Understanding Simlinked and Unsmlinked Paths

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 117 views

Introduction

tmux is a powerful terminal multiplexer that allows users to manage multiple terminal sessions within a single window. One of the key features of tmux is its ability to split windows into multiple panes, allowing users to work on multiple projects simultaneously. However, when splitting windows in tmux, a peculiar issue arises - the simlinked path is changed to an unsimlinked path. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this behavior and explore possible solutions to this problem.

Understanding Simlinked and Unsmlinked Paths

Before we dive into the tmux issue, let's briefly discuss the concept of simlinked and unsmlinked paths. In Unix-like operating systems, a simlink (short for symbolic link) is a type of file that points to another file or directory. When you create a simlink, you are essentially creating a shortcut to the original file or directory. On the other hand, an unsmlinked path is a direct reference to a file or directory, without any shortcuts or simlinks involved.

The tmux Issue

When you split a window in tmux using the split-window command, the new pane's path is set to the current pane's path using the #{pane_current_path} syntax. However, as mentioned earlier, this path is simlinked. When tmux creates a new pane, it changes the simlinked path to an unsimlinked path. This can cause issues if you are working with files or directories that have simlinks involved.

Example Use Case

Let's consider an example to illustrate this issue. Suppose you have a project directory with a simlink to a subdirectory:

project/
|-- file1.txt
|-- file2.txt
|-- link_to_subdir -> subdir/
    |-- file3.txt
    |-- file4.txt

In this example, the link_to_subdir simlink points to the subdir/ directory. Now, let's say you are working in the project/ directory and you split the window using the bind v command:

bind v split-window -h -c "#{pane_current_path}"

When you create a new pane, tmux changes the simlinked path to an unsimlinked path, resulting in the following path:

project/subdir/

As you can see, the simlink is lost, and the new pane's path is now an unsimlinked path.

Possible Solutions

So, what can you do to avoid this issue? Here are a few possible solutions:

1. Use the `#{pane_current_path}` syntax with caution

When using the #{pane_current_path} syntax, be aware that tmux will change the simlinked path to an unsimlinked path. If you need to preserve the simlink, you can use the #{pane_current_path} syntax with the -P option, which tells tmux to preserve the path:

bind v split-window -h -c "#{pane_current_path}" -P

However, this may not work as expected, and you may still encounter issues with simlinks.

2. Use the `#{pane_current_path}` syntax with a custom path

Another approach is to use a custom path that preserves the simlink. For example, you can use the readlink command to get the actual path of the simlink:

bind v split-window -h -c "$(readlink -f "#{pane_current_path}")"

This will create a new pane with the actual path of the simlink, preserving the simlink.

3. Use a different tmux command

If you are experiencing issues with the split-window command, you can try using a different tmux command, such as new-window or new-session. These commands may not change the simlinked path to an unsimlinked path.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tmux's behavior of changing simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths can be a source of frustration for users who work with files and directories that have simlinks involved. While there are possible solutions to this issue, they may not work as expected, and you may still encounter issues with simlinks. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and exploring possible solutions, you can work around this issue and continue to use tmux effectively.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you work with tmux and simlinks:

Use the #{pane_current_path} syntax with caution, as it may change the simlinked path to an unsimlinked path.
Use the #{pane_current_path} syntax with the -P option to preserve the path.
Use a custom path that preserves the simlink, such as the readlink command.
Use a different tmux command, such as new-window or new-session, if you are experiencing issues with the split-window command.
Be aware of the limitations of tmux's behavior with simlinks and plan accordingly.

Q: What is the issue with tmux changing simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths?

A: The issue arises when tmux splits a window using the split-window command. The new pane's path is set to the current pane's path using the #{pane_current_path} syntax. However, this path is simlinked. When tmux creates a new pane, it changes the simlinked path to an unsimlinked path. This can cause issues if you are working with files or directories that have simlinks involved.

Q: Why does tmux change simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths?

A: tmux changes simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths because it uses the #{pane_current_path} syntax to set the new pane's path. This syntax returns the current pane's path, which is simlinked. When tmux creates a new pane, it uses this simlinked path and changes it to an unsimlinked path.

Q: How can I avoid this issue?

A: There are several ways to avoid this issue:

Use the #{pane_current_path} syntax with caution, as it may change the simlinked path to an unsimlinked path.
Use the #{pane_current_path} syntax with the -P option to preserve the path.
Use a custom path that preserves the simlink, such as the readlink command.
Use a different tmux command, such as new-window or new-session, if you are experiencing issues with the split-window command.

Q: What are the implications of tmux changing simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths?

A: The implications of tmux changing simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths can be significant. If you are working with files or directories that have simlinks involved, you may experience issues such as:

Lost simlinks: When tmux changes a simlinked path to an unsimlinked path, the simlink is lost.
Incorrect file paths: When tmux changes a simlinked path to an unsimlinked path, the file paths may become incorrect.
File system corruption: In extreme cases, tmux changing simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths can lead to file system corruption.

Q: Can I use tmux with simlinks?

A: Yes, you can use tmux with simlinks. However, you need to be aware of the potential issues and take steps to avoid them. You can use the #{pane_current_path} syntax with caution, use the #{pane_current_path} syntax with the -P option, or use a custom path that preserves the simlink.

Q: Are there any workarounds for this issue?

A: Yes, there are several workarounds for this issue:

Use a different tmux command, such as new-window or new-session, if you are experiencing issues with the split-window command.
Use a custom path that preserves the simlink, such as the readlink command.
Use a script or a tool to manage simlinks and avoid the issue.

Q: Can I report this issue to the tmux developers?

A: Yes, you can report this issue to the tmux developers. The tmux developers are actively working on improving the tmux command and may address this issue in future releases.

Q: Are there any other issues related to tmux and simlinks?

A: Yes, there are several other issues related to tmux and simlinks. Some of these issues include:

tmux not preserving simlinks when creating a new pane.
tmux not preserving simlinks when switching between panes.
tmux not preserving simlinks when using the #{pane_current_path} syntax.

These issues can be reported to the tmux developers and may be addressed in future releases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tmux changing simlinked paths to unsimlinked paths can be a source of frustration for users who work with files and directories that have simlinks involved. However, there are several workarounds and solutions to this issue, including using the #{pane_current_path} syntax with caution, using the #{pane_current_path} syntax with the -P option, or using a custom path that preserves the simlink. By understanding the implications of this issue and using the available workarounds, you can work effectively with tmux and simlinks.