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 individual plugin pages	8
9. Server Configuration & Shell Integration	Your config, aliases, and session persistence	3
10. Maintenance & Reference	Edit, reload, migrate, and maintain	1
11. Cheatsheet	Fast operational reference	3

Core Architecture

How Tmux Works

Detach and Reattach (SSH Safety)

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.