tmux Scripting, Formats, and Automation

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tmux commands for listing state, using format strings, conditional logic, send-keys automation, and repeatable workspace bootstrapping.

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## Listing and formats

List windows with a custom format

↗#

tmux list-windows -F "#{session_name}:#{window_index}:#{window_name}:#{window_active}"

# Print a compact machine-friendly window summary.

List panes with path and command

↗#

tmux list-panes -a -F "#{session_name}:#{window_index}.#{pane_index} #{pane_current_path} #{pane_current_command}"

# Inspect pane metadata.

Print a format string

↗#

tmux display-message -p "#{client_termname} #{session_name} #{pane_id}"

# Evaluate a format without changing the UI.

Conditionally run a command

↗#

tmux if-shell "test -f package.json" "display-message "node project""

# Branch based on shell command success.

Run an external shell command

↗#

tmux run-shell "~/.tmux/scripts/session-bootstrap.sh"

# Execute shell logic from tmux.

## Repeatable workspaces

Build a session in the background

↗#

tmux new-session -d -s api -n editor

# Create a detached session before laying out windows.

Send a command into a pane

↗#

tmux send-keys -t api:editor "npm run dev" C-m

# Programmatically run startup commands.

Focus a specific window

↗#

tmux select-window -t api:editor

# Choose the window users should see first.

Attach after setup

↗#

tmux attach-session -t api

# Open the session after all windows and panes are ready.

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