Send lines to repl in tmux

When working with Julia in a terminal multiplexer like tmux, it can be challenging to send multiple lines of code to the Julia REPL. In this article, we will explore three different ways to solve this problem.

Option 1: Using the Julia REPL directly

The simplest way to send lines to the Julia REPL in tmux is by using the built-in Julia REPL itself. You can open a new terminal window or split the tmux pane to have a separate pane for the Julia REPL.


$ julia

Once you are in the Julia REPL, you can enter your code line by line and execute it by pressing the Enter key. This method is straightforward and does not require any additional tools or configurations.

Option 2: Using a text editor and a Julia package

If you prefer to write your code in a text editor and send it to the Julia REPL in tmux, you can use the Revise.jl package. This package allows you to dynamically update and re-evaluate your code in the REPL.

First, install the Revise.jl package by running the following command in the Julia REPL:


julia> using Pkg
julia> Pkg.add("Revise")

Next, open your preferred text editor and create a new file with your Julia code. Save the file with a .jl extension, for example, mycode.jl.

In the Julia REPL, navigate to the directory where your code file is located:


julia> cd("/path/to/my/code")

Now, start the Revise.jl package by running the following command in the Julia REPL:


julia> using Revise

Finally, include your code file in the Julia REPL using the include() function:


julia> include("mycode.jl")

Your code will be executed in the Julia REPL, and any changes you make to the code file will be automatically updated and re-evaluated in the REPL.

Option 3: Using a terminal multiplexer and a shell command

If you prefer to send multiple lines of code to the Julia REPL without switching between different windows or panes, you can use a terminal multiplexer like tmux and a shell command.

First, open a new tmux pane or split the current pane vertically or horizontally.

In the new pane, enter the following command:


$ julia -i

This command starts the Julia REPL in interactive mode, which allows you to send multiple lines of code.

Next, switch back to the original pane where your code is located. Select the lines of code you want to send to the Julia REPL and copy them to the clipboard.

Switch back to the Julia REPL pane and paste the code using the keyboard shortcut for your terminal emulator (usually Ctrl + Shift + V or Shift + Insert).

The code will be executed in the Julia REPL, and you can continue to paste and execute additional lines of code as needed.

After exploring these three options, the best choice depends on your personal preference and workflow. If you prefer a simple and straightforward approach, Option 1 using the Julia REPL directly may be the best option for you. If you prefer to write code in a text editor and dynamically update it in the REPL, Option 2 using the Revise.jl package is a good choice. If you want to send multiple lines of code without switching between windows or panes, Option 3 using a terminal multiplexer and a shell command is the way to go.

Choose the option that suits your needs and enhances your productivity when working with Julia in tmux.

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