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What are Terminal Multiplexers?

Terminal multiplexers (also known as window managers) are powerful tools that allow you to run multiple terminal sessions within a single window. They enable you to:
  • Split your terminal into multiple panes horizontally and vertically
  • Create and switch between multiple tabs/windows
  • Detach and reattach sessions (persist work across disconnections)
  • Share sessions between different terminal windows
  • Customize layouts and workflows
Gentleman.Dots includes configurations for two popular multiplexers: Tmux and Zellij.

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Tmux vs Zellij

Tmux

The classic, battle-tested terminal multiplexer with extensive plugin ecosystem

Zellij

Modern Rust-based multiplexer with intuitive UI and modal keybindings

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Feature Comparison

FeatureTmuxZellij
LanguageCRust
PerformanceExcellentExcellent
Learning CurveModerateGentle
Plugin SystemMature (TPM)Growing
UI/UXTraditionalModern
KeybindingsPrefix-basedModal
Session ManagementManualAuto-serialization
LayoutsManual/PluginsBuilt-in
Theme SupportPlugin-basedBuilt-in
StabilityVery StableStable

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When to Choose Tmux

Choose Tmux if you:
  • Prefer traditional Unix-style tools
  • Need extensive plugin ecosystem (tmux-resurrect, tmux-continuum, etc.)
  • Work on servers where installing Rust binaries is difficult
  • Have existing Tmux muscle memory
  • Want maximum community support and resources

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When to Choose Zellij

Choose Zellij if you:
  • Want a modern, intuitive interface out of the box
  • Prefer modal keybindings (similar to Vim)
  • Like built-in session persistence without plugins
  • Appreciate visual feedback and discoverable features
  • Want WebAssembly plugin support for the future

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Gentleman.Dots Configuration Highlights

Both multiplexer configurations in Gentleman.Dots share these philosophies:

Vim-Style Navigation

hjkl keybindings for pane navigation

Beautiful Themes

Kanagawa theme integration across both tools

Mouse Support

Click to select panes and resize

Clipboard Integration

Seamless copy/paste with system clipboard

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Installation

brew install tmux
git clone https://github.com/tmux-plugins/tpm ~/.tmux/plugins/tpm
mkdir -p ~/.tmux
cp -r GentlemanTmux/.tmux/* ~/.tmux/
cp GentlemanTmux/.tmux.conf ~/
tmux new-session -d -s plugin-installation 'source ~/.tmux.conf; tmux run-shell ~/.tmux/plugins/tpm/bin/install_plugins'
tmux kill-session -t plugin-installation
The automatic installation script handles both multiplexers. You can choose which one to use during the installation process.

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Switching Between Multiplexers

Gentleman.Dots makes it easy to switch between Tmux and Zellij. The shell configurations (Zsh, Fish, Nushell) support both multiplexers.
1

Update Shell Configuration

Modify your shell’s configuration file to use the desired multiplexer:For Zsh: Edit ~/.zshrc and update WM_CMD variableFor Fish: Edit ~/.config/fish/config.fishFor Nushell: Edit the MULTIPLEXER variable in your config
2

Reload Shell

Close and reopen your terminal or source your configuration file
3

Verify

The new multiplexer should auto-start on terminal launch

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Next Steps

Explore the detailed configuration guides:

Tmux Configuration

Learn about Tmux plugins, keybindings, and customizations

Zellij Configuration

Discover Zellij modes, layouts, and themes

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