A beginner’s guide to Tmux: a multitasking superpower for your terminal

Towards Data Science

by Thomas Reid

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Tmux, short for Terminal Multiplexer, is a powerful tool that allows users to manage multiple terminal sessions within a single window. This article provides an introduction to Tmux, highlighting its benefits for individuals working with command-line-based coding assistants, particularly in the fields of AI and data science. By enabling users to split their terminal into separate panes or tabs, Tmux offers a highly efficient way to multitask without opening multiple terminal windows. Whether you're running scripts, monitoring logs, or managing SSH connections, Tmux streamlines your workflow and enhances productivity. For those in AI and data science, where juggling multiple processes is common, Tmux becomes an indispensable tool. It allows users to create sessions that can be detached and reattached later, making it easy to switch between tasks without losing progress. This feature is particularly useful when working with long-running scripts or remote servers, as you can detach from a session and return to it without interrupting the process. Additionally, Tmux supports keyboard shortcuts for quick navigation and manipulation of panes, enabling seamless multitasking. Beyond its basic functionality, Tmux offers advanced features like session management, which allows users to save their current setup and restore it later. This is especially valuable for complex projects where maintaining multiple terminal sessions is necessary. Furthermore, tools like tmuxinator can be integrated with Tmux to automate session setups, further enhancing its utility. For anyone looking to optimize their workflow in AI or data science, mastering Tmux can significantly boost efficiency and reduce the need for switching between multiple applications. In a world where productivity is key, Tmux stands out as a must-have tool for developers and researchers alike. Its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a single terminal window makes it an essential addition to any command-line toolkit. By leveraging Tmux, users can focus on their work without the distractions of managing multiple windows or tabs. This tool is not just a convenience; it’s a productivity multiplier that can help you stay organized and efficient in even the most demanding projects. In conclusion, Tmux is more than just a terminal multiplexer—it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to maximize their efficiency in AI and data science. Its ability to split screens, manage sessions, and integrate with other tools makes it an indispensable asset for streamlining workflows. Whether you're debugging code, running experiments, or managing remote servers, Tmux empowers you to do more with less effort, making it a

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Originally published on Towards Data Science on 2/15/2026