Tmux for Streamlining Dev Workflow

Lets see if we can write a detailed guide on using tmux, the terminal multiplexer that enables a number of terminals to be created, accessed, and controlled from a single screen. This guide will help you get started with tmux, explaining how to use its various commands and features to enhance your productivity.

Getting Started with tmux

Installation

Before diving into the commands, ensure tmux is installed on your system. For Ubuntu users, you can install it via:

sudo apt-get install tmux

Starting tmux

To start a new tmux session, simply type:

tmux

Start with a Session Name

To create a new session with a specific name:

tmux new -s myname

This is particularly useful for distinguishing between different sessions.

Attaching to Sessions

To attach to the last session you were in:

tmux attach  # or tmux a

Attach to a Named Session

If you named your session, you can attach to it specifically:

tmux a -t myname

Managing Sessions

To list all your tmux sessions:

tmux ls

Killing Sessions

To kill a specific session:

tmux kill-session -t myname

Kill All Sessions

This powerful chain of commands kills all tmux sessions:

tmux ls | grep : | cut -d. -f1 | awk '{print substr($1, 0, length($1)-1)}' | xargs kill

Using tmux: Commands and Shortcuts

Basic Commands

• Create New Session: tmux new -s session_name
• Detach from Session: CTRL+b d
• List Sessions: tmux ls
• Attach to a Session: tmux attach -t session_name
• Kill a Session: tmux kill-session -t session_name

Managing Windows and Panes

tmux not only handles sessions but also multiple windows and panes within those sessions.

Windows (Tabs)

• Create Window: CTRL+b c
• List Windows: CTRL+b w
• Next Window: CTRL+b n
• Previous Window: CTRL+b p
• Find Window: CTRL+b f
• Name Window: CTRL+b ,
• Kill Window: CTRL+b &

Panes (Splits)

• Vertical Split: CTRL+b %
• Horizontal Split: CTRL+b "
• Swap Panes: CTRL+b o
• Show Pane Numbers: CTRL+b q
• Kill Pane: CTRL+b x
• Break Pane into Window: CTRL+b +
• Restore Pane from Window: ctrl+b -
• Toggle Layout: CTRL+b space

Advanced Usage

Sync Panes

To synchronize input across all panes in a window: Copy Code

:setw synchronize-panes on

Toggle it off by: Copy Code

:setw synchronize-panes off

Resizing Panes

To resize panes:

# Resize down by 1 cell
CTRL+b :resize-pane -D

# Resize down by 20 cells
CTRL+b :resize-pane -D 20

# Resize specific pane
CTRL+b :resize-pane -t 2 -L 20

tmux is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your terminal usage by allowing you to run multiple sessions, windows, and panes from one screen. Whether you are a developer, a system administrator, or just a Linux enthusiast, mastering tmux can elevate your productivity and control over your terminal environments. Experiment with the commands and tailor your tmux setup to fit your workflow!

Advanced Session Management

Switching Between Sessions

If you’re handling multiple sessions, you can switch between them seamlessly:

tmux switch -t session_name

This command allows you to directly switch to another session without detaching from the current one.

Renaming Sessions

To rename an existing session which can help in organizing your sessions better:

tmux rename-session -t old_name new_name

Linking and Grouping Windows

tmux allows you to link windows between sessions, which is useful when you need the same window across multiple sessions:

tmux link-window -s source_session:window_index -t target_session:target_index

You can also group windows so that any change in one mirrored in others—ideal when monitoring multiple logs that require similar attention:

tmux new-window -a -t parent_session:window_index

Scripting with tmux

You can automate tmux operations using scripting; for instance, setting up a development environment with pre-defined windows and panes can be scripted:

#!/bin/bash

session="dev"

# create a new tmux session
tmux new-session -d -s $session

# create three windows
tmux new-window -t $session:1 -n 'Editor'
tmux new-window -t $session:2 -n 'CLI'
tmux new-window -t $session:3 -n 'Logs'

# split the second window horizontally
tmux split-window -h -t $session:2

# run commands in specific panes
tmux send-keys -t $session:1 'vim' C-m
tmux send-keys -t $session:2.1 'htop' C-m

# attach to the new session
tmux attach -t $session

Advanced Pane Management

Rotating Panes

Rotating panes can be useful when you need to rearrange your layout quickly without re-splitting your windows:

CTRL+b CTRL+o  # rotates the pane left

Converting a Pane into a New Window

Sometimes, you might start a process in a pane but then realize it needs more space or a dedicated window:

CTRL+b !

This turns the current pane into a window.

Capture Pane Content to a File

Capturing the content of a pane to a file can be incredibly useful especially when you need to log output or share it:

tmux capture-pane -pt session:window.pane -S -100

This captures the last 100 lines of the specified pane.

Conditional Pane Synchronization

Rather than syncing input on all panes, sometimes you might want to sync only specific ones:

tmux set-window-option synchronize-panes on
# Do your synchronized work across panes
tmux set-window-option synchronize-panes off

You can turn this on and off as needed for tasks like simultaneous configuration editing across servers.

Using Hooks

tmux supports hooks which let you trigger scripts or commands after certain events, enhancing automation capabilities:

tmux set-hook -g after-new-window 'send-keys "echo New Window Created!" C-m'

This hook will automatically run the echo command every time a new window is created.

Conclusion

With these advanced configurations and examples, you are well on your way to leveraging tmux’s powerful features for a more productive and organized command-line environment. Experiment with these settings and adapt them to suit your needs to take full advantage of what tmux has to offer.