I wanted to have a separate laptop where I only use the terminal for my use cases. At the moment I am somewhat confident using the terminal, but I think limiting myself to tty only would build my confidence even more. Any tips?
EDIT: I am already using nvim and I already have installed a minimal distro (Arch). I just need advice on how to actually run this system effectively.
- set a good tty font (it’s almost all you’re gonna see)
- be comfy with basic core utils (mv, cp, chmod, …)
- choose a shell (bash, fish, …) and set up some useful aliases/abbreviations
- fzf or something similar does wonders (also replaces things like dmenu)
- terminal multiplexers are used instead of window managers
- some applications allow you to do some graphics (like mpv to play video)
- there is more advanced stuff you can do with frame buffers
- there are terminal browsers like w3m or lynx
- a good extensible text editor is essential (vim, nvim, emacs, helix, …)
- research some cli applications for your usecase (cal (calendar), neomutt (email), …)
Over time your collection of aliases and scripts will grow to make common tasks you do easier.
I disagree on the aliases. I’d recommend using almost none. It builds competence with the commands on all systems even without your special .bashrc. It’ll be easier to write scipts and change shells as well.
I use fish abbreviations. Unlike bash/zsh aliases, they expand when you press space or enter. This way you see the original command every time you use the alias, and you can edit as well. This should lighten the concern you have a bit. Your concern is something that sysadmins keep in mind e.g. default vim bindings so you are always comfortable on any server. However for desktop use I don’t think leaving the speed and comfort on table is worth it. Most desktop users only use their own systems anyway.
It’s about building muscle memory as well though. You are right that many home-gamers will probably never be without their customizations though. But if you do re-installs, setup VMs, try new distros, etc. it’s beneficial.
Just my opinion though.
Great list. Customizing the font is definitely a priority. I recommend one of the Terminus fonts. Also zellij multiplexer + helix editor is a great combo that works well in the tty.
One thing to add is that it took me a while to create a decent 16-color theme for helix and vim, and while they’re okay by default you can actually get a pretty nice looking IDE if you spend some time tinkering with the colors
How does zellij do copy and paste? That’s the only thing keeping me from diving into tmux (beyond using it as a persistent terminal).
Thanks a lot, I’ll definitely try the terminal multiplexers you’re talking about. I wondered how you would get different windows in tty.
Byobu provides good abstraction on tmux as well as screen. Allows you to choose keybindings from any of the two.
