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Asked: 2024-09-25T18:43:12+05:30 In:

What are the steps to compile and install tmux from the source code on an Ubuntu system?

I’ve been trying to get tmux running on my Ubuntu machine, and honestly, the whole process of compiling and installing it from source is a bit overwhelming for me. I’ve looked up quite a bit of information, but it’s a jumble of steps, and I can’t quite wrap my head around it.

So, I was wondering if anyone could break it down for me in a more straightforward way? I mean, I get that tmux is this awesome terminal multiplexer that can make life easier when you’re juggling multiple terminal sessions, but every guide I see assumes I know a ton about compiling software and dealing with dependencies. I don’t want to mess up my setup.

First off, where do I even start? Should I download the source code from the official tmux GitHub repository or find a specific version? I’ve seen there are options like cloning the repo with git, but is that the right choice for beginners? Also, how do I know what version to choose?

Then, assuming I’ve got the source code downloaded, what’s next? I’ve heard I need to install some packages and libraries before I can even compile it. What should I be on the lookout for? Should I be using `apt-get` or something else?

Once the required packages are in place, what do I do to actually compile it? I’ve gathered that I need to run some commands in the terminal, but could someone outline exactly what commands I should use? And after compiling, how do I install it correctly? Is it as simple as just running `make install` or is there more to it?

Finally, what do I do if everything goes wrong? I mean, let’s be real—I’m expecting there to be at least a few hiccups. Are there any common pitfalls or errors I should be aware of that might trip me up?

Any guidance would be super appreciated! Just trying to get tmux set up so I can be more productive in my terminal without losing my mind. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers


    1. Getting Started with tmux on Ubuntu

      Step 1: Install tmux from Package Manager (Easiest Option)

      Before diving into compiling from source, there’s a super easy way to install tmux using the package manager. You can do this in just a few commands!

          sudo apt update
    sudo apt install tmux

      This method automatically handles all dependencies for you. If you just want to use tmux without the hassle, go for this!

      Step 2: If You Really Want to Compile from Source

      If you still want to compile from source, here’s a simpler way to do it:

      1. Get the Source Code

      You can download the latest release from the tmux GitHub Releases Page. For beginners, downloading the `.tar.gz` file is easiest.

      2. Install Required Dependencies

      Before compiling, you need some libraries and compilers. Run the following command:

          sudo apt install automake pkg-config libevent-dev libncurses5-dev

      3. Compile tmux

      Unzip the tarball you downloaded:

          tar -xzf tmux-x.y.tar.gz
    cd tmux-x.y

      Then, run these commands one by one:

          ./configure
    make
    sudo make install

      That’s it! Now tmux should be installed on your system!

      Common Pitfalls

      Here are a few things to watch out for:

      • Make sure you have all the dependencies installed before running `./configure`.
      • If `make` gives you errors, check if the dependencies are installed correctly.
      • Running `sudo make install` will install tmux system-wide, so probably don’t mess with it if you’re unsure.

      If Things Go Wrong…

      Don’t worry if something breaks! Check the error message carefully – it often tells you what’s missing. You can always search online with the error message for quick help. The tmux GitHub page also has a lot of useful information.

      Final Word

      Overall, using the package manager is the easiest way to get started. Compiling from source is a good learning experience but can be tricky for beginners. Good luck, and have fun using tmux!


    2. To get started with installing tmux on your Ubuntu machine, you don’t necessarily need to compile it from source, which can indeed be a complex process for beginners. Instead, the easiest way is to use the package manager `apt`, which will handle dependencies for you. Open your terminal and update your package list by running sudo apt update. Then, you can install tmux directly by executing sudo apt install tmux. This will download and install the latest stable release available in the Ubuntu repositories, which is typically reliable and sufficient for most users.

      If you still prefer to compile tmux from source or need a specific version, you can clone the repository from GitHub using git clone https://github.com/tmux/tmux.git. Ensure you have the necessary dependencies first; you can install them using sudo apt-get install pkg-config automake build-essential libevent-dev libncurses5-dev. Once you have the source code, navigate to the tmux directory and run the following commands in sequence: sh autogen.sh, ./configure, make, and finally sudo make install to compile and install. If you encounter any issues, common errors to look out for include missing dependencies, which can often be resolved by ensuring that all necessary packages are installed. Additionally, always refer to the README file in the source code directory for specific instructions tailored to the version you are compiling.

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