# Cmux: terminal multiplexer built for AI coding agents

> Cmux is a native Mac terminal for managing multiple AI coding agents simultaneously, with bird's-eye view tabs and built-in notifications.

Published: 2026-03-20
URL: https://daniliants.com/insights/cmux-terminal-multiplexer-for-ai-coding-agents/
Tags: cmux, terminal-multiplexer, ai-agents, claude-code, ghostty, developer-workflow, multi-agent

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## Summary

Cmux is a native Mac terminal app built on Ghostty, designed specifically for managing multiple AI coding agents (Claude Code, Codex, etc.) simultaneously. It provides a sidebar with bird's-eye view of all workspaces, built-in notifications when agents need input, and keyboard shortcuts to jump between sessions - replacing DIY tmux/notification setups.

## Key Insight

When running multiple AI coding agents in parallel across different projects, the main bottleneck becomes awareness: knowing which agent finished, which needs input, and what's happening across all sessions. Cmux solves this with three key features:

1. **Sidebar with vertical tabs** - each tab shows git branch, working directory, listening ports, and last notification. At a glance you see the state of every agent.
2. **Built-in notification system** - when an agent finishes or needs input: the pane gets a blue ring, the tab lights up, and you get a macOS desktop notification. No custom hooks needed.
3. **Cmd+Shift+U** - jumps to the most recent unread notification, which is the critical "what needs my attention next?" shortcut.

Alternatives mentioned: Tmux, Conductor, Zellij - but Cmux was chosen because it's purpose-built for AI agent orchestration rather than adapted from general terminal multiplexing. Built on Ghostty so it's fast and native.