The latest articles on DEV Community by jian xu (@jian_xu_607a1d700c0b997a2). https://dev.to/jian_xu_607a1d700c0b997a2 https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4193320%2Ff0ed6ef2-3787-41a8-86b6-e9e205b21db4.png https://dev.to/jian_xu_607a1d700c0b997a2 en jian xu Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:33:56 +0000 https://dev.to/jian_xu_607a1d700c0b997a2/xtty-opening-a-second-ssh-shell-without-repeating-the-setup-4c2c https://dev.to/jian_xu_607a1d700c0b997a2/xtty-opening-a-second-ssh-shell-without-repeating-the-setup-4c2c <p><strong>Spend your time on the work, not the terminal.</strong></p> <p>I'm the developer of xtty, a native macOS terminal for everyday shell, SSH and coding-agent work. The goal is to reduce repeated setup and switching between sessions, so you can stay focused on the work you opened the terminal to do.</p> <h2> Everyday workflows, in one terminal </h2> <ul> <li> <strong>Connect to servers:</strong> open several saved SSH hosts together, including configured jump-host routes.</li> <li> <strong>Handle repeated password prompts:</strong> use configured matching rules and saved credentials for automatic filling.</li> <li> <strong>Open another remote shell:</strong> Duplicate Tab starts a fresh, independent SSH connection to the same server and restores the remote working directory.</li> <li> <strong>Move files:</strong> transfer files with sz/rz using native macOS file dialogs.</li> <li> <strong>Work across sessions:</strong> arrange tabs and split panes, broadcast input to selected panes, and see coding-agent status indicators.</li> </ul> <p>These features share one purpose: spend less time recreating the working environment and more time using it.</p> <h2> Watch the actual UI </h2> <p>The walkthrough shows the real app with fictional servers and terminal data:</p> <p> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rkQMSY82Ow8" width="710" height="399"> </iframe> </p> <h2> A concrete example: opening a second SSH shell </h2> <p>Suppose a command is running on a server and you want a separate shell in the same project directory. Duplicate Tab opens another connection and restores that directory, while the original shell stays separate.</p> <p>It does not clone running processes or preserve a session across disconnections. For persistent remote sessions, tools such as tmux address a different need. With broadcast input, check the selected destinations before entering commands.</p> <h2> Availability and tradeoffs </h2> <p>xtty is proprietary and macOS-only, with Apple Silicon and Intel downloads. There is a Free edition, a seven-day Pro trial, and an optional US$29.90 one-time Pro purchase. No subscription.</p> <p>iTerm2 remains a mature, free, open-source choice. xtty focuses on making everyday connection, session and file-transfer workflows accessible directly in the UI.</p> <p><a href="https://xtty.sh/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Website and downloads</a></p> <p>Which repeated step in your terminal workflow would you most like to remove?</p> showdev devops terminal ssh