---
title: Introduction
description: cmux - A lightweight native macOS terminal with vertical tabs and notifications for AI coding agents
---

# cmux

cmux is a lightweight, native macOS terminal built on Ghostty for managing multiple AI coding agents. It features vertical tabs, a notification panel, and a socket-based control API.

## Why cmux?

- **Native macOS app** - Built with Swift and AppKit, not Electron. Fast startup, low memory usage, and native look and feel.
- **Lightweight** - Small binary, minimal resource footprint. No bundled browser engine.
- **GPU-accelerated** - Powered by libghostty for buttery smooth rendering.

When running AI coding agents like Claude Code, Codex, or similar tools, you need to:

- **Manage multiple terminal sessions** - Each agent runs in its own terminal
- **Know when agents need attention** - Agents waiting for input should notify you
- **Automate terminal control** - Programmatically create tabs, send input, and more

cmux solves these with:

- **Vertical sidebar tabs** - All terminals visible at a glance
- **OSC 99/777 notifications** - Desktop alerts when agents need you
- **Unix socket API** - Full programmatic control for automation

## Quick Start

```bash
brew tap manaflow-ai/cmux
brew install --cask cmux
```

Or [download the DMG](https://github.com/manaflow-ai/cmux/releases/latest/download/cmux-macos.dmg) directly.

## Key Features

<Cards>
  <Card title="Concepts" href="/concepts">
    Understanding windows, workspaces, panes, and surfaces
  </Card>
  <Card title="Vertical Tabs" href="/tabs">
    All workspaces in a resizable sidebar with keyboard navigation
  </Card>
  <Card title="Notifications" href="/notifications">
    Desktop alerts via OSC 99/777 sequences when agents need attention
  </Card>
  <Card title="Socket API" href="/socket-api">
    Unix socket for programmatic control - create tabs, send input, and more
  </Card>
  <Card title="Claude Code Hooks" href="/claude-code-hooks">
    Send notifications from Claude Code when tasks complete
  </Card>
</Cards>

## Requirements

- macOS 13.0 or later
- Apple Silicon or Intel Mac