Niri-style terminal workspace manager for coding agents
Scriptable Linux environment with sidebar workspaces and column terminals
1Workspace architecture
Colm organizes coding environments with a sidebar for workspaces and a horizontal column strip for terminals. Built on Ghostty terminal, it maintains the underlying terminal functionality while adding management layers. The system requires Zig 0.15, GTK 4.16+, and libadwaita 1.5+ for operation. Workspaces and terminal arrangements are fully scriptable through a JSON control socket.
2Agent session specialization
The fork specifically targets developers working with multiple coding agents simultaneously. It provides live overviews of agent activities and integrates permission/plan prompts into the feed when agents support this feature. Unlike standard terminal multiplexers, Colm maintains unmodified Ghostty terminal functionality while adding management capabilities. The system works across both Wayland and X11 display servers.
3Installation process
Users can install Colm by cloning the GitHub repository and building with Zig. The build command specifies ReleaseFast optimization and installation to ~/.local/opt/colm. The project's dependencies include recent versions of GTK and libadwaita, indicating it leverages modern Linux desktop components. This installation method suggests the tool targets technically proficient users comfortable with compiling from source.
4Terminal multiplexer alternative
Positioned as an alternative to tools like cmux, Colm differentiates through its workspace-oriented design. The column strip layout resembles Niri's approach to window management. While traditional multiplexers focus on session persistence, Colm emphasizes managing multiple agent sessions with visual organization. The JSON control socket enables automation and integration with other tools in a developer's workflow.
5Agent compatibility
Colm supports various coding agents including Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, and aider. The system can integrate agent-specific prompts into its unified feed when the agent implements the required support. This design suggests an architecture that's aware of AI-assisted coding workflows. The terminal environment remains standard, ensuring compatibility with existing command-line tools and workflows.
6Development stack
Built using Zig programming language, Colm joins modern system tools leveraging this emerging technology. The choice of GTK 4 and libadwaita indicates a commitment to current Linux desktop standards. These technical decisions position the tool for longevity and compatibility with future desktop environments. The build process reflects Zig's cross-platform capabilities while targeting Linux specifically.
7Automation capabilities
The JSON control socket provides programmatic access to workspace management functions. This enables scripting of workspace layouts, terminal arrangements, and potentially agent interactions. The automation interface distinguishes Colm from more static terminal management solutions. Developers can integrate workspace management into their existing toolchains and workflows through this interface.
8Target user profile
Colm serves developers working with multiple AI-assisted coding agents simultaneously. Its design assumes users need organized views of concurrent agent sessions and their outputs. The tool particularly benefits those combining different coding assistance tools in their workflow. While powerful, the current installation requirements suggest it's primarily for technically advanced Linux users.
Original article: Hacker News: Show HN — Niri-style terminal workspace manager for coding agents