tmux Integration

tmux Integration

This guide shows you how to display Forgum fortunes in your tmux status bar. Every time you look at the bottom of your terminal, you'll see a random quote!

What is tmux?

tmux is a "terminal multiplexer" — it lets you split your terminal into multiple windows and keep them running. Many developers use it because it's powerful and customizable.

The status bar is the bar at the bottom of your terminal that shows information like the time, current program, etc. We can put a fortune there!

Step 1: Make Sure You Have tmux

# Check if tmux is installed
tmux -V

If you see a version number, you're good. If not:

• Mac: brew install tmux
• Linux: sudo apt install tmux (Ubuntu/Debian) or sudo yum install tmux (CentOS/RHEL)

Step 2: Make Sure PowerShell + Forgum Work

# Test that PowerShell and Forgum work
pwsh -NoProfile -Command "Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; Get-Fortune"

You should see a quote. If not, go back to Getting Started.

Step 3: Edit tmux Config

Open your tmux config file:

nano ~/.tmux.conf

Add these lines:

# ============================================
# Forgum Fortune in Status Bar
# ============================================

# Show a fortune in the bottom-right corner
set -g status-right "#(pwsh -NoProfile -Command 'Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; Get-Fortune' 2>/dev/null)"

# Update the fortune every 5 minutes (300 seconds)
set -g status-interval 300

# Make the status bar look nice
set -g status-style bg=black,fg=white
set -g status-right-style fg=cyan

Step 4: Reload tmux

# If tmux is already running
tmux source-file ~/.tmux.conf

# Or start a new tmux session
tmux new-session

What You'll See

At the bottom-right of your terminal, you'll see something like:

0/0  bash  |  The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

Every 5 minutes, it shows a new fortune!

Different Status Bar Styles

Style 1: Just the Fortune

set -g status-right "#(pwsh -NoProfile -Command 'Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; Get-Fortune' 2>/dev/null)"

Style 2: Fortune + Time

set -g status-right "#(pwsh -NoProfile -Command 'Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; Get-Fortune' 2>/dev/null) | %H:%M"

Style 3: Cow + Fortune (Left Side)

set -g status-left "#(pwsh -NoProfile -Command 'Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; forgum -Text (Get-Fortune) -CowFile default' 2>/dev/null)"

Style 4: Colored Fortune

set -g status-right "#[fg=cyan]#(pwsh -NoProfile -Command 'Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; Get-Fortune' 2>/dev/null)#[default]"

How It Works

Setting	What It Does
set -g status-right	Sets the right side of the status bar
#(...)	Runs a command and shows its output
2>/dev/null	Hides error messages
status-interval 300	Updates every 5 minutes
set -g status-style	Sets colors for the status bar

Tips

Use a Specific Cow

set -g status-right "#(pwsh -NoProfile -Command 'Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; forgum -Text (Get-Fortune) -CowFile tux' 2>/dev/null)"

Use Rainbow Colors

set -g status-right "#(pwsh -NoProfile -Command 'Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; `$config = Get-CFConfig; `$config.lolcat.enabled = `$true; Set-CFConfig -Config `$config; forgum' 2>/dev/null)"

Update More Often

# Update every minute
set -g status-interval 60

Update Less Often

# Update every 10 minutes
set -g status-interval 600

Troubleshooting

"pwsh: command not found"

• PowerShell isn't installed. See the Bash & Zsh Integration guide.

Status bar shows nothing or errors

• Test the command directly in your terminal first:

  pwsh -NoProfile -Command "Import-Module Forgum -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; Get-Fortune"

• If that works but tmux doesn't, check for typos in your ~/.tmux.conf.

Fortune doesn't update

• Make sure status-interval is set (in seconds).

Status bar looks weird

• You might have conflicting tmux settings. Try removing other status-right lines.

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