If you are a bioinformatician, chances are you have spent hours running long, complex analyses on remote servers only to lose your session because of an unstable connection. Frustrating, isnt it? Fear not! With tools like screen, tmux, and mosh, you can safeguard your workflow and stay productive, no matter where you are.
In bioinformatics, tasks like genome assembly, RNA-seq analyses, and phylogenetic computations often take hours or days. A dropped SSH connection can result in:
By integrating screen, tmux, or mosh into your workflow, you can avoid these setbacks and ensure a seamless experience.
Screen is a terminal multiplexer that comes pre-installed on most Linux systems. It allows you to manage multiple terminal sessions and reconnect to them even after being disconnected.
Getting Started with Screen:
Ctrl+A
, then D
.Pro Tip: Enhance your screen experience with a customized .screenrc
configuration file. Download one here: Get .screenrc.
Tmux takes everything great about screen and adds modern features, including better key bindings and intuitive session management. It\u2019s perfect for bioinformaticians who want more control over their workflow.
Getting Started with Tmux:
Ctrl+B
, then D
.Customize Your Tmux Experience:
Use a .tmux.conf
file to personalize your setup. Grab one here: Download .tmux.conf.
SSH works well for stable networks, but it struggles in areas with spotty connectivity. Enter Mosh, the Mobile Shell. Designed for intermittent networks, Mosh keeps your session alive even when the connection drops temporarily.
Why Mosh is a Game-Changer:
Getting Started with Mosh:
Learn more at mosh.org.
Every bioinformatician knows the value of time and data integrity. Tools like screen, tmux, and mosh provide a lifeline when running long analyses, enabling you to:
Screen:
Tmux:
Mosh:
As a bioinformatician, your time is too valuable to spend restarting analyses due to technical hiccups. With screen, tmux, and mosh in your toolkit, you can work smarter, protect your progress, and stay productive no matter where you are. Start using these tools today and transform the way you work with remote systems.
Let me know how these tools work for you, and don\u2019t forget to follow for more bioinformatics tips!