mtm
mtm, the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, is free software for Unix-like command-line environments, with Linux and macOS listed.
What mtm is
mtm, the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, is free software for Unix-like command-line environments, with Linux and macOS listed. It divides one terminal into multiple virtual terminals and keeps one focused at a time. Arrow keys move focus, while `o` returns to the previously focused terminal. The `h` and `v` commands split the focused terminal horizontally or vertically; PgUp and PgDown scroll, and End recenters the view. mtm emulates a classic ANSI text terminal for terminfo- and termcap-based systems without requiring a new termcap entry. The project describes it as small and simple, with few commands and no modes. Building requires ncursesw. Default keybindings and compile-time flags can be changed by editing `config.def.h`. It is licensed under GPL version 3 or any later version.
Good
- Free under GPL version 3 or later
- Splits terminals horizontally or vertically
- Uses few commands and no modes
- Supports terminfo and termcap systems
- Keybindings can be changed at compile time
Watch out
- Building requires ncursesw
- Terminal resizing needs specific ncursesw support
- 256-color output depends on host terminal
- No free trial is listed
Who it suits
mtm suits command-line users on Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like environments who want a small terminal multiplexer with configurable keybindings.
Verdict
mtm offers focused terminal splitting with a small command set and configurable bindings. It is most suitable for users comfortable building command-line software and meeting its ncursesw requirements.
The facts
Each one read from mtm's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build requirement
- Building mtm requires ncursesw; other curses implementations might work but have not been tested.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Compatibility
- mtm emulates a classic ANSI text terminal and is designed to work with terminfo/termcap-based systems without requiring a new termcap entry.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Configuration
- Users can change default keybindings and compile-time flags by copying config.def.h to config.h and editing it.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Design
- The project describes mtm as simple, compatible, small, and stable, with around 1000 lines of code.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Function
- It lets users split a terminal into multiple virtual terminals, with one focused at a time.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Keybindings
- Its default command prefix is Ctrl-G, and keybindings can be changed at compile time.checked 9 Oct 2001
- License
- mtm is free software under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Limit
- The `mtm-256color` terminal type cannot display more colors than the host terminal supports.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Maintainer
- The README credits copyright to Rob King for 2016–2019.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Navigation
- Arrow keys move focus among virtual terminals, and `o` returns to the previously focused terminal.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Product
- mtm is the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, a terminal multiplexer.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Release
- The latest listed release is 1.2.1, dated October 8, 2021.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Requirements
- Building mtm requires ncursesw; terminal resizing requires ncursesw compiled with its internal SIGWINCH handler.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Scrolling
- PgUp, PgDown, and End scroll the screen or recenter it on the actual terminal.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Security and warranty
- The project states that the software is distributed without warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Simplicity
- The project describes itself as having few commands and no modes.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Splitting
- The `h` and `v` commands split the focused virtual terminal horizontally or vertically.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Stability
- The project describes mtm as finished and says future changes are limited to bug fixes, translation and accessibility improvements, and compatibility fixes for modern operating systems.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Support and updates
- The README says the only anticipated changes are bug fixes, translation improvements, accessibility improvements, and fixes for modern OS compatibility.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Terminal compatibility
- mtm emulates a classic ANSI text terminal and is designed to work with terminfo/termcap-based systems without requiring a new termcap entry.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Terminal splits
- It lets users split a terminal into multiple virtual terminals and move focus among them.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Terminal types
- The project includes optional terminfo entries named `mtm`, `mtm-256color`, and `mtm-noutf`.checked 4 Oct 2001
The company
- Maker
- The repository credits Rob King with the 2016–2019 copyright and says he posts mtm updates on Twitter.checked 9 Oct 2001
Where it runs
- Platform
- The repository includes a Darwin Makefile and describes fixes to keep mtm working on modern operating systems as a possible change.checked 9 Oct 2001
