10 Must-Have tmux Plugins for Improved Productivity

tmux is a powerful command-line tool that allows users to manage multiple terminal sessions from a single screen. It is a popular tool among developers and system administrators, and its flexibility and customization options make it a valuable tool for improving productivity.

In this article, we will highlight 10 must-have tmux plugins that can help you get more out of your terminal experience and boost your productivity.

  1. tmux-resurrect: This plugin allows you to save and restore tmux sessions, so you can easily pick up where you left off without having to recreate your entire terminal setup. This can be especially useful if you are working on a project that requires multiple terminal sessions.

  2. tmux-continuum: This plugin automatically saves and restores your tmux sessions, so you can quickly resume your work after a restart or interruption. It also provides a “continuum mode” that automatically restores your last session on startup.

  3. tmux-sensible: This plugin includes a set of “sensible” default settings for tmux, such as automatically starting a new session in the current working directory and disabling the audible bell. These settings can help improve the usability and user experience of tmux.

  4. tmux-yank: This plugin allows you to easily copy and paste text within tmux sessions and between tmux and other applications. It also provides a “yank mode” that makes it easier to select and copy text within the terminal.

  5. tmux-pain-control: This plugin provides various options for customizing the behavior and appearance of tmux, such as changing the prefix key, enabling vi-style movement keys, and adjusting the color scheme.

  6. tmux-copycat: This plugin allows you to search and highlight text within tmux sessions, making it easier to find and copy specific pieces of information. It also includes a “copycat mode” that allows you to highlight and copy multiple pieces of text at once.

  7. tmux-sessionist: This plugin provides an easy way to manage and switch between multiple tmux sessions. It also allows you to easily rename sessions and create new sessions from the current window.

  8. tmux-open: This plugin provides commands for quickly opening files, URLs, and man pages within tmux sessions. It also allows you to easily open new windows and panes with predefined layouts.

  9. tmux-mem-cpu-load: This plugin displays system information, such as memory usage, CPU load, and uptime, in the status bar of tmux. This can be useful for monitoring the performance of your system while you work.

  10. tmux-sidebar: This plugin provides a customizable sidebar for tmux, which allows you to easily view and switch between tmux sessions, windows, and panes. It also allows you to quickly search for sessions and windows, and customize the appearance of the sidebar.

These 10 tmux plugins can help you get more out of your terminal experience and improve your productivity. Whether you are a developer, system administrator, or simply a command-line enthusiast, these plugins are worth considering for your tmux setup.