Tmux Configuration

Configuration Overview

This dotfiles suite includes a minimal but powerful tmux configuration designed for productivity and consistency across platforms.

🎯 Prefix Key

Changed from default Ctrl-b to Ctrl-t for better ergonomics and to avoid conflicts with other applications.

🔢 Window Numbering

Starts window numbering at 1 instead of 0, making it more intuitive for keyboard navigation.

🎨 True Color Support

Configured for xterm-256color terminal support, enabling proper color rendering in modern terminal emulators.

Configuration File

The tmux configuration is located in ~/.tmux.conf and contains the following settings:

# Unbind default prefix
unbind C-b

# Set new prefix to Ctrl-t
set-option -g prefix C-t
bind-key C-t send-prefix

# Start window numbering at 1 (more intuitive)
set -g base-index 1

# Enable true color support
set -g default-terminal "xterm-256color"

Usage Examples

Basic Session Management

# Create new session
tmux new -s mysession

# Attach to existing session
tmux attach -t mysession

# List all sessions
tmux ls

# Kill session
tmux kill-session -t mysession

Window Management

Ctrl-t c     # Create new window
Ctrl-t ,     # Rename current window
Ctrl-t &     # Close current window
Ctrl-t 1-9   # Switch to window by number
Ctrl-t n     # Next window
Ctrl-t p     # Previous window

Pane Management

Ctrl-t "     # Split horizontally
Ctrl-t %     # Split vertically
Ctrl-t arrow keys  # Navigate between panes
Ctrl-t x     # Close current pane
Ctrl-t z     # Toggle zoom current pane

Why This Configuration?

Cross-platform consistency: Works identically on macOS and Linux
Minimal setup: Only essential features configured for simplicity
Ergonomic keybindings: Ctrl-t is easier to reach than Ctrl-b
Modern terminal support: True color support for better visual experience
Developer friendly: Window numbering from 1 matches muscle memory

Integration with Dotfiles

The tmux configuration is automatically symlinked to your home directory when you run:

$ ./setup.bash

This ensures your tmux setup is consistent across all machines where you use these dotfiles.