Running Code on a Server with tmux

When working on a server, you may want to run code that continues executing even after you disconnect. tmux is a powerful terminal multiplexer that allows you to do just that. This tutorial will guide you through using tmux to run your code, detach, and check back later.

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Step 1: Start a New tmux Session

1. Connect to Your Server Log in to your server via SSH:ssh user@your-server-address
2. Start a tmux Session Start a new tmux session with a specific name:tmux new -s mysessionReplace mysession with a descriptive name for your session.

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Step 2: Run Your Code

Inside the tmux session, navigate to the directory containing your code and run your script as usual. For example:

python my_script.py

For a Julia module, you can start the Julia REPL and include your script:

julia

Then, run your module or script inside the Julia REPL, e.g.:

include("my_script.jl")

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Step 3: Detach from the tmux Session

To leave the tmux session without stopping your script:

1. Press Ctrl+b, then d. This detaches the session but keeps it running in the background.
2. You’ll see a message like this:[detached from session mysession]

Now, you can safely close your terminal or disconnect from the server.

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Step 4: Reattach to the tmux Session

When you reconnect to the server, you can reattach to your tmux session to check on your script:

1. List Active Sessionstmux list-sessionsExample output:mysession: 1 windows (created Thu Jan 19 10:00:00 2025) [80x24]This command shows all active tmux sessions along with their names and statuses.
2. Reattach to the Sessiontmux attach -t mysession

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Bonus: Useful tmux Commands

• Kill a Session: If you no longer need a session, you can kill it:tmux kill-session -t mysession
• Start Multiple Sessions: You can run multiple tmux sessions simultaneously by giving each a unique name when starting:tmux new -s another_session
• Switch Between Sessions: If you have multiple sessions running, you can switch between them without detaching:tmux switch -t session_name
• Split Panes: Inside a tmux session, you can split the screen into multiple panes:
  • Horizontal split: Ctrl+b, then "
  • Vertical split: Ctrl+b, then %
• Switch Panes: Use Ctrl+b followed by the arrow keys to navigate between panes.

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Why Use tmux?

• Persistent Sessions: Your processes continue to run even if you disconnect.
• Multitasking: Run multiple sessions or split panes for multitasking.
• Convenience: Reattach to sessions anytime and pick up where you left off.

tmux is an essential tool for any developer working on remote servers. With this tutorial, you’re now equipped to run your code efficiently and without interruption!