tmux

Start a new session

$ tmux

$ tmux new -s [session_name]

$ tmux ls

$ tmux attach

$ tmux attach -t [session_name]

$ tmux kill-session -t [session_name]

$ Ctrl-b d

$ Ctrl-b c

$ Ctrl-b "

$ Ctrl-b %

tmux [command] [flags]

tmux (terminal multiplexer) enables multiple terminal sessions within a single window. Sessions persist when disconnected, allowing users to detach and reattach later, making it essential for remote work.
A tmux session contains windows (like tabs), and windows contain panes (splits). The prefix key (default Ctrl-b) followed by a command key triggers actions. Configuration is stored in ~/.tmux.conf.
tmux is widely used for remote server administration, pair programming, and managing complex terminal workflows. Sessions survive SSH disconnections, preventing work loss.

new [-s name]

Create new session.

Attach to existing session.

List sessions.

Kill a session.

Kill tmux server and all sessions.

Detach from session.

Send keys to a pane.

Load configuration file.

~/.tmux.conf

User configuration file for key bindings, status bar customization, default options, and plugin settings. Loaded automatically on server start.

System-wide configuration applied to all users.

d: Detach from session
c: Create new window
n/p: Next/previous window
0-9: Switch to window number
": Split pane horizontally
%: Split pane vertically
o: Switch pane
x: Kill pane
z: Zoom pane (toggle)
[: Enter copy mode
?: List all key bindings

Default prefix (Ctrl-b) conflicts with some applications. Scrolling requires copy mode. Some terminal features may not work identically. Nested tmux requires different prefix handling.

tmux was created by Nicholas Marriott in 2007 as a replacement for GNU Screen with a cleaner codebase and more features. It was included in OpenBSD in 2009 and quickly became the preferred terminal multiplexer for many Unix users. The project continues active development with regular feature additions.

screen(1), byobu(1), dtach(1)