GNU Screen

GNU Screen

GNU Screen is a terminal multiplexer that allows a user to access multiple separate terminal sessions inside a single terminal window or remote SSH session. It enables switching between multiple programs in one terminal, detach them and reattach them to a different terminal, and
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GNU Screen image
terminal multiplexer ssh remote-access
GNU Screen alternatives ➤

GNU Screen: Terminal Multiplexer for Multiple Sessions

GNU Screen is a terminal multiplexer that allows a user to access multiple separate terminal sessions inside a single terminal window or remote SSH session, enabling switching between multiple programs in one terminal, detach them and reattach them to a different terminal, and more.

What is GNU Screen?

GNU Screen is a terminal multiplexer application that was first released in 1987. It allows a user to multiplex several virtual consoles, accessed via a single TTY device. This enables a user to access multiple separate terminal sessions inside a single terminal window or remote SSH session.

Some key features of GNU Screen include:

  • Running multiple shells simultaneously, switching between them using keyboard shortcuts
  • Detaching sessions and later reattaching them, even from a different terminal
  • Session sharing between users for collaboration
  • Session logging and replay
  • Copy and paste support between sessions
  • Configurable status line showing info about open sessions
  • Virtual terminal support for wide characters, utf8, X11 forwarding, and more

By multiplexing terminals, GNU Screen allows a user to run programs, view logs, use the shell, and more, keeping everything active even when disconnecting and reconnecting. This enables workflow improvements for activities like SSH sessions, monitoring jobs, network connections, and more.

GNU Screen has been called one of the most useful utilities in a Unix-like system. It's commonly included by default in Linux distributions. The configuration relies on a screenrc file. There are also tools like Byobu which enhance Screen with more features for convenience and productivity.

GNU Screen Features

Features

  1. Multiplexing
  2. Session management
  3. Copy and paste between sessions
  4. Session logging
  5. Customizable status line

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Allows using multiple shells/programs from one terminal

Sessions can be detached and reattached later

Sessions continue running when detached

Easy to manage many connections

Cons

Steep learning curve

Configuration can be complex

Not installed by default on most systems

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.gnu.org/software/screen/

The Best GNU Screen Alternatives

Top Os & Utilities and Terminal Utilities and other similar apps like GNU Screen

Here are some alternatives to GNU Screen:

Tmux icon
tmux
Zterm icon
Zterm
Get Console icon
Get Console
Wemux icon
Wemux
Zellij icon
Zellij
Mtm icon
mtm
Suggest an alternative ❐

Tmux icon

Tmux

Tmux is a terminal multiplexer for Unix-like operating systems. It allows multiple terminal sessions to be accessed simultaneously in a single window. Tmux is useful for:Running multiple programs from one terminal window and switching between them easilyDetaching and reattaching terminal sessionsSplitting terminal windows horizontally and verticallySynchronizing input between multiple terminalsPersisting...
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Zterm icon

Zterm

Zterm is a free, open source terminal emulator application for Windows. It aims to provide a basic set of terminal features for connecting to systems via protocols like SSH and Telnet.As an open source project, Zterm is developed and maintained by a community of volunteers. It is released under the...
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Get Console icon

Get Console

Get Console is an advanced console (command prompt) replacement for Windows. It provides a tabbed interface that allows you to open multiple command prompts in the same window and easily switch between them. Some of the key features of Get Console include:Tabbed interface for running multiple command promptsSearchable command historyText...
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Wemux icon

Wemux

Wemux is an open-source terminal multiplexer designed for collaborative command-line work. It allows multiple users to join a shared terminal session from different computers or locations. Once connected to the same wemux session, users can see each other's terminal input and output in real-time.Some key features of Wemux include:Session sharing...
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Zellij icon

Zellij

Zellij is an open-source terminal multiplexer and tiling window manager designed specifically for the terminal. It allows you to split your terminal into resizable panes and windows to suit your workflow.Some key features of Zellij include:Customizable grid layouts and pane arrangementsSmooth pane resizing and navigationTab support for managing sessionsPlugin architecture...
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Mtm icon

Mtm

mtm (My Tiny Mediainfo) is an open-source media metadata tracker and media asset manager. It is designed to help users organize, catalog, and track detailed metadata and information about their personal media libraries including movies, TV shows, video games, books, music, and more.Some key features of mtm include:Add, edit, categorize,...
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Dtach

Dtach is a small utility program that emulates the detach feature of GNU screen. It allows you to run a program in an environment that is protected from the controlling terminal and attach to it later. Some key features of dtach:It keeps programs running even if their controlling terminal hangs...
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Byobu icon

Byobu

Byobu is an open-source text-based window manager and terminal multiplexer for Linux and Unix-like operating systems. It provides enhanced functionality on top of commonly used terminal emulators such as gnome-terminal, konsole, xterm, and tmux.Some of the key features of Byobu include:Configuration profiles to customize the look, feel, keyboard shortcuts, and...
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Abduco icon

Abduco

Abduco is a lightweight terminal session manager for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It allows you to detach a running terminal session and reattach to it later, allowing the session to continue running in the background.Some key features of abduco include:Detach from sessions and reattach later, even from a...
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