Shell Productivity: tmux, fzf & direnv

Keep long go test runs alive in tmux, jump to packages with fzf, and load per-module Go settings with direnv in monorepos.

Summary

Go monorepos spend more time in the terminal than many web stacks: module roots, multiple go.mod trees, and CI-parity test commands.

tmux, fzf, and direnv reduce friction so you spend attention on failures, not on lost sessions or wrong GOPRIVATE values.

Recipe

Quick-reference recipe card - copy-paste ready.

# direnv: auto-load env when entering a module
echo 'export GOTOOLCHAIN=auto' >> .envrc
echo 'export GOPRIVATE=github.com/myorg/*' >> .envrc
direnv allow
 
# fzf: fuzzy-find a package directory
fd -t d . internal | fzf --preview 'ls {}'
 
# fzf + ripgrep: jump to symbol
rg -l "func HandleHealth" --glob '*.go' | fzf -m | xargs -r ${EDITOR:-vim}
 
# tmux: named session for long test run
tmux new -s gotest
go test ./... -race -count=1 2>&1 | tee test.log
# detach: Ctrl-b d ; reattach: tmux attach -t gotest

When to reach for this:

SSH drops kill a 20-minute go test ./... run.
You switch between several go.mod roots daily.
You want ripgrep results with interactive preview before opening an editor.

Working Example

#!/usr/bin/env bash
# ~/.config/dotfiles/go-monorepo-setup.sh (illustrative)
 
# 1) direnv in a service module
cd ~/src/myorg/platform/services/api
cat > .envrc <<'EOF'
export GOTOOLCHAIN=auto
export GOPRIVATE=github.com/myorg/*
export PATH="$(go env GOPATH)/bin:$PATH"
layout go
EOF
direnv allow
 
# 2) fzf keybinding: open file from repo (requires fzf installed)
export FZF_DEFAULT_COMMAND='rg --files --hidden --glob "!vendor/**" --glob "!*.git/*"'
open_go_file() {
  local file
  file=$(fzf -m --preview 'bat -n --color=always {} 2>/dev/null || head -100 {}') || return
  ${EDITOR:-vim} $file
}
 
# 3) tmux session with windows for watch + tests
tmux new-session -d -s api -n shell
tmux send-keys -t api:shell "cd ~/src/myorg/platform/services/api && direnv allow ." C-m
tmux new-window -t api -n test
tmux send-keys -t api:test "go test ./... -count=1 -race 2>&1 | tee ~/artifacts/api-test.log" C-m
tmux attach -t api

What this demonstrates:

.envrc with GOPRIVATE and layout go for module-aware paths.
fzf fed by ripgrep file lists with preview.
tmux windows separating shell env setup from long-running tests.

Deep Dive

How It Works

tmux is a terminal multiplexer: sessions survive SSH disconnects; windows and panes split logs, tests, and editors.
fzf is a fuzzy finder over any list (files, git branches, go test package paths) with optional preview commands.
direnv hooks shell cd and exports variables from .envrc after direnv allow, preventing leaked GOPRIVATE across unrelated projects.
Together they standardize monorepo navigation without a heavyweight IDE for every remote host.

Tool Roles

Tool	Solves	Typical Go command
tmux	Session persistence	`go test ./...` overnight
fzf	Fuzzy selection	pick `internal/billing` package
direnv	Per-directory env	`GOTOOLCHAIN`, `GOPRIVATE`
ripgrep + fzf	Code navigation	jump to handler definition
`fd`	Fast file lists	feed fzf with directories

direnv Snippets for Go

# .envrc
use go                          # if available in direnv stdlib
export GOTOOLCHAIN=auto
export GOPRIVATE=*.corp.example.com,github.com/myorg/*
export GOLANGCI_LINT_CACHE=$PWD/.cache/golangci-lint
PATH_add "$(go env GOPATH)/bin"

Run direnv allow once per directory after editing .envrc.

Go Notes

# fzf: pick a package and test it
go list ./... | fzf -m | xargs -r go test -count=1

Combine with go list -json for module path metadata in advanced previews.

Gotchas

Forgotten direnv allow - .envrc changes silently do nothing. Fix: alias da='direnv allow' and hook shell prompt to show direnv status.
tmux scrollback vs mouse - Copy/paste differs from terminal defaults. Fix: set -g mouse on in ~/.tmux.conf and learn copy mode (Ctrl-b [).
fzf without .gitignore respect - Feeding plain find includes vendor noise. Fix: rg --files or fd with ignore rules.
GOPRIVATE leakage - Exporting in .bashrc applies org-wide to personal projects. Fix: direnv per repo only.
Multiple tmux sessions same name - Attach fails confusingly. Fix: tmux list-sessions and name by service (api, worker).
Slow fzf preview on huge files - Previewing multi-MB generated files lags. Fix: preview head or bat --line-range 1:80.

Alternatives

Alternative	Use When	Don't Use When
tmux	SSH remote dev	Local IDE integrated terminal only
GNU screen	tmux unavailable	Greenfield - prefer tmux features
IDE workspace per module	Rich refactor tools	Minimal remote VM
`just` / Make tasks	Repeatable team commands	Exploratory fuzzy navigation
Zellij	Modern multiplexer UX	Team already standardized on tmux

FAQs

Do I need tmux if I use VS Code Remote SSH?

Remote SSH recovers editor state but long purely-shell test runs still die if the remote connection drops without tmux.

How does layout go in direnv help?

It sets GOPATH layout conventions for legacy GOPATH workflows.

Module mode projects mostly need PATH_add and env exports, not full GOPATH src layout.

Can fzf replace cd?

fzf-cd-widget (zsh) or custom bash bindings jump directories quickly.

Pair with zoxide for frequent paths.

What tmux prefix should I use?

Default Ctrl-b is fine.

Some maps prefix to Ctrl-a for Emacs users - document team config in dotfiles repo.

How do I share tmux with another developer?

tmux sockets and SSH multiattach are possible but rare.

Prefer shared logs in artifacts over shared interactive sessions.

Does direnv work with fish shell?

Yes with direnv's fish hook.

Go env vars apply the same once allowed.

How do I fuzzy-pick git branches?

git branch | fzf | xargs git checkout is a common binding.

Useful when release branches multiply.

Should .envrc live in git?

Yes for non-secret defaults.

Never commit secrets - reference 1Password or vault paths instead.

Can I run golangci-lint in a tmux pane watch mode?

Yes.

watchexec or entr on *.go pairs well with a lint pane beside go test watch.

What packages install these tools on Ubuntu?

apt install tmux fzf direnv ripgrep fd-find (binary may be fdfind).

macOS: Homebrew equivalents.

How do I avoid duplicate go test in two panes?

One pane owns the long ./... run; others run scoped go test ./internal/pkg -run TestName.

Is fzf required for monorepos?

No, but it pays off when go list ./... returns hundreds of packages.

Linux CLI Basics - foundational shell commands
Go Toolchain on Linux: Install & Version Switching - GOTOOLCHAIN in direnv
Search, ripgrep & jq for Debugging - ripgrep pipelines into fzf
Build, Test & Profile from the Shell - long test runs
Packages and Modules Basics - GOPRIVATE and modules

Stack versions: This page was written for Go 1.26.x (Green Tea GC default, go fix modernizers - verify patch at build), chi (latest - verify at build), gin (latest - verify at build), echo (latest - verify at build), google.golang.org/grpc (latest - verify at build), sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime (latest - verify at build), kubebuilder (latest - verify at build), tinygo (latest - verify board targets at build), wazero (latest - verify at build), and golangci-lint (latest - verify linter set at build).

Shell Productivity: tmux, fzf & direnv

Keep long go test runs alive in tmux, jump to packages with fzf, and load per-module Go settings with direnv in monorepos.

Summary

Go monorepos spend more time in the terminal than many web stacks: module roots, multiple go.mod trees, and CI-parity test commands.

tmux, fzf, and direnv reduce friction so you spend attention on failures, not on lost sessions or wrong GOPRIVATE values.

Recipe

Quick-reference recipe card - copy-paste ready.

# direnv: auto-load env when entering a module
echo 'export GOTOOLCHAIN=auto' >> .envrc
echo 'export GOPRIVATE=github.com/myorg/*' >> .envrc
direnv allow
 
# fzf: fuzzy-find a package directory
fd -t d . internal | fzf --preview 'ls {}'
 
# fzf + ripgrep: jump to symbol
rg -l "func HandleHealth" --glob '*.go' | fzf -m | xargs -r ${EDITOR:-vim}
 
# tmux: named session for long test run
tmux new -s gotest
go test ./... -race -count=1 2>&1 | tee test.log
# detach: Ctrl-b d ; reattach: tmux attach -t gotest

When to reach for this:

SSH drops kill a 20-minute go test ./... run.
You switch between several go.mod roots daily.
You want ripgrep results with interactive preview before opening an editor.

Working Example

#!/usr/bin/env bash
# ~/.config/dotfiles/go-monorepo-setup.sh (illustrative)
 
# 1) direnv in a service module
cd ~/src/myorg/platform/services/api
cat > .envrc <<'EOF'
export GOTOOLCHAIN=auto
export GOPRIVATE=github.com/myorg/*
export PATH="$(go env GOPATH)/bin:$PATH"
layout go
EOF
direnv allow
 
# 2) fzf keybinding: open file from repo (requires fzf installed)
export FZF_DEFAULT_COMMAND='rg --files --hidden --glob "!vendor/**" --glob "!*.git/*"'
open_go_file() {
  local file
  file=$(fzf -m --preview 'bat -n --color=always {} 2>/dev/null || head -100 {}') || return
  ${EDITOR:-vim} $file
}
 
# 3) tmux session with windows for watch + tests
tmux new-session -d -s api -n shell
tmux send-keys -t api:shell "cd ~/src/myorg/platform/services/api && direnv allow ." C-m
tmux new-window -t api -n test
tmux send-keys -t api:test "go test ./... -count=1 -race 2>&1 | tee ~/artifacts/api-test.log" C-m
tmux attach -t api

What this demonstrates:

.envrc with GOPRIVATE and layout go for module-aware paths.
fzf fed by ripgrep file lists with preview.
tmux windows separating shell env setup from long-running tests.

Deep Dive

How It Works

tmux is a terminal multiplexer: sessions survive SSH disconnects; windows and panes split logs, tests, and editors.
fzf is a fuzzy finder over any list (files, git branches, go test package paths) with optional preview commands.
direnv hooks shell cd and exports variables from .envrc after direnv allow, preventing leaked GOPRIVATE across unrelated projects.
Together they standardize monorepo navigation without a heavyweight IDE for every remote host.

Tool Roles

Tool	Solves	Typical Go command
tmux	Session persistence	`go test ./...` overnight
fzf	Fuzzy selection	pick `internal/billing` package
direnv	Per-directory env	`GOTOOLCHAIN`, `GOPRIVATE`
ripgrep + fzf	Code navigation	jump to handler definition
`fd`	Fast file lists	feed fzf with directories

direnv Snippets for Go

# .envrc
use go                          # if available in direnv stdlib
export GOTOOLCHAIN=auto
export GOPRIVATE=*.corp.example.com,github.com/myorg/*
export GOLANGCI_LINT_CACHE=$PWD/.cache/golangci-lint
PATH_add "$(go env GOPATH)/bin"

Run direnv allow once per directory after editing .envrc.

Go Notes

# fzf: pick a package and test it
go list ./... | fzf -m | xargs -r go test -count=1

Combine with go list -json for module path metadata in advanced previews.

Gotchas

Forgotten direnv allow - .envrc changes silently do nothing. Fix: alias da='direnv allow' and hook shell prompt to show direnv status.
tmux scrollback vs mouse - Copy/paste differs from terminal defaults. Fix: set -g mouse on in ~/.tmux.conf and learn copy mode (Ctrl-b [).
fzf without .gitignore respect - Feeding plain find includes vendor noise. Fix: rg --files or fd with ignore rules.
GOPRIVATE leakage - Exporting in .bashrc applies org-wide to personal projects. Fix: direnv per repo only.
Multiple tmux sessions same name - Attach fails confusingly. Fix: tmux list-sessions and name by service (api, worker).
Slow fzf preview on huge files - Previewing multi-MB generated files lags. Fix: preview head or bat --line-range 1:80.

Alternatives

Alternative	Use When	Don't Use When
tmux	SSH remote dev	Local IDE integrated terminal only
GNU screen	tmux unavailable	Greenfield - prefer tmux features
IDE workspace per module	Rich refactor tools	Minimal remote VM
`just` / Make tasks	Repeatable team commands	Exploratory fuzzy navigation
Zellij	Modern multiplexer UX	Team already standardized on tmux

FAQs

Do I need tmux if I use VS Code Remote SSH?

Remote SSH recovers editor state but long purely-shell test runs still die if the remote connection drops without tmux.

How does layout go in direnv help?

It sets GOPATH layout conventions for legacy GOPATH workflows.

Module mode projects mostly need PATH_add and env exports, not full GOPATH src layout.

Can fzf replace cd?

fzf-cd-widget (zsh) or custom bash bindings jump directories quickly.

Pair with zoxide for frequent paths.

What tmux prefix should I use?

Default Ctrl-b is fine.

Some maps prefix to Ctrl-a for Emacs users - document team config in dotfiles repo.

How do I share tmux with another developer?

tmux sockets and SSH multiattach are possible but rare.

Prefer shared logs in artifacts over shared interactive sessions.

Does direnv work with fish shell?

Yes with direnv's fish hook.

Go env vars apply the same once allowed.

How do I fuzzy-pick git branches?

git branch | fzf | xargs git checkout is a common binding.

Useful when release branches multiply.

Should .envrc live in git?

Yes for non-secret defaults.

Never commit secrets - reference 1Password or vault paths instead.

Can I run golangci-lint in a tmux pane watch mode?

Yes.

watchexec or entr on *.go pairs well with a lint pane beside go test watch.

What packages install these tools on Ubuntu?

apt install tmux fzf direnv ripgrep fd-find (binary may be fdfind).

macOS: Homebrew equivalents.

How do I avoid duplicate go test in two panes?

One pane owns the long ./... run; others run scoped go test ./internal/pkg -run TestName.

Is fzf required for monorepos?

No, but it pays off when go list ./... returns hundreds of packages.

Linux CLI Basics - foundational shell commands
Go Toolchain on Linux: Install & Version Switching - GOTOOLCHAIN in direnv
Search, ripgrep & jq for Debugging - ripgrep pipelines into fzf
Build, Test & Profile from the Shell - long test runs
Packages and Modules Basics - GOPRIVATE and modules

Stack versions: This page was written for Go 1.26.x (Green Tea GC default, go fix modernizers - verify patch at build), chi (latest - verify at build), gin (latest - verify at build), echo (latest - verify at build), google.golang.org/grpc (latest - verify at build), sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime (latest - verify at build), kubebuilder (latest - verify at build), tinygo (latest - verify board targets at build), wazero (latest - verify at build), and golangci-lint (latest - verify linter set at build).

Shell Productivity: tmux, fzf & direnv

Search Documentation

Shell Productivity: tmux, fzf & direnv