Shpool

What Shpool is

Shpool is free, open-source software for keeping named shell sessions available when a connection drops. It is aimed at people who want persistent shells without terminal multiplexing features such as window splitting or tiling, and it preserves native terminal scrollback and copy-paste behavior. To reconnect, use `shpool attach` with an existing session name; Shpool redraws the terminal state. Its command-line interface can list, detach, and kill sessions, and the `--ttl` flag sets a session lifetime. For SSH workflows, install Shpool on the remote host; the client needs no extra software. The project supports Linux and macOS, and its README documents installation through Cargo from crates.io and through Homebrew on macOS. It also documents SSH configuration and shell-function patterns for automatic session attachment. Variables can be used in session names and attach options, so changing a variable can switch a terminal to a newly named session. Automatic session-name prompt prefixes are supported for bash, zsh, and fish. The project is licensed under Apache-2.0. A particular session can have only one connected client at a time; Shpool does not provide session synchronization, collaboration features, or custom pane layouts.

Who it suits

Shpool suits Linux and macOS users who want named shell sessions to persist across dropped connections without adding split windows or tiled panes. It is also suited to SSH workflows where the tool can be installed on the remote host and accessed from an otherwise unmodified client.

Limits

Only one client can be connected to a particular session at a time. Shpool has no session synchronization, collaboration features, or custom pane layouts.

Getting started

1. Visit https://github.com/shell-pool/shpool.
2. Install on Linux or macOS using Cargo from crates.io, or use Homebrew on macOS.
3. For SSH use, install Shpool on the remote host.
4. Create or attach to a named session with the Shpool command-line interface.
5. Reconnect to a named session with `shpool attach`.
6. Optionally configure SSH or shell functions for automatic attachment.

Verdict

Pick Shpool if your priority is reconnecting to named shell sessions while keeping native terminal behavior and avoiding a multiplexer. Look elsewhere if multiple clients need to share one session or you need collaboration or custom pane layouts.