What is byobu?
Byobu (meaning 'folding screen' in Japanese) is a text-based window manager. It is optimized for users who want to utilize the powerful features of `tmux` or `screen` but find complex shortcut configurations or status bar setups challenging.
Key Features
- Intuitive Shortcuts: Uses function keys like F2 (new window), F3/F4 (navigation) instead of complex Ctrl combinations.
- Rich Status Bar: Displays OS version, CPU core count, memory usage, date/time, and more by default at the bottom.
- Backend Selection: Allows you to choose and run either tmux or screen as the backend engine through settings.
Main Commands (Shell)
Commands to run byobu or change its settings in the terminal.
1. Execution and Session Management
2. Configuration and Utilities
3. Help/Version
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Main Keybindings (Function Keys)
One of Byobu's biggest advantages is its use of **Function Keys**. Use these keybindings once Byobu is running.
Window and Session Control
- F2: Create a new window
- F3 / F4: Navigate to previous / next window
- F6: Detach from session. The process continues to run in the background, and you return to the shell.
- F8: Rename current window
- F9: Open Byobu configuration menu (status bar settings, help, etc.)
Pane Splitting and Scrolling
- Shift + F2: Split screen horizontally
- Ctrl + F2: Split screen vertically
- Shift + [Arrow Keys]: Move focus between split panes
- F7: Enter scrollback mode (scroll up, exit with Enter)
Usage Scenario Examples
Typical workflow for using Byobu in a professional environment.
Start a Session
byobuThe most basic way to start Byobu. If a previous session exists, it will be restored; otherwise, a new one will be created.
Create a Session with a Name
byobu new -s my-serverUseful when you want to distinguish sessions by project.
Set Byobu to Auto-start on Login
byobu-enableConfigures byobu to automatically start every time you connect to the server via SSH. (Warning: highly convenient)
Installation
Byobu can be easily installed via package managers on most Linux distributions.
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y byobuIt is often pre-installed on Ubuntu Server.
RHEL/CentOS/Fedora
sudo dnf install -y byobuThe EPEL repository may be required.
macOS (Homebrew)
brew install byobuMac users can also install it.
Tips & Caveats
Useful Tips
- Utilize the F9 Menu: While running, pressing `F9` allows you to easily change status bar colors, select information to display (battery, network, etc.), and access various settings with a mouse or keyboard.
- Mouse Support: You can enable mouse click mode through the F9 > 'Toggle status notifications' menu, among others.
- When F-keys don't work: On some terminal programs or Macs, F-keys might be mapped to system shortcuts. In such cases, you may need to press them with the `Fn` key, like `Fn + F2`, or change your terminal settings.