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mtm

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What mtm is

mtm, the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, divides one terminal into multiple virtual terminals while keeping one focused at a time. Arrow keys move focus, and `o` returns to the previously focused terminal. The `h` and `v` commands split the focused terminal horizontally or vertically; PgUp, PgDown, and End provide scrolling and recentering controls. mtm emulates a classic ANSI text terminal and is designed for terminfo or termcap systems without requiring a new termcap entry. The project describes it as small, simple, compatible, and stable, with few commands and no modes. It is free GPL version 3 software, or later at the user’s option, for Linux, macOS, and Unix-like command-line environments. Building requires ncursesw. Keybindings and compile-time flags can be changed through `config.def.h`, and optional terminfo entries are provided.

Who it suits

mtm suits Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like command-line users who want several terminal views in one session. It is aimed at people who prefer a small multiplexer with few commands and configurable compile-time keybindings.

What it does well

  • Splits terminals horizontally or vertically
  • Arrow-key focus navigation
  • ANSI terminal and terminfo compatibility
  • Free GPLv3-or-later software
  • Configurable compile-time keybindings

What to know first

  • Build requires ncursesw
  • Terminal resizing needs specific ncursesw support
  • No free trial distinction; software is free
  • 256-color mode cannot exceed host colors

Verdict

mtm provides a compact way to manage multiple virtual terminals with straightforward controls. Its ncursesw build requirement and limited color behavior are important considerations for setup and display compatibility.

Facts from mtm's own pages

Build requirement
Building mtm requires ncursesw; other curses implementations might work but have not been tested. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Compatibility
mtm emulates a classic ANSI text terminal and is designed to work with terminfo/termcap-based systems without requiring a new termcap entry. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Configuration
Users can change default keybindings and compile-time flags by copying config.def.h to config.h and editing it. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Design
The project describes mtm as simple, compatible, small, and stable, with around 1000 lines of code. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Function
It lets users split a terminal into multiple virtual terminals, with one focused at a time. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Keybindings
Its default command prefix is Ctrl-G, and keybindings can be changed at compile time. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
License
mtm is free software under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Limit
The `mtm-256color` terminal type cannot display more colors than the host terminal supports. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Maintainer
The README credits copyright to Rob King for 2016–2019. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Maker
The repository credits Rob King with the 2016–2019 copyright and says he posts mtm updates on Twitter. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Navigation
Arrow keys move focus among virtual terminals, and `o` returns to the previously focused terminal. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Platform
The repository includes a Darwin Makefile and describes fixes to keep mtm working on modern operating systems as a possible change. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Product
mtm is the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, a terminal multiplexer. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Release
The latest listed release is 1.2.1, dated October 8, 2021. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Requirements
Building mtm requires ncursesw; terminal resizing requires ncursesw compiled with its internal SIGWINCH handler. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Scrolling
PgUp, PgDown, and End scroll the screen or recenter it on the actual terminal. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Security and warranty
The project states that the software is distributed without warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Simplicity
The project describes itself as having few commands and no modes. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Splitting
The `h` and `v` commands split the focused virtual terminal horizontally or vertically. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Support and updates
The README says the only anticipated changes are bug fixes, translation improvements, accessibility improvements, and fixes for modern OS compatibility. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Terminal splits
It lets users split a terminal into multiple virtual terminals and move focus among them. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Terminal types
The project includes optional terminfo entries named `mtm`, `mtm-256color`, and `mtm-noutf`. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026

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