to create a new session.
• -s: The -s flag stands for “session” and is followed by the desired session name provided by the user.
• name: Replace “name” with an actual descriptive name for the session. This name uniquely identifies the session within tmux.

Example output:

Upon initiation, your terminal might display a message like [session-name], indicating you’ve entered a named tmux session.

List existing sessions

Code:

tmux ls

Motivation:

As the number of tmux sessions increases, keeping track of them becomes essential. The ability to list all existing sessions empowers users to quickly survey active sessions, facilitating easy monitoring and management. This functionality is especially useful in collaborative environments or during complex multitasking.

Explanation:

• ls: Short for “list sessions,” this command argument displays all current tmux sessions. It provides session names along with IDs and the current window in use, allowing users to quickly decipher which session they might want to access or delete.

Example output:

Running this command will provide a list akin to:

0: session1: 1 windows (attached)
1: session2: 2 windows (detached)

Attach to the most recently used session

Code:

tmux attach

Motivation:

Reattaching to a session is a crucial function when a session has been detached or needs to be accessed again. Tmux allows users to seamlessly continue work within the most recent session without the need to restart commands or lose ongoing processes. This capability enhances productivity by mitigating downtime and ensuring continuity.

Explanation:

• attach: This command attaches the user to the last session they accessed, effectively allowing for a quick return to work without specifying which session to attach to.

Example output:

Executing the command brings up the last used tmux interface with all previously opened windows and panes intact.

Detach from the current session (inside a tmux session)

Code:

<Ctrl>-B d

Motivation:

Detaching from a tmux session is vital when a user wants to leave the session running in the background yet wishes to free up the terminal for other tasks. This feature allows ongoing processes to continue unhindered while enabling multitasking within the same terminal interface, without terminating the session.

Explanation:

• <Ctrl>-B: This key combination acts as the prefix command for tmux commands. It alerts tmux that the next keystroke should be interpreted as a tmux command.
• d: Pressing d immediately after the prefix detaches the user from the current session.

Example output:

The terminal returns to its normal shell prompt while the tmux session continues running in the background. A message generally confirms the session is detached.

Create a new window (inside a tmux session)

Code:

<Ctrl>-B c

Motivation:

Creating new windows within a tmux session extends functionality by allowing multiple workflows within one session. Each window operates independently, providing the ability to run different commands or scripts simultaneously, akin to tabbed browsing, aiding in task organization and management.

Explanation:

• <Ctrl>-B: The tmux command prefix signifies that the following keystroke is a tmux command.
• c: After the prefix, the c key creates a new window within the current session, expanding the workspace.

Example output:

A fresh terminal window opens within the tmux session, often reflected by a new entry in the tmux status bar indicating multiple window tabs.

Switch between sessions and windows (inside a tmux session)

Code:

<Ctrl>-B w

Motivation:

Efficiently navigating between various tmux windows and sessions is fundamental for maximizing productivity. The ability to quickly switch helps users maintain their workflow momentum without having to exit and re-enter sessions, crucial for managing diverse tasks seamlessly.

Explanation:

• <Ctrl>-B: The prefix combination instructs tmux to prepare for command input.
• w: This key prompts a list of windows and sessions, allowing users to select and quickly switch to their desired environment.

Example output:

The terminal displays a list of all available windows and sessions, enabling navigation through highlighting and selecting an option of interest.

Kill a session by name

Code:

tmux kill-session -t name

Motivation:

Over time, sessions that are no longer needed can clutter the workspace. Killing unnecessary sessions helps maintain a clean working environment, freeing up system resources and ensuring better management of active tasks. This command is essential for users who rotate through many sessions frequently.

Explanation:

• kill-session: This argument specifies the termination of an existing tmux session.
• -t: The -t option stands for “target” and is used to target a specific session for termination.
• name: Replace name with the actual name of the session that you intend to kill, effectively removing it from the active list.

Example output:

There is no display output upon successfully killing the session, but the session list generated by tmux ls will no longer show the killed session name.

Conclusion:

Tmux presents an invaluable toolkit for users aiming to optimize their command-line productivity through session management, window multitasking, and efficient navigation. Its robust set of commands provides structured control over terminal activities, making it indispensable for both solitary and collaborative computing environments. Mastering tmux commands entails learning shortcuts and commands; however, the resultant efficiency gains are immense, ensuring tmux remains a staple for power users.