Send keys¶

`send_keys`¶

send_keys

Send keys (commands or text) to a tmux pane.

Use when you need to type commands, press keys, or interact with a terminal. This is the primary way to execute commands in tmux panes.

Avoid when you need to run something and immediately capture the result — send keys first, then use capture_pane or wait_for_text.

Side effects: Sends keystrokes to the pane. If enter is true (default), the command executes.

Example:

{
  "tool": "send_keys",
  "arguments": {
    "keys": "npm start",
    "pane_id": "%2"
  }
}

Response (string):

Keys sent to pane %2

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Default	Description
`keys`	str	yes	—	The keys or text to send.
`pane_id`	str	no	—	Pane ID (e.g. ‘%1’).
`session_name`	str	no	—	Session name for pane resolution.
`session_id`	str	no	—	Session ID (e.g. ‘$1’) for pane resolution.
`window_id`	str	no	—	Window ID for pane resolution.
`enter`	bool	no	`True`	Whether to press Enter after sending keys. Default True.
`literal`	bool	no	`False`	Whether to send keys literally (no tmux interpretation). Default False.
`suppress_history`	bool	no	`False`	Whether to suppress shell history by prepending a space. Only works in shells that support HISTCONTROL. Default False.
`socket_name`	str	no	—	tmux socket name.