Sessions

A session is one shared terminal. The host runs a real shell (or any program); everyone else mirrors it live over the encrypted relay.

Host a session

$ partyline

Useful flags:

  • --open — guests can type immediately (default: view-only until granted)
  • --invite-only — only verified, invited partyline users may join (no anonymous link joins)
  • --team <slug> — host the session for a team (its members can see it)
  • --invite a@x.com,b@y.com — invite by email when the session opens
  • -- <command> — run a specific program instead of your $SHELL, e.g. partyline -- vim notes.md

Join a session

$ partyline join 'https://partyline.sh/j/<code>#k=<key>'

Joining requires a partyline account, so the host always sees exactly who's on the line. You start view-only.

Who can drive — personal vs team

Watching is free; driving is paid. Who can take the keyboard depends on where the session lives:

  • Personal session (partyline): you drive, everyone else watches. It's your terminal to share. To collaborate with more than one driver, host for a team.
  • Team session (partyline --team <slug>): members with Full access can be granted the keyboard; Viewers watch only. Viewers are free and unlimited — see Teams.

To ask for control in a team session, press ctrl-\ then r; the host grants a full-access member with /pgrant <name>.

Roles & control

  • Host — owns the session; grants/revokes typing; ends it; can kick or lock.
  • Full access — can host, and can be granted the keyboard. Paid seat.
  • Viewer — watch-only, always free. Cannot type, even if granted.
  • Everyone on the line is a verified partyline user (shown with ✓).

Quitting

Ctrl-C is passed through to the shell (raw mode), so it won't quit partyline. End or leave with:

  • Host: /pexit or ctrl-\ q (ends the session for everyone)
  • Guest: /pexit or ctrl-\ d (you leave)