Tmux Documentation

Tmux is a terminal multiplexer that lets you run multiple terminal sessions inside a single window, detach from sessions, and reattach later — even after SSH disconnects.

Who This Track Is For

• Operators managing remote servers over SSH who need persistent sessions
• Developers running long-running processes, logs, and editors side by side
• DevOps engineers automating multi-pane terminal workflows and monitoring

What You Will Build

• A reliable persistent session workflow surviving SSH drops
• A custom Tmux configuration with intuitive key bindings
• Scripted multi-pane layouts for common server management tasks
• Automated session templates for application monitoring

How To Use This Track

• Follow the modules in order (1 to 11). Each lesson includes real commands and exercises.
• Start with a non-production server or a local VM to practice safely.
• Copy/adapt the config examples to your own .tmux.conf as you progress.

Learning Path

Module	Focus	Lessons
1. Introduction	Fundamentals and mental model	3
2. Sessions	Create, attach, detach, kill	3
3. Windows and Panes	Layout and splitting	3
4. Navigation and Shortcuts	Key bindings and navigation	3
5. Configuration	.tmux.conf and customization	3
6. Copy Mode	Scrollback, search, and copy/paste	2
7. Scripting and Automation	Scripted layouts and automation	3
8. Plugins	Plugin manager and ecosystem	2
9. Real-World Workflows	DevOps and server admin patterns	3
10. Troubleshooting	Root-cause debugging	2
11. Cheatsheet	Fast operational reference	3

Core Architecture

How Tmux Works

flowchart LR
  CLIENT[Terminal / SSH] -->|attach| SERVER[Tmux Server]
  SERVER --> SESSION1[Session: work]
  SERVER --> SESSION2[Session: logs]
  SESSION1 --> WIN1[Window 1: editor]
  SESSION1 --> WIN2[Window 2: shell]
  WIN1 --> PANE1[Pane: vim]
  WIN1 --> PANE2[Pane: terminal]

Detach and Reattach (SSH Safety)

sequenceDiagram
  participant DEV as Developer
  participant SSH as SSH Session
  participant TMUX as Tmux Server
  DEV->>SSH: Connect to server
  SSH->>TMUX: tmux new -s work
  TMUX-->>DEV: Session running
  DEV->>TMUX: prefix + d (detach)
  SSH-->>DEV: SSH drops / disconnects
  DEV->>SSH: Reconnect
  SSH->>TMUX: tmux attach -t work
  TMUX-->>DEV: Session restored — nothing lost

warning

Without tmux (or screen), any process running in your SSH session is killed when the connection drops.

Quick Start

first-tmux-session.sh

# 1) Install tmux
sudo apt install -y tmux         # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install -y tmux         # RHEL/Fedora

# 2) Start a named session
tmux new-session -s work

# 3) Do your work...

# 4) Detach safely (keeps everything running)
# Press: Ctrl+b, then d

# 5) Reattach when you come back
tmux attach -t work

note

The default Tmux prefix key is Ctrl+b. Every tmux command starts by pressing this prefix, then another key.

Tmux vs Alternatives

Tool	Use Case	Key Advantage
tmux	Persistent sessions, multi-pane	Scriptable, widely available
screen	Legacy persistent sessions	Simpler, older
zellij	Modern terminal workspace	TUI, built-in plugins
SSH alone	Simple one-time tasks	No setup needed

Prerequisites

• Linux shell basics (ls, cd, paths)
• SSH access to a server (or local terminal for practice)
• Basic understanding of processes and shells

Success Criteria

By the end of this track, you can:

• Start persistent sessions that survive SSH disconnects
• Split your terminal into multiple panes for simultaneous monitoring
• Write a script that launches a complete multi-pane layout automatically
• Customize Tmux with a .tmux.conf that fits your workflow

Next Step

Start with What is Tmux.