1. Start with a workspace, not a loose terminal
imux is optimized around a workspace model. The workspace should represent one concrete project or one concrete remote host so the terminal, files, browser tasks, and supervisor all reference the same operating context.
- Create a local workspace from the repo or folder you actually want to work on.
- Use a dedicated remote workspace for each SSH target instead of mixing unrelated hosts together.
- Keep one goal per workspace when possible. That keeps supervisor plans and file context cleaner.
2. Use the local and remote explorers as your control plane
The explorer is not decorative. It is the fastest way to inspect project shape, open files, confirm paths, and stay oriented while the terminal conversation is active.
- Use the local explorer to inspect repo structure before editing or delegating work.
- Use the remote explorer only after the SSH session is actually connected and authenticated.
- Drag file paths into the active terminal conversation when you want the path to become part of the task context.
3. Read, edit, and save files without breaking flow
imux includes in-workspace file viewing and editing so you do not have to keep bouncing out to a second editor for every small change or inspection pass.
- Click a file to preview or edit it directly inside the workspace.
- Save edits in place and return to the active terminal thread without losing context.
- Use the file view for verification too: confirm the exact contents before you ask the supervisor or terminal to continue.
4. Treat the supervisor as an execution layer, not a chat toy
The supervisor works best when you give it a concrete target, enough repo context, and a bounded objective. It should reduce ambiguity and compress the next move into a plan that can actually be executed.
- Give each workspace a clear objective before asking the supervisor to take over.
- Review the proposed next steps instead of accepting vague plans blindly.
- Use the supervisor to frame work, track progress, and keep multiple active tasks from drifting.
5. Keep source control visible while changes are happening
imux is most useful when Git state stays visible during execution rather than becoming an afterthought at the end of the task.
- Check branch and working tree state before you start editing.
- Use visible file paths and repo context to avoid accidental edits in the wrong place.
- Review current changes before packaging or publishing any result.
6. Upgrade with a release-first habit
Do not treat upgrades as a blind overwrite. imux should be updated with the same discipline you apply to any other developer tool that controls project context, remote access, or model settings.
- Read the changelog before replacing the app build.
- Reconfirm model settings, SSH behavior, and any saved connection preferences after updating.
- Use one clean workspace to validate the new build before you move all active work onto it.
Best practices that improve the experience fast
A few habits change imux from a promising shell wrapper into a much more reliable command center.
Keep one repo or one remote host per workspace whenever possible.
Set the workspace objective before handing control to the supervisor.
Drag precise file paths into the active thread instead of describing files vaguely.
Check Git state early, not only at the end of the task.
Use the editor for confirmation after every non-trivial generated change.
Validate one clean local path and one clean remote path after every upgrade.
How to brief imux so execution starts in 2 to 3 turns
Most slow starts come from vague goals, not from missing features. A short, concrete brief usually gets imux into execution mode fast.
Name the exact repo, folder, or SSH target first.
State one outcome you need now instead of bundling several unrelated goals together.
Mention the most relevant files, commands, or URLs if you already know them.
Define what done looks like in one measurable sentence.
Use the next reply to tighten scope or priorities instead of rewriting the full request.
Safe update checklist
Download the latest DMG from the imux website download endpoint.
Quit the current app cleanly so open writes or active sessions are not interrupted mid-task.
Install the new build, reopen imux, and verify LLM settings plus SSH connections before resuming important work.
Check the changelog for behavior changes in explorers, supervisor flow, file editing, or routing.