How to Use tmux: A Terminal Multiplexer for Power Users

tmux is a game-changing terminal multiplexer that boosts productivity by managing multiple sessions, panes, and persistent workflows in one terminal. Ideal for developers, sysadmins, or anyone working on remote servers, tmux keeps your tasks organized and resilient. This guide simplifies tmux usage with practical examples and tips to supercharge your command-line efficiency.

What is tmux?

tmux is an open-source terminal multiplexer that enables:

  • Multiple shell sessions inside one terminal

  • Persistent sessions (even after disconnection)

  • Pane and window splitting

  • Session sharing across users

  • Easy switching between tasks without leaving the terminal

It’s like having a tiling window manager for your terminal, available anywhere—even over slow SSH connections.

 Installing tmux

On Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install tmux

On CentOS/RHEL:

sudo yum install tmux

On macOS:

brew install tmux

Getting Started with tmux

To start a new tmux session:

tmux

You’re now inside a new session. But to use it effectively, you’ll need to know some keybindings.

Default prefix: Ctrl + b

All tmux commands are triggered with a prefix key, which by default is:

Ctrl + b

So Ctrl + b, then % creates a vertical split, and so on.

Essential tmux Commands

CommandAction
tmuxStart a new session
tmux new -s mysessionStart a named session
tmux attach -t mysessionReattach to a session
tmux lsList sessions
tmux kill-session -t mysessionKill a session
exitExit current pane/window (or kill via tmux kill-pane)

Advanced Tips and Tricks

1. Named Sessions for Persistence

tmux new -s setup-server("name-your-session")
Ctrl + b, then “
→ you have two horizontal panels: top and bottom

Reattach anytime:

tmux attach -t setup-server

🧮 2. Save Time with Sessions Scripts

Create .tmux.conf or shell scripts to automate setup:

#!/bin/bash
tmux new-session -d -s dev
tmux send-keys -t dev 'cd ~/project && vim' C-m
tmux split-window -h
tmux send-keys 'htop' C-m
tmux attach -t dev

🧬 3. Share Session with Another User

Allow collaborative terminal sessions (requires shared permissions):

sudo chmod +s /usr/bin/tmux
tmux -S /tmp/shared attach

⚙ 4. Customize .tmux.conf

Example:

# Set prefix to Ctrl + a (like GNU screen)
unbind C-b
set-option -g prefix C-a
bind-key C-a send-prefix

# Mouse support
set -g mouse on

# Better colors
set -g default-terminal "screen-256color"

Reload config:

tmux source-file ~/.tmux.conf

 Use Case: tmux Over SSH

When managing a remote VPS via SSH:

  1. Connect via SSH

  2. Start a tmux session:

    tmux new -s remote

  3. Run updates or long processes (e.g., apt upgrade)

  4. Disconnect any time—session persists

  5. Reconnect later:

    tmux attach -t remote

💡 This is invaluable for unreliable connections, especially over mobile or satellite links.

tmux is one of the most powerful tools in the command-line arsenal. Whether you’re coding, monitoring servers, or managing multiple tasks remotely, tmux offers productivity, persistence, and precision. Once mastered, it becomes indispensable—saving time, preserving sessions, and organizing your terminal workflow like a pro.

Conclusion

tmux transforms your terminal into a powerful, flexible workspace, perfect for multitasking, remote server management, or collaborative coding. With the examples and tips above, you can quickly set up sessions, automate workflows, and maintain persistent tasks. Whether you’re a developer or sysadmin, tmux streamlines your command-line experience, saving time and boosting efficiency.