running-interactive-commands-with-tmux

name	running-interactive-commands-with-tmux
description	Controls interactive CLI tools (vim, git rebase -i, REPLs) through tmux detached sessions and send-keys. Use when running tools requiring terminal interaction, programmatic editor control, or orchestrating Claude Code sessions. Triggers include "interactive command", "vim", "REPL", "tmux", or "git rebase -i".

Using tmux for Interactive Commands

Overview

Interactive CLI tools (vim, interactive git rebase, REPLs, etc.) cannot be controlled through standard bash because they require a real terminal. tmux provides detached sessions that can be controlled programmatically via send-keys and capture-pane.

When to Use

Use tmux when:

• Running vim, nano, or other text editors programmatically
• Controlling interactive REPLs (Python, Node, etc.)
• Handling interactive git commands (git rebase -i, git add -p)
• Working with full-screen terminal apps (htop, etc.)
• Commands that require terminal control codes or readline

Don't use for:

• Simple non-interactive commands (use regular Bash tool)
• Commands that accept input via stdin redirection
• One-shot commands that don't need interaction

Quick Reference

Task	Command
Start session	tmux new-session -d -s <name> <command>
Send input	tmux send-keys -t <name> 'text' Enter
Capture output	tmux capture-pane -t <name> -p
Stop session