ptyxis

Open a new Ptyxis window

$ ptyxis --new-window

$ ptyxis [[-x|--execute]] [command]

$ ptyxis --tab

$ ptyxis --tab [[-T|--title]] [title]

$ ptyxis [[-d|--working-directory]] [path/to/directory] --tab

ptyxis [OPTIONS...] [COMMAND]

-e, --command=COMMAND
    Executes the specified COMMAND instead of the default shell within the new terminal session.

-w, --working-directory=DIR
    Sets the initial working directory for the terminal session to the specified DIR.

-p, --profile=PROFILE
    Loads a specific terminal PROFILE, which defines settings like colors, fonts, and cursor style for the session.

--window-id=ID
    Attempts to attach the new session to an existing window identified by ID. Note: This option's behavior may vary or be ignored in some contexts.

--new-window
    Forces Ptyxis to open a new top-level window. This is typically the default behavior when no other window is specified.

--quake-mode
    Launches Ptyxis in a special dropdown 'Quake' style mode, often appearing from the top of the screen for quick access.

--version
    Displays the application's version information and then exits.

-?, --help
    Shows a summary of available command-line options and then exits.

Ptyxis is a modern, feature-rich graphical terminal emulator designed specifically for the GNOME desktop environment. It aims to provide a powerful and user-friendly command-line interface experience, offering capabilities beyond traditional terminals.

Key features include robust support for multiple tabs, allowing users to manage several shell sessions within a single window, and a powerful split-view functionality for displaying multiple terminal sessions simultaneously in a tiled layout. Ptyxis leverages the modern GTK4 toolkit, providing a responsive and visually appealing interface that integrates seamlessly with the GNOME desktop. It is developed with a focus on usability, offering features like adjustable fonts, customizable color schemes, and seamless clipboard integration. As a newer addition to the GNOME ecosystem, it seeks to be a performant and extensible alternative to existing terminal applications, catering to the needs of developers and power users alike.

Ptyxis is a relatively new project within the GNOME ecosystem, meaning it might still be undergoing active development. While it offers modern features, some advanced or niche functionalities found in more mature terminal emulators might not yet be fully implemented or optimized. Its tight integration with GNOME implies that its performance and visual consistency might be best experienced within that desktop environment.

Ptyxis stands out with its native support for split views, allowing users to arrange multiple terminal sessions in tiled layouts within a single window. It also offers a tabbed interface for managing various concurrent shell sessions efficiently. The 'Quake Mode' provides a convenient dropdown terminal that can be quickly summoned and dismissed from anywhere on the desktop.

Built using the modern GTK4 toolkit and the VTE (Virtual Terminal Emulator) widget, Ptyxis leverages the latest advancements in GNOME's development stack to deliver a performant, responsive, and visually integrated user experience. This foundation ensures compatibility with contemporary display protocols like Wayland and provides a solid base for future enhancements.

Ptyxis emerged as a modern initiative within the GNOME project, aiming to provide a next-generation terminal emulator built on contemporary technologies like GTK4 and the VTE (Virtual Terminal Emulator) widget. Its development gained momentum around 2021-2022, driven by the desire to offer a more responsive, feature-rich, and visually consistent terminal experience within the evolving GNOME desktop. It is envisioned as a robust alternative or eventual successor to the long-standing gnome-terminal, addressing the needs of modern Linux users and developers.

gnome-terminal(1), xterm(1), konsole(1), kitty(1), alacritty(1), tmux(1), screen(1)