Zellij emerges as a cutting-edge, open-source terminal multiplexer, poised to revolutionize command-line workflows. Distinguishing itself from traditional tools like tmux and screen, Zellij introduces an innovative layout system, user-friendly keybindings, and a plugin architecture for extensive customization. The project's official repository, actively nurtured on GitHub, reflects a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing the terminal experience.
Key Features of Zellij
- Pane Management: Zellij allows users to divide their terminal into multiple panes and tabs, configurable both horizontally and vertically, to suit diverse workflow needs.
- Session Persistence: A notable advantage of Zellij is its session persistence, safeguarding work by automatically restoring sessions even after accidental terminal closures.
- Customizable Layouts: It provides a range of pre-designed layouts for quick workspace configuration, alongside the flexibility to create and save custom layouts.
- Plugin Support: Zellij's functionality can be significantly extended through plugins, enabling users to add bespoke features tailored to their specific requirements.
- Mouse Support: Unlike some keyboard-centric multiplexers, Zellij integrates mouse interactions, offering a more intuitive user experience.
- Status Bar: A built-in status bar at the screen's bottom provides real-time information, including system time, battery status, and session names, for at-a-glance monitoring.
Installing Zellij on Linux
Zellij's installation across various Linux distributions is streamlined through system package managers. Below are the commands for common distributions:
# On Debian, Ubuntu and Mint
sudo apt install zellij
# On RHEL/CentOS/Fedora and Rocky/AlmaLinux
sudo dnf install zellij
# On Gentoo Linux
sudo emerge -a sys-apps/zellij
# On Alpine Linux
sudo apk add zellij
# On Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S zellij
# On OpenSUSE
sudo zypper install zellij
# On FreeBSD
sudo pkg install zellij
For distributions without package availability, pre-built binaries from the $PATH
.
wget https://github.com/zellij-org/zellij/releases/download/v0.41.2/zellij-x86_64-unknown-linux-musl.tar.gz
tar -xvf zellij-x86_64-unknown-linux-musl.tar.gz
chmod +x zellij
sudo mv zellij /usr/local/bin/
Alternatively, users with Rust installed can compile and install Zellij using Cargo:
cargo install zellij
For a quick trial without installation, Zellij offers launch commands for different shells:
# For bash/zsh
bash <(curl -L https://zellij.dev/launch)
# For fish
bash (curl -L https://zellij.dev/launch | psub)
Getting Started with Zellij
Initiate Zellij by typing zellij
in your terminal. Upon first launch, a setup wizard guides users to choose between keybinding modes. For newcomers, the 'Default Mode' is recommended for its straightforward keybindings.
Basic Zellij Commands
- Split Panes:
- Horizontal split:
Ctrl + o
then-
- Vertical split:
Ctrl + o
then|
- Horizontal split:
- Switch Panes:
Ctrl + o
+Arrow keys
(←
,→
,↑
,↓
) - Resize Panes:
Ctrl + o
+Shift + Arrow keys
- Close Pane:
Ctrl + o
thenx
- Create New Tab:
Ctrl + o
thenn
- Switch Tabs:
Ctrl + o
thenTab
Working with Layouts
Zellij's layout feature allows users to load predefined workspace configurations using the command mode:
layout my_layout
Custom layouts can be defined by editing .kdl
files, Zellij's human-readable configuration format.
Managing Sessions
Session management in Zellij mirrors other multiplexers, enabling users to handle multiple terminal sessions.
List active sessions:
zellij list-sessions
Attach to a specific session:
zellij attach session_name
Customizing Zellij
Extensive customization is available through Zellij's configuration file, typically located at ~/.config/zellij/config.kdl
. This file allows modifications to keybindings, default layouts, and plugin configurations.
Example: Changing the prefix keybinding to Ctrl + b
:
keybind {
prefix "Ctrl-b"
}
Plugins and Extensions
Zellij's plugin system enhances its capabilities, with plugins written in any language interacting via Zellij's API. Popular plugins include:
- Status Bar: For displaying system metrics.
- File Picker: For in-terminal file Browse and opening.
- Tab Management: For improved tab navigation.
Plugins are installed by placing script files in ~/.config/zellij/plugins
and referencing them in the configuration file.
Conclusion
Zellij stands out as a robust and intuitive terminal multiplexer, offering a modern approach to terminal session management. Its adaptable layouts, learnable keybindings, and extensible plugin system make it a compelling choice for Linux users seeking to enhance their command-line efficiency. Whether for development or general command-line tasks, Zellij provides valuable tools to boost productivity.
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