Linux tmux Command

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tmux (Terminal Multiplexer) is a terminal multiplexing tool that allows you to create multiple virtual terminal sessions in a single terminal window and keep these sessions running in the background. Compared with using the terminal directly, tmux provides more powerful session management capabilities.

Core Advantages：

  • Session persistence: Even if the network disconnects, the session remains on the server
  • Multi-window/pane management: Efficiently organize multiple work environments
  • Session sharing: Multiple users can connect to the same session simultaneously

Install tmux

On most Linux distributions, tmux can be easily installed via the package manager:

Examples

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get install tmux

# CentOS/RHEL
sudo yum install tmux

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install tmux

After installation, enter thetmuxcommand to start a new session.

Basic Concepts

Session

A tmux session is an independent runtime environment that can contain multiple windows. Even if the connection is disconnected, the session continues to run in the background.

Window

Each session can contain multiple windows, similar to tabs in a browser.

Pane

Each window can be split into multiple panes, allowing you to view and operate multiple terminals simultaneously.

Common Commands and Shortcuts

All tmux operations require pressing the prefix key first (default isCtrl+b), then entering the command key.

Session Management

Command/Shortcut Description
tmux new -s <name> Create a new session named name
Ctrl+b d Detach the current session (the session continues running in the background)
tmux ls List all sessions
tmux attach -t <name> Reconnect to the specified session
Ctrl+b $ Rename the current session
Ctrl+b s Switch sessions

Window Management

Command/Shortcut Description
Ctrl+b c Create a new window
Ctrl+b & Close the current window
Ctrl+b n Switch to the next window
Ctrl+b p Switch to the previous window
Ctrl+b <number> Switch to the window with the specified number
Ctrl+b , Rename the current window

Pane Management

Command/Shortcut Description
Ctrl+b % Split the current pane vertically
Ctrl+b " Split the current pane horizontally
Ctrl+b <arrow> Move focus between panes
Ctrl+b x Close the current pane
Ctrl+b z Maximize/restore the current pane
Ctrl+b Space Switch pane layout

Configure tmux

tmux's configuration file is located at~/.tmux.conf. Here are some common configuration examples:

Examples

# Set the prefix key to Ctrl+a (easier to press than the default Ctrl+b)
unbind C-b
set -g prefix C-a
bind C-a send-prefix

# Enable mouse support (can click to switch panes/windows)
set -g mouse on

# Set the status bar color
set -g status-bg black
set -g status-fg white

# Set the pane border color
set -g pane-border-style fg=green
set -g pane-active-border-style fg=red

# Set windows to start numbering from 1 (default is 0)
set -g base-index 1
setw -g pane-base-index 1

After modifying the configuration, pressCtrl+b :then entersource-file ~/.tmux.confto reload the configuration.

Practical Tips

1. Session Recovery

Even if the server restarts, tmux sessions can be recovered:

Examples

# Install plugin
git clone https://github.com/tmux-plugins/tmux-resurrect ~/clone/path

# Add to .tmux.conf
set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tmux-resurrect'

2. Copy Mode

  • Ctrl+b [Enter copy mode
  • Use the arrow keys to move the cursor
  • Space to start selecting, Enter to copy
  • Ctrl+b ]Paste

3. Synchronized Input

Enter the same command in multiple panes simultaneously:

Examples

# Enter synchronized mode
Ctrl+b :setw synchronize-panes on

# Turn off synchronized mode
Ctrl+b :setw synchronize-panes off

4. Quickly Create a Development Environment

Examples

# Create a development session with 3 panes
tmux new -s dev -d
tmux send-keys -t dev:0 "vim" C-m
tmux split-window -h -t dev:0
tmux split-window -v -t dev:0.1
tmux attach -t dev

Common Problem Solutions

1. Cannot Use Mouse Scrolling

In.tmux.confAdd to:

set -g terminal-overrides 'xterm*:smcup@:rmcup@'

2. Colors Display Abnormally

Ensure the terminal supports 256 colors, add:

set -g default-terminal "screen-256color"

3. Shortcut Key Conflicts

If some shortcuts conflict with your other tools, you can rebind them in the configuration file.

Learning Path Suggestions

  1. First master basic session management (create, detach, reconnect)
  2. Practice basic operations of windows and panes
  3. Familiarize yourself with common shortcuts
  4. Customize the configuration according to your needs
  5. Explore advanced features and plugins

Through continuous practice, you will gradually discover how tmux can greatly improve your terminal work efficiency.

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