Question 1

How secure is Atuin's encrypted sync?

Accepted Answer

Atuin uses end-to-end encryption for all synchronized history, so data is encrypted before leaving your machine and only decrypted locally. The README states the server host cannot access your data, ensuring privacy even with the cloud service.

Question 2

How do I import my old shell history into Atuin?

Accepted Answer

Use the 'atuin import auto' command after installation, which automatically detects and imports from default shell history files. For custom formats, the documentation provides detailed import guides to ensure a smooth transition.

Question 3

Atuin vs fzf for history search: which should I use?

Accepted Answer

Atuin is better for encrypted sync and contextual logging across machines, while fzf is a general fuzzy finder without built-in history management. Atuin's search UI is specifically designed for shell history with filters like exit code and time, making it more powerful for this use case.

Question 4

Does Atuin slow down my shell?

Accepted Answer

There might be minimal overhead due to SQLite database writes and hooks, but it's generally optimized for performance. However, on resource-constrained systems, the additional processes could impact responsiveness, so testing in your environment is recommended.

Question 5

How to self-host an Atuin server?

Accepted Answer

The documentation includes guides for self-hosting, but it involves setting up server software and configuring clients, which adds complexity. It's best for teams needing private sync, but requires ongoing maintenance compared to the cloud option.

Question 6

Can I use Atuin without syncing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sync is entirely optional; Atuin functions locally with SQLite storage for history. You can disable sync and still benefit from advanced search and contextual logging without any external dependencies.

Question 7

What happens if the Atuin server goes offline?

Accepted Answer

Local history remains accessible, but sync operations will fail until the server is back online. For critical setups, self-hosting with backups is advised, but this increases the maintenance burden for users.

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