Backstage Free plan 8.6 Visit tmux
github.com
What it is
tmux is a free terminal multiplexer for creating and controlling multiple terminals from one screen. Work is arranged in sessions, which can stay running after detachment or a connection loss and be reattached later. Sessions contain windows, and windows can be divided into rectangular panes, each with its own pseudo-terminal. Multiple tmux instances can connect to a shared session. A server manages sessions while clients display them and communicate with it through a socket; the command-line interface also offers a control mode. The project lists Linux, macOS, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD and Solaris, and installation can use a release tarball, version control or binary packages where available. Building from source requires libevent 2.x, ncurses, a C compiler, make, pkg-config and a suitable yacc implementation. The repository identifies the source under the ISC license. The listed Open source plan costs nothing, with no paid tiers or usage limits stated.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- tmux is a terminal multiplexer that lets users create, access, and control multiple terminals from one screen.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Intended users
- The project describes tmux as a tool for working with multiple terminals from one screen, including sessions that can persist across SSH disconnections.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Platforms
- The project README lists OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Linux, macOS, and Solaris as supported platforms.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Support
- The project directs users to its tmux-users mailing list for general discussion and bug reports.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- License
- The repository identifies tmux source code under the ISC license.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Control mode
- The command-line interface supports a control mode for controlling tmux.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Dependencies
- Building tmux requires libevent 2.x, ncurses, a C compiler, make, pkg-config, and a suitable yacc implementation.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Installation
- Users can build and install tmux from a release tarball or from version control, and some platforms provide binary packages.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Persistent sessions
- Sessions continue running after accidental disconnection or intentional detachment and can later be reattached.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Security reporting
- The project asks users to report security issues to [email protected].Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Separate server processes
- A single server manages sessions while clients display them, and the server and clients communicate through a socket.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Shared sessions
- Multiple tmux instances can connect to the same session.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
- Windows and panes
- A session can contain multiple windows, and a window can be split into rectangular panes, each with its own pseudo-terminal.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Open source Free No paid tiers or usage limits stated Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Sessions can be reattached after disconnection.
- Windows can be split into rectangular panes.
- Multiple instances can share a session.
- Listed for Linux, macOS and BSD systems.
- Free, with no paid tiers stated.
Limits
- Building requires several development dependencies.
- Binary packages are only available on some platforms.
Who it suits
tmux suits people who need several terminal sessions organized on one screen, including users working over SSH who want sessions to persist across disconnections. It is also suited to users comfortable with terminal-based installation or building from source.
Verdict
tmux focuses on persistent, shareable terminal sessions with windows and panes. Its free listing is clear, while source builds require a defined set of dependencies.
Where Specifiction places it
- Plugins & Extensions Software#3 of 227.5
- Terminal Multiplexers#20 of 297.4
Alternatives to tmuxAll alternatives →
Backstage Free plan 8.6 Visit