Zellij is a terminal multiplexer and workspace manager designed to organize command-line sessions into persistent, reconfigurable layouts. It functions as a terminal plugin framework, allowing users to extend their environment with modular, event-driven components that interact with the host through a structured message-passing protocol.
The project distinguishes itself through a layout-engine-based architecture that decouples visual pane arrangements from process execution, enabling automated and repeatable terminal workflows. It includes integrated support for web-based remote access, facilitating real-time collaboration and browser-based interaction with active sessions. These capabilities are supported by a state-serialization model that allows for the resurrection of complex terminal environments after system exits.
Beyond its core multiplexing features, the platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools for terminal automation, including dynamic layout application, programmatic pane control, and session management. It supports extensive customization of input bindings, visual themes, and plugin behaviors, while offering observability tools to monitor session state and pane output.
The software is distributed as a standalone binary, with configuration managed through local files that support dynamic reloading and automated session startup.
