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Rijul Rajesh
Rijul Rajesh

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Split, Zoom, Detach: tmux is the Productivity Tool You’re Missing

#tmux #developer #productivity

Ever wished you could split your terminal into panes, keep sessions alive after SSH disconnects, or switch between projects lightning fast? Meet tmux. Whether you're managing servers, coding in the CLI, or just want better multitasking, tmux can massively boost your productivity.

What is tmux?

tmux (Terminal MUltipleXer) is a command-line tool that lets you:

  • Split your terminal into multiple panes
  • Run multiple windows in one terminal session
  • Keep your work running even if your SSH session dies
  • Switch between projects quickly
  • Customize keybindings and workflows

Installing tmux

On macOS:

brew install tmux
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On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install tmux
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Start with the Basics 

tmux
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You’re inside a tmux session.

Now let’s learn how to use it.

Understanding the "Prefix"

Most tmux shortcuts start with a prefix key.

Default prefix = Ctrl + b

That means when you see a shortcut like:

Ctrl + b, then c
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It means:

  1. Hold Ctrl and press b
  2. Release both
  3. Press c

Remember step 2 always, beginners often make the mistake of not releasing the buttons, like i did back when i started :)

Essential tmux Shortcuts

Here are the most useful tmux shortcuts you'll actually use.

Window Management

Shortcut What It Does
Ctrl+b c Create a new window
Ctrl+b n Next window
Ctrl+b p Previous window
Ctrl+b w List all windows
Ctrl+b & Close current window

Windows are like tabs — each has its own terminal instance.

Pane Management (splitting windows)

Shortcut What It Does
Ctrl+b " Split window horizontally
Ctrl+b % Split window vertically
Ctrl+b o Switch to next pane
Ctrl+b ; Go to last active pane
Ctrl+b x Kill the current pane
Ctrl+b z Toggle zoom (full-screen a pane)

Session Management

Sessions are like "workspaces" you can detach and reattach to.

Shortcut/Command What It Does
tmux new -s mysession Start a new named session
Ctrl+b d Detach from session
tmux ls List sessions
tmux attach -t mysession Reattach to a named session
tmux kill-session -t mysession Kill a session

This is gold when working with remote servers — disconnect safely and come back later.

Wrapping Up

tmux might feel a bit weird at first, but once you get used to it, it’s like having superpowers inside your terminal.

If you:

  • SSH into servers
  • Use the terminal for coding
  • Want to never lose your work again

…then give tmux a try.

Cheat Sheet Summary 

tmux                   # start a session
tmux new -s name       # new named session
tmux ls                # list sessions
tmux attach -t name    # reattach
Ctrl+b c               # new window
Ctrl+b n / p           # next/prev window
Ctrl+b % / "           # split vertical / horizontal
Ctrl+b o               # move between panes
Ctrl+b d               # detach session
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