# Zellij — Terminal Workspace with Batteries Included

> Zellij is a terminal workspace (multiplexer) with batteries included. Written in Rust with sane defaults, discoverable keybindings, a layout system, floating panes, session management, and a WebAssembly plugin system. The modern alternative to tmux.

## Install

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

## Quick Use

```bash
# Install
brew install zellij                         # macOS
cargo install --locked zellij               # Rust

# Launch
zellij

# With layout
zellij --layout compact

# Named session
zellij -s myproject
zellij attach myproject
zellij list-sessions
```

Default keybindings (press a mode key first):
- `Ctrl+p` then `n` — new pane
- `Ctrl+p` then `d` — pane direction (down/right)
- `Ctrl+p` then `f` — toggle floating pane
- `Ctrl+t` then `n` — new tab
- `Ctrl+t` then `1-9` — go to tab
- `Ctrl+n` then arrows — resize
- `Ctrl+s` then `d` — detach session
- `Ctrl+o` then `w` — session manager
- `Ctrl+q` — quit

## Intro

Zellij is a terminal workspace (multiplexer) written in Rust. Unlike tmux with its steep learning curve and cryptic keybindings, Zellij ships with discoverable UI hints, sane defaults, and a layout system. First released in 2021 by Aram Drevekenin, it quickly became the go-to tmux alternative for developers who want modern UX.

- **Repo**: https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij
- **Stars**: 31K+
- **Language**: Rust
- **License**: MIT

## What Zellij Does

- **Panes** — horizontal, vertical, floating
- **Tabs** — named, reorderable
- **Sessions** — persist across detach/reattach
- **Layouts** — KDL-based declarative layouts
- **Floating panes** — overlay panes
- **Plugin system** — WebAssembly plugins (WASI)
- **Session manager** — built-in session picker
- **Discoverable UI** — mode indicators and key hints at bottom
- **Copy mode** — search and select text
- **Themes** — built-in themes

## Architecture

Rust binary using crossterm for terminal rendering. Plugins run as WASM modules (WASI), isolated and sandboxed. Each pane is a separate PTY process. State is serialized for session persistence.

## Comparison

| Multiplexer | Language | Defaults | Plugins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zellij | Rust | Discoverable | WASM |
| tmux | C | Cryptic | Shell |
| screen | C | Basic | None |
| Byobu | tmux wrapper | Simplified | tmux |

## FAQ

**Q: Zellij vs tmux?**
A: Zellij works out of the box (beginner-friendly, discoverable UI, floating panes); tmux is more mature (stable server, larger community, deeper customization). Both work, but Zellij is 10x easier to pick up.

**Q: Can it be used with Alacritty?**
A: A perfect match. Alacritty (minimal terminal) + Zellij (pane management) is a golden combo for many developers.

**Q: Does it support SSH?**
A: Run Zellij inside an SSH session. After disconnecting, `zellij attach` restores it.

## Sources

- Docs: https://zellij.dev/documentation
- GitHub: https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij
- License: MIT

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/zellij-terminal-workspace-batteries-included-290aeef4
Author: Script Depot