dvtm

TLDR

Start dvtm

$ dvtm

Start with specific shell

$ dvtm -s [/bin/zsh]

Attach to existing session

$ dvtm -a

Start with specific layout

$ dvtm -l [tile]

Use status command

$ dvtm -c "[date]"

dvtm (dynamic virtual terminal manager) brings dwm-style window management to the terminal. It tiles multiple terminal windows within a single terminal emulator.
The tool provides dynamic layouts, tagging, and keyboard-driven window management. It's lightweight and follows the suckless philosophy of minimalism.

PARAMETERS

-s shell

Shell to use for windows.

-a

Attach to running session.

-M

Toggle default mouse support.

-m mod

Modifier key (default Ctrl+g).

-l layout

Default layout.

-c cmd

Status bar command.

-t title

Window title.

DEFAULT KEYS

Mod+c: Create window
Mod+x: Close window
Mod+j/k: Focus next/previous
Mod+h/l: Resize master
Mod+Enter: Zoom window
Mod+Space: Toggle layout
Mod+q: Quit

LAYOUTS

tile: Master-stack
grid: Grid layout
bstack: Bottom stack
fullscreen: Single maximized

CAVEATS

Limited compared to tmux/screen. No built-in session persistence (use dtach). Configuration requires recompilation. Modifier key may conflict with applications.

HISTORY

dvtm was created by Marc Andre Tanner as a terminal multiplexer following dwm principles. It emerged from the suckless community around 2007, providing dynamic tiling for terminal environments without the complexity of screen or tmux.