# Improve tmux with a simple bash function

Are you tired of juggling multiple terminal windows and tabs just to keep your work organized? Enter `tmux`, a powerful terminal multiplexer that can revolutionize the way you work in the command line.

To make the most of `tmux`, consider integrating it into your workflow with a simple yet effective script like the one below:

```bash
# file -> .zshrc
function tnew() {
    local parent_name="$(basename "$(dirname "$(pwd)")"| tr -d "[:space:]-")"
    local current_name="$(basename "$(pwd)" | tr -d "[:space:]-")"
    local session_name="${parent_name}_${current_name}"

    if tmux has-session -t "$session_name" 2>/dev/null; then
        tmux attach-session -t "$session_name"
    else
        tmux new-session -s "$session_name"
    fi
}

alias tm='tnew'
```

Let’s break down what this script does:

* It defines a function `tnew()` which creates a new `tmux` session based on the current directory name. This ensures that each project or task you’re working on gets its own dedicated `tmux` session.
    
* The session\_name is constructed using the names of the parent and current directories, removing any spaces or hyphens. This helps maintain a clean and consistent naming convention for your `tmux` sessions.
    
* If a session with the same name already exists, the script attaches to it. Otherwise, it creates a new session.
    

To use this script, simply add it to your shell configuration file (e.g., `.bashrc`, `.zshrc`) and reload your shell. Now, instead of manually managing `tmux` sessions, you can simply type `tm` in your terminal to create or attach to a session based on your current directory.

With this streamlined workflow, you can say goodbye to terminal clutter and focus on what really matters – getting things done. Give it a try and experience the power of `tmux` sessions firsthand!

---

**Original post**: [improve-tmux-with-bash-function](https://hyperoot.dev/posts/improve-tmux-with-bash-function/) on [**hyperoot.dev**](https://hyperoot.dev/).

---

Connect with me on social media:

* [**LinkedIn**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajesh-kumar-das/)
    
* [**Mastadon**](https://mastodon.social/@hyp3r00t)
    

Got feedback or questions? Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me on my [**personal site**](https://hyperoot.dev/). Your thoughts are valuable!