# tmux — Terminal Multiplexer for Sessions, Windows, Panes

> tmux is a terminal multiplexer that lets you switch between several programs in one terminal, detach them, and reattach them to a different terminal. Essential for SSH workflows, long-running processes, and pair programming.

## Install

Save the content below to `.claude/skills/` or append to your `CLAUDE.md`:

## Quick Use

```bash
# Install
brew install tmux                        # macOS
sudo apt install tmux                    # Debian/Ubuntu
```

Basic workflow (default prefix `Ctrl+b`):
```bash
tmux new -s work          # Create session named work
tmux ls                    # List sessions
tmux attach -t work        # Reattach
tmux kill-session -t work  # Kill session
```

Inside tmux (after `Ctrl+b`):
- `c` — new window
- `n` / `p` — next / prev window
- `%` — split vertical
- `"` — split horizontal
- `arrows` — move between panes
- `d` — detach session
- `z` — zoom current pane
- `[` — copy mode (scroll with arrows)

## Intro

tmux (terminal multiplexer) lets you run multiple terminal sessions inside a single window. Create windows and panes, detach them (sessions keep running), and reattach later from any terminal — even after SSH disconnects. Essential tool for servers, long-running scripts, and pair programming.

- **Repo**: https://github.com/tmux/tmux
- **Stars**: 44K+
- **Language**: C
- **License**: ISC

## What tmux Does

- **Sessions** — top-level containers with multiple windows
- **Windows** — full-screen tabs inside a session
- **Panes** — splits inside a window
- **Detach/attach** — keep sessions running in background
- **Scripting** — `tmux send-keys` to drive panes
- **Copy mode** — navigate scrollback, select, copy
- **Customization** — `.tmux.conf` for prefix, status bar, colors
- **Plugins** — via TPM (tmux plugin manager)

## Architecture

tmux runs a server process that owns sessions. Clients (terminals) attach to the server. Multiple clients can attach to the same session for mirror/pair sessions. State persists across client disconnects.

## Self-Hosting

CLI tool.

## Key Features

- Sessions survive logout/SSH disconnect
- Multiple windows + panes
- Copy mode with vi or emacs keybinds
- Scriptable via CLI
- Customizable status bar
- Plugin ecosystem (TPM)
- Works over ssh and mosh
- Synchronized panes for running same cmd in multiple

## Comparison

| Tool | Type | Config | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| tmux | TUI | .tmux.conf | Yes |
| screen | TUI | .screenrc | Yes |
| Zellij | TUI (Rust) | YAML/KDL | Yes |
| Byobu | tmux/screen wrapper | Simplified | Yes |
| iTerm2 | GUI | GUI prefs | Yes (in-app) |

## FAQ

**Q: Learning curve?**
A: Remember the prefix (default Ctrl+b) plus 10 shortcuts and you'll cover the basics. Pick up advanced features (resize, copy mode, macros) as you need them.

**Q: How does it compare to Zellij?**
A: Zellij is more modern (Rust, batteries-included UI, layout presets), but tmux has a more mature ecosystem and a more stable server.

**Q: What if my SSH drops?**
A: This is exactly where tmux shines. Run `tmux new -s main`, start your task; if it drops, `ssh` back in and `tmux attach -t main` — everything is exactly as you left it.

## Sources & Credits

- GitHub: https://github.com/tmux/tmux
- License: ISC

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/tmux-terminal-multiplexer-sessions-windows-panes-6ed07802
Author: AI Open Source