Zellij

Zellij is a terminal workspace and multiplexer that helps developers organize their command-line environment. It allows you to split your terminal window into multiple panes, organize those panes into tabs, and manage everything within a single session. This replaces the need to juggle multiple terminal windows or rely on basic terminal splitting features. You can run different commands in each pane, monitor processes, and keep your development environment neatly arranged.

The tool works by providing a workspace layer on top of your existing terminal. It includes a layout system that lets you predefine pane arrangements for specific projects, so you can start working with your ideal setup immediately. Zellij also features a plugin system for adding custom functionality, and it maintains session persistence—meaning your workspace layout and running processes can be saved and restored even after closing the terminal. It supports mouse interactions for resizing panes and includes various keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation.

Zellij is particularly useful for developers who work with multiple services simultaneously, system administrators managing servers, and anyone who spends significant time in the terminal. It helps organize complex workflows where you might need a database console, code editor, file browser, and server logs all visible at once. The session persistence feature is valuable for project-based work, allowing you to pick up right where you left off without manually reopening all your terminal windows and commands.