tmux

tmux (Terminal Multiplexer) is an open source terminal multiplexer tool that allows users to manage multiple sessions, windows and panels through a single terminal window, supports session persistence (even if the SSH connection is disconnected, the process can still run in the background), and provides powerful multitasking capabilities.

Software features

Session persistence

Supports running tasks in the background. Even if the terminal is closed or the network is interrupted, the process within the session can still continue to execute. Users can reconnect the session through tmux attach and restore working status.

Example: When running a database backup for a long time, there is no need to worry about the terminal closing causing the task to be interrupted.

Multi-window and panel management

Supports horizontal/vertical split windows and can view multiple terminal outputs at the same time.

Provides preset layouts (such as tiles, primary and secondary partitions, etc.), and supports shortcut keys to dynamically adjust the panel size and position.

Example: Run the code editor, log monitoring and testing tools simultaneously in one window, and improve efficiency through panel switching.

Cross-platform and highly customizable

Compatible with Linux, macOS and Windows (via WSL or Cygwin).

Supports custom shortcut keys, status bar style and encoding format (such as UTF-8).

The configuration file (~/.tmux.conf) allows users to define personalized operation logic.

Collaboration and script extensions

Supports multi-user shared sessions, suitable for remote collaboration or pair programming.

Provides a rich command line interface and API to implement automated tasks (such as batch management sessions) through scripts.

Software function

Session management

Create session: tmux new -s <name>

Detach session: Ctrl+b d (leave the current session and run the task in the background)

Reconnect session: tmux attach -t <name>

View sessions: tmux ls (list all sessions and their status)

Close the session: tmux kill-session -t <name>

window operations

New window: Ctrl+b c

Switch windows: Ctrl+b <number> (switch by number) or Ctrl+b n/p (switch up and down)

Rename window: Ctrl+b,

Close window: Ctrl+b & (confirmation required)

Panel operation

Split panel:

Horizontal split: Ctrl+b "

Split vertically: Ctrl+b %

Switch panels: Ctrl+b o (sequential switching) or Ctrl+b <arrow> (arrow key switching)

Resize the panel: Ctrl+b Ctrl+<arrow> (fine adjustments) or Ctrl+b :resize-pane -L 10 (fine adjustments)

Close panel: Ctrl+b x

FAQ

Panel layout is messed up

Phenomenon: The layout is abnormal after resizing the panel.

Reason: Manual adjustment may trigger boundary conflicts.

Solution:

Use the preset layout: Ctrl+b Space (cycle through layouts).

Reset panel: Close and re-split the panel.

1. Sweep the bug out and carry it out to the end

2.The most stable version ever