tmate

tmate is a terminal multiplexer similar to tmux and screen that allows users to share their terminal sessions. It is designed for collaboration and remote access. tmate provides a secure way to share a terminal session with another user by generating a unique session ID and a public SSH key. The connecting user can then access the shared session using the provided information.

The primary use case for tmate is collaborative coding or debugging. Multiple developers can work on the same codebase or troubleshoot issues in real-time within a single terminal environment. This facilitates quick knowledge sharing and problem-solving. Another common application is providing remote technical support. A user experiencing a technical issue can share their terminal with a support agent, who can then remotely diagnose and resolve the problem without the need for screen-sharing software.

tmate is built upon tmux, inheriting many of its features such as window and pane management. However, tmate adds the crucial element of easy session sharing through a server-based approach. When a tmate session is started, it connects to a central tmate server. This server acts as an intermediary, facilitating the connection between the host and any guests who wish to join the session. The connection is typically secured using SSH.

The setup for tmate is straightforward. A user starts a tmate session on their machine, and the application automatically generates connection details. These details, including a session address and a public key, are then shared with the collaborators. Guests can join by using these details to connect to the host's session, effectively seeing and interacting with the same terminal environment.