How to use the command tmux (with examples)
tmux is a powerful terminal multiplexer that allows users to have multiple sessions, windows, and panes within a single terminal window. It enhances productivity by enabling users to manage and organize multiple tasks simultaneously.
Use case 1: Start a new session
Code:
tmux
Motivation: Starting a new session in tmux is useful when you want to work on different tasks simultaneously or when you want to organize your workspace efficiently. It allows you to keep everything organized within a single terminal window.
Explanation: This command initiates a new tmux session. Once the session starts, you can create windows and panes within the session.
Example output:
Use case 2: Start a new named session
Code:
tmux new -s name
Motivation: Naming a session helps to identify and differentiate various tmux sessions easily. It allows you to switch between sessions effortlessly when you are working on different projects or tasks.
Explanation: This command creates a new tmux session with the specified name. You can replace ’name’ with the desired session name.
Example output:
Use case 3: List existing sessions
Code:
tmux ls
Motivation: Listing existing sessions is helpful when you want to see all the currently running tmux sessions. It allows you to quickly identify active sessions and switch to a specific session if needed.
Explanation: This command lists all the existing tmux sessions along with their session IDs and names. It provides valuable information about the current state of sessions.
Example output:
0: 1 windows (created Sun Nov 28 10:12:44 2021) [165x42]
1: 2 windows (created Sun Nov 28 11:30:21 2021) [165x42]
2: 1 windows (created Sun Nov 28 12:45:17 2021) [165x42]
Use case 4: Attach to the most recently used session
Code:
tmux attach
Motivation: Attaching to the most recently used session is handy when you want to resume your previous work within tmux. It allows you to reconnect to the last session you were working on without losing any context.
Explanation: This command enables you to reattach to the most recently used tmux session. It brings back the session exactly as it was when you detached from it.
Example output:
Use case 5: Detach from the current session
Code:
Ctrl-B d
Motivation: Detaching from the current session is useful when you want to temporarily leave your tmux session without closing it. It allows you to switch to another task or terminal window while preserving the state of your session.
Explanation: This keyboard shortcut detaches from the current tmux session. Pressing Ctrl-B followed by d disconnects your session while keeping it running in the background.
Example output:
[detached (from session 2)]
Use case 6: Create a new window
Code:
Ctrl-B c
Motivation: Creating a new window within a tmux session helps to organize your tasks effectively. It allows you to work on different tasks simultaneously within a single session by splitting the terminal window into multiple windows.
Explanation: This keyboard shortcut creates a new window within the current tmux session. Pressing Ctrl-B followed by c opens a new window, which can be used to execute commands independently.
Example output:
Use case 7: Switch between sessions and windows
Code:
Ctrl-B w
Motivation: Switching between sessions and windows in tmux is essential to efficiently manage multiple tasks. It allows you to navigate seamlessly across different sessions and windows within a single terminal window.
Explanation: This keyboard shortcut lets you cycle through the available sessions and windows in tmux. Pressing Ctrl-B followed by w displays the sessions and windows list, allowing you to navigate and switch to the desired session or window.
Example output:
0: 1 windows (created Sun Nov 28 10:12:44 2021) [165x42]
1: 2 windows (created Sun Nov 28 11:30:21 2021) [165x42]
2: 1 windows (created Sun Nov 28 12:45:17 2021) [165x42]
Use case 8: Kill a session by name
Code:
tmux kill-session -t name
Motivation: Killing a session by name is useful when you want to terminate a specific tmux session. It allows you to clean up unused sessions and free up system resources.
Explanation: This command terminates the tmux session with the specified name. You need to replace ’name’ with the actual session name you want to kill.
Example output:
Conclusion:
tmux is a powerful command-line tool that enhances terminal productivity by enabling the management of multiple sessions, windows, and panes. By utilizing the various use cases discussed in this article, you can effectively organize your tasks and work efficiently within a single terminal window.
