How to Use tmux for Session Management

tmux (terminal multiplexer) is a powerful tool that allows you to manage multiple terminal sessions from a single window. It is particularly useful for users needing to run long processes or maintain sessions when disconnected. This tutorial will walk you through the basics of using tmux for effective session management.

1. Installing tmux

Before you can use tmux, you need to ensure it is installed. To check if tmux is installed, run:

tmux -V

If it’s not installed, you can install it using:

• For Ubuntu:

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install tmux

• For CentOS:

  sudo yum install tmux

2. Starting a New Session

To start a new tmux session, simply type:

tmux

This will start a new session and provide you with a command prompt.

3. Detaching from a Session

You can detach from the current session and leave it running in the background by pressing:

Ctrl + b, then d

After detaching, you can safely close your terminal without stopping any processes in the session.

4. Listing Active Sessions

To view all active tmux sessions, run:

tmux ls

This command will list active sessions along with their names.

5. Reattaching to a Session

To reattach to a detached session, use:

tmux attach-session -t session_name

Replace session_name with the name of the session you want to reattach to.

6. Creating Named Sessions

To create a new session with a specific name, use:

tmux new -s mysession

You can now refer to this session by name when you want to attach or manipulate it.

7. Splitting Windows

One of the powerful features of tmux is the ability to split the terminal interface into multiple panes:

• Horizontal split: Press Ctrl + b then %.
• Vertical split: Press Ctrl + b then ".

You can navigate between panes using Ctrl + b followed by the arrow keys.

8. Conclusion

By following this tutorial, you have learned how to use tmux for managing terminal sessions effectively. tmux is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance the productivity of users who work extensively in the command line. Continue to explore its features, including session sharing and custom scripting, to further improve your workflow!

About the Author

Dorian Kane

Author

View All Posts