Operator guides
Getting productive
Real operator workflows: daemon setup, choosing surfaces, launching durable goals, and keeping long-running work reliable.
Installation
Quick install
Native binaries without npm.
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mkurman/tamux/main/scripts/install.sh | sh
tamux --help
Source install
Full daemon + Electron + TUI workflow.
git clone https://github.com/mkurman/tamux.git
cd tamux
./scripts/setup.sh --check --profile source
Requires Rust, Node.js, npm, git, and uv. Start the daemon first; everything else reconnects to it.
First-run checklist
- Run
./scripts/setup.sh --check --profile source - Start daemon:
cargo run --release --bin tamux-daemon - Open your preferred surface: Electron, TUI, CLI, or MCP
- Verify runtime points at the daemon backend
- Inspect goal, task, and approval surfaces
First goal
Run a bounded, concrete objective to see planning, child tasks, approvals, and reflection in action.
Investigate why the nightly Rust build is failing, identify the root cause,
propose the smallest safe fix, and capture any reusable workflow as a skill.
What to expect
- Run enters
queued, thenplanning - Daemon generates plan and child tasks
- Risky operations pause for approval
- Run ends with reflection, memory update, or skill
Choosing surfaces
| Surface | Best for | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Electron | Desktop overview | Goals, settings, plugin UI, multi-pane |
| TUI | Keyboard-first, SSH | Inspect sessions, goals, tasks, approvals |
| CLI | Scripting | Automation, session management, health |
| MCP | External integration | Expose tamux to outside tools |
| Gateway | Chat platforms | Discord, Slack, Telegram, WhatsApp |
All surfaces are clients of the same daemon state.
Daily habits
Durable threads
One thread per objective. Continue when the mission is the same. New thread only when the objective changes.
Goal runners for real work
Multi-step, long-running, or approval-heavy tasks benefit from goals over chat threads.
Explicit success criteria
Define done, constraints, and verification. tamux rewards specificity.
Daemon owns state
UI closing is not failure. Work continues and reconnects.
Model roles
- Svarog: primary execution, synthesis, goal runs
- Weles: review, compaction, governance checks
- Rarog: lightweight operator assistance
Scenarios
Bug hunt
Goal runner for root-cause analysis, smallest fix, local verification.
Release prep
Thread for discussion, goal for checklist execution and packaging.
Research task
Goals for multi-search, comparison, artifacts, branches.
Remote / SSH
TUI as control room, daemon running remotely, reconnect as needed.
When not to use
Use simple chat for short, disposable tasks without queueing, goals, approvals, or durable artifacts. tamux shines when continuity matters.