tmux

Manage background processes using tmux windows without blocking the terminal.

1. Verify Environment & Check Status

Confirm tmux is running and list existing windows:

bash
1tmux list-windows

2. Spawn a Background Process

Create a new tmux window and run a command:

bash
1tmux new-window -n "my-server" -d
2tmux send-keys -t "my-server" "npm run dev" C-m

• -n "my-server" names the window for easy reference
• -d keeps it detached (runs in background)
• C-m sends Enter to execute the command

3. Inspect Output (Read Logs)

Visible screen only

bash
1tmux capture-pane -p -t "my-server"

Full scrollback history

bash
1tmux capture-pane -p -t "my-server" -S -1000

• -S -1000 captures the last 1000 lines of scrollback

4. Interact with the Process

Send Ctrl+C (interrupt)

bash
1tmux send-keys -t "my-server" C-c

Kill the window

bash
1tmux kill-window -t "my-server"

5. Advanced: Chaining Commands

Run multiple commands in sequence:

bash
1tmux new-window -n "build" -d && \
2tmux send-keys -t "build" "npm run build && npm run test" C-m

Quick Reference