Pros of tmux-continuum

• Automatic saving: Periodically saves tmux environment without manual intervention
• Automatic restoration: Restores tmux environment on system startup
• Customizable save interval: Allows users to set their preferred frequency for automatic saves

Cons of tmux-continuum

• Dependency: Requires tmux-resurrect to function, adding complexity to setup
• Resource usage: Continuous saving might impact system performance, especially with frequent saves
• Limited control: Less granular control over when and what to save compared to manual saves

Code Comparison

tmux-resurrect (manual save):

prefix + Ctrl-s  # Save tmux environment
prefix + Ctrl-r  # Restore tmux environment

tmux-continuum (automatic save):

set -g @continuum-save-interval '15'  # Save every 15 minutes
set -g @continuum-restore 'on'        # Enable automatic restore

tmux-continuum builds upon tmux-resurrect, providing automation for saving and restoring tmux sessions. While tmux-resurrect offers manual control over saving and restoring, tmux-continuum adds the convenience of automatic, periodic saves and startup restoration. The choice between the two depends on user preferences for manual control versus automation and the willingness to manage an additional plugin dependency.

Pros of awesome-tmux

• Comprehensive resource collection for tmux, including plugins, tutorials, and configurations
• Regularly updated with community contributions
• Provides a broader overview of tmux ecosystem beyond just session management

Cons of awesome-tmux

• Not a functional plugin, but rather a curated list of resources
• Requires more effort from users to implement desired functionality
• May overwhelm beginners with too many options

Code comparison

Not applicable, as awesome-tmux is a curated list and doesn't contain executable code. tmux-resurrect, on the other hand, is a functional plugin with code for session management. Here's a sample of tmux-resurrect's code:

save_command_strategy_file() {
  local save_command_strategy="$(get_tmux_option "$save_command_strategy_option" "$default_save_command_strategy")"
  local strategy_file="$CURRENT_DIR/strategies/${save_command_strategy}.sh"
  local default_strategy_file="$CURRENT_DIR/strategies/${default_save_command_strategy}.sh"

  if [ -f "$strategy_file" ]; then
    echo "$strategy_file"
  else
    echo "$default_strategy_file"
  fi
}

This code snippet demonstrates how tmux-resurrect handles saving command strategies, which is a core feature of the plugin.

Pros of .tmux

• Comprehensive configuration with sensible defaults
• Includes status bar customization and themes
• Easier setup with a single configuration file

Cons of .tmux

• Less focused on session management and restoration
• May require more manual configuration for specific needs
• Potentially overwhelming for users who prefer minimal setups

Code Comparison

tmux-resurrect:

set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tmux-resurrect'
set -g @resurrect-capture-pane-contents 'on'
set -g @resurrect-strategy-vim 'session'

.tmux:

set -g status-left-length 32
set -g status-right-length 150
set -g status-interval 5
set -g @themepack 'powerline/default/cyan'

Key Differences

• tmux-resurrect focuses specifically on session management and restoration
• .tmux provides a more comprehensive tmux configuration with various features
• tmux-resurrect requires the tmux plugin manager (tpm), while .tmux is a standalone configuration
• .tmux includes status bar customization out of the box, while tmux-resurrect doesn't address this aspect
• tmux-resurrect offers more granular control over session restoration, including specific application support

Use Cases

• Choose tmux-resurrect for robust session management and restoration capabilities
• Opt for .tmux if you want a well-rounded, pre-configured tmux setup with minimal effort
• Consider using both in combination for a feature-rich tmux environment with strong session management

Pros of tmux-config

• Comprehensive configuration with sensible defaults
• Includes custom key bindings and status bar customization
• Designed as a complete tmux setup, not just a plugin

Cons of tmux-config

• Less focused on session persistence and restoration
• May require more manual configuration and tweaking
• Not as easily integrable with other tmux plugins

Code Comparison

tmux-resurrect:

set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tmux-resurrect'
set -g @resurrect-capture-pane-contents 'on'
set -g @resurrect-strategy-vim 'session'

tmux-config:

# Set prefix key to Ctrl-a
unbind-key C-b
set-option -g prefix C-a

# Custom status bar
set -g status-left '#[fg=green]#H #[fg=black]• #[fg=green,bright]#(uname -r | cut -c 1-6)#[default]'

Summary

tmux-resurrect focuses specifically on session persistence and restoration, while tmux-config provides a more comprehensive tmux setup with various customizations. tmux-resurrect is easier to integrate with other plugins, while tmux-config offers a more complete out-of-the-box experience but may require more manual configuration. The choice between the two depends on whether you need a full tmux configuration or just session persistence functionality.

Pros of tmux-themepack

• Focuses on visual customization, offering a variety of pre-made themes
• Lightweight and easy to install, requiring minimal configuration
• Enhances the aesthetic appeal of tmux sessions

Cons of tmux-themepack

• Limited functionality compared to tmux-resurrect, as it doesn't offer session management
• Lacks the ability to save and restore tmux environments
• May require additional plugins for a complete tmux setup

Code Comparison

tmux-themepack:

set -g @plugin 'jimeh/tmux-themepack'
set -g @themepack 'powerline/default/cyan'

tmux-resurrect:

set -g @plugin 'tmux-plugins/tmux-resurrect'
set -g @resurrect-capture-pane-contents 'on'
set -g @resurrect-strategy-vim 'session'

While tmux-themepack focuses on applying visual themes to tmux, tmux-resurrect provides functionality for saving and restoring tmux sessions. The code examples show how to include and configure each plugin in a tmux configuration file. tmux-themepack allows for easy theme selection, while tmux-resurrect offers options for capturing pane contents and integrating with vim sessions.