Tmux: The Terminal Multiplexer That Changed My Development Workflow

6 min read

In the world of development, efficiency is everything. As developers, we're constantly looking for tools that streamline our workflow and help us be more productive. One such tool that has revolutionized how I interact with the terminal is tmux.


What is Tmux?

First off, what's tmux? It's a terminal multiplexer, which is just a fancy way of saying "it lets you run multiple terminal sessions inside a single window." Think of it as having multiple terminal tabs, but with far more flexibility and power. You can split your terminal into panes, create multiple windows, and even detach from sessions and reattach to them later.


My Personalized Tmux Configuration

Over time, I've tailored my tmux configuration to match my workflow perfectly. Here's a breakdown of my setup and how it enhances my productivity:


Terminal Settings and Prefix Key

set -g default-terminal 'xterm-256color'
set -ag terminal-overrides ',xterm-256color:RGB'

# Remap prefix from 'C-b' to 'C-s' (more ergonomic)
unbind C-b
set-option -g prefix C-s
bind-key C-s send-prefix

I've changed the default prefix from Ctrl+b to Ctrl+s, which I find more comfortable for frequent use (I also remapped Caps Lock on my keyboard to be Ctrl). I've also set up proper color support for my terminal, ensuring that my color schemes render correctly.


Window and Pane Management

unbind %
bind | split-window -h

unbind '"'
bind - split-window -v

# Resize panes
bind -r j resize-pane -D 5
bind -r k resize-pane -U 5
bind -r l resize-pane -R 5
bind -r h resize-pane -L 5

bind -r m resize-pane -Z

# Start window numbering at 1
set -g base-index 1

# Start pane numbering at 1
set -g pane-base-index 1

# Renumber all windows when any window is closed
set -g renumber-windows on

I've remapped the window splitting commands to more intuitive keys: | for vertical splits and - for horizontal splits. I've also set up vi-like keybindings for resizing panes with h, j, k, and l keys. The m key toggles the zoom state of a pane, allowing me to focus on one task when needed.


Windows and panes are numbered starting from 1 instead of 0, which is more natural for keyboard navigation. Additionally, windows are automatically renumbered when one is closed, keeping my workflow organized.


Utility Features

unbind r
bind r source-file ~/.tmux.conf

# URL Launcher
bind u run-shell -b "tmux capture-pane -J -p | grep -oE '(https?):\/\/[-A-Za-z0-9+&@#/%?=~_|!:,.;]*[-A-Za-z0-9+&@#/%=~_|]' | fzf-tmux -d20 --multi --bind alt-a:select-all,alt-d:deselect-all | xargs open"

# Enable mouse
set -g mouse on

The r key allows me to reload my tmux configuration without restarting tmux. One of my favorite customizations is the URL launcher, which extracts all URLs from the current pane and lets me open them with fzf, a fuzzy finder. Mouse support is enabled for those times when I prefer to click rather than use keyboard shortcuts.


Plugins and Themes

# List of plugins
set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tpm'
set -g @plugin 'christoomey/vim-tmux-navigator'
set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tmux-resurrect'
set -g @plugin 'catppuccin/tmux#v2.1.2'
set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tmux-cpu'

# Change tmux-resurrect bindings
set -g @resurrect-save 'S'
set -g @resurrect-restore 'R'

Tmux Plugin Manager (tpm) allows me to extend tmux's functionality with plugins:

  • vim-tmux-navigator: Seamlessly navigate between vim and tmux panes
  • tmux-resurrect: Save and restore tmux sessions, even after rebooting
  • catppuccin/tmux: A modern, elegant theme for tmux
  • tmux-cpu: Display CPU usage in the status bar

I've customized the tmux-resurrect bindings to S for saving and R for restoring sessions.


Status Bar Customization

# Position status at the top of window
set -g status-position top

set -g @catppuccin_window_status_style "rounded"

set -g status-left ""
set -g status-right "#{E:@catppuccin_status_application}"
set -ag status-right "#{E:@catppuccin_status_session}"
set -agF status-right "#{E:@catppuccin_status_cpu}"
set -ag status-right "#{E:@catppuccin_status_uptime}"

set -g @catppuccin_window_default_text " #W"
set -g @catppuccin_window_text " #W"
set -g @catppuccin_window_current_text " #W"

# Makes powerline background transparent
set -g status-style bg=default

I've placed my status bar at the top of the window, which I find less distracting. The status bar has a minimal left side with nothing displayed, while the right side shows the application name, session name, CPU usage, and uptime. I've chosen rounded window status indicators and customized the window text format. The status bar background is transparent, giving it a clean, integrated look.


Why This Setup Works for Me

This tmux configuration has significantly improved my development workflow in several ways:

  • Efficient space utilization: I can have multiple terminals in one view, reducing the need to switch between windows constantly.
  • Seamless vim integration: With vim-tmux-navigator, I move between vim and tmux panes using the same keystrokes
  • Session persistence: I can detach from a session while leaving processes running, and reattach later from anywhere.
  • Customized for TypeScript development: While coding in TypeScript, I typically have the compiler running in one pane, tests in another, and the application server in a third, giving me immediate feedback.

Getting Started with Tmux

If you're new to tmux, start with the basics:

# Install tmux
# On Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install tmux

# On macOS:
brew install tmux

# Start a new session
tmux

# Using the prefix key (Ctrl+s in my case, default is Ctrl+b)
# Create a new window: prefix + c
# Split vertically: prefix + |
# Split horizontally: prefix + -
# Move between panes: prefix + arrow keys
# Detach: prefix + d
# Reattach: tmux attach

Conclusion

Tmux has transformed how I work in the terminal. The ability to maintain multiple sessions, split windows into panes, and customize every aspect of my environment has made me significantly more productive. My particular configuration focuses on ergonomics, visual clarity, and workflow efficiency.


Whether you're writing TypeScript, managing servers, or just heavily using the terminal, tmux is worth the initial learning curve. Start with a basic setup, gradually add customizations that suit your workflow, and watch your productivity soar.


Keep your sessions alive and happy multiplexing, nerds!