deadpixi/mtm
FreePerhaps the smallest useful terminal multiplexer in the world.
FreeFree tier
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About deadpixi/mtm
mtm (Micro Terminal Multiplexer) is a lightweight terminal multiplexer emphasizing simplicity, compatibility, size, and stability. It emulates a classic ANSI text terminal, works on virtually all terminfo/termcap-based systems without additional termcap entries, and consists of approximately 1000 lines of C code. Designed as a 'finished' product, it only receives bug fixes, translation improvements, accessibility enhancements, and OS compatibility updates. Users can split the terminal into multiple virtual terminals horizontally or vertically, navigate between them with arrow keys, and delete terminals. The default command prefix is Ctrl-G.
Key Features
Simplicity: only a few commands, no modes, no complex interface
Compatibility: emulates classic ANSI text terminal, works on terminfo/termcap systems
Small size: entire project around 1000 lines of code
Stability: considered 'finished', only bug fixes and minor improvements
Split terminal horizontally (h) or vertically (v)
Navigate between virtual terminals using arrow keys or 'o' for previous
Delete focused virtual terminal with 'w'
Open source under MIT license
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely small codebase (~1000 lines) reducing attack surface and complexity
- Stable and finished, unlikely to introduce breaking changes
- Compatible with many terminal emulators and old terminfo/termcap systems
- No modes, intuitive command prefix workflow
- Free and open source
Cons
- Limited features compared to tmux (e.g., no scrollback, no window management, no session persistence)
- Requires ncursesw with SIGWINCH support for terminal resizing
- Only basic splitting and focus navigation; no support for panes beyond initial split
- No AI capabilities or integration (as it is a terminal tool, not an AI tool)
Best For
Lightweight terminal multiplexing for resource-constrained environmentsManaging multiple terminal sessions without a full-featured multiplexer like tmux or screenEmbedded systems or old hardware where code size mattersUsers who prefer minimal, stable tools with no configuration overhead
FAQ
What is mtm?
mtm stands for Micro Terminal Multiplexer, a minimal terminal multiplexer focused on simplicity, compatibility, size, and stability.
How do I install mtm?
Installation requires ncursesw. Clone the repository, optionally edit config.def.h for keybindings, then run 'make' and optionally 'make install'. See the README for details.
What commands are available in mtm?
Commands are prefixed with the default Ctrl-G: arrow keys to focus a terminal; 'o' to focus previous; 'h'/'v' to split horizontally/vertically; 'w' to delete the focused terminal.
Is mtm still maintained?
Yes, but only with bug fixes, translation improvements, accessibility improvements, and fixes to keep it working on modern OSes. It is considered a finished product.