The Graphical Person Interface (GUI) instruments for Linux have advanced considerably over time. You’ll find a number of the greatest file managers for Linux as GUI instruments.
However in relation to the command line, most Linux customers resort to the ls command to search for information current on the system.
Few customers are conscious of TUI-based file explorers that make it extra handy to browse information in a terminal.
Let’s check out some neat terminal-based file administration utilities that work simply as simply as a GUI file supervisor. I’ve chosen a few minimal and feature-rich instruments, so be happy to select what works greatest for you.
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This listing is in no specific order.
1. Vifm
Vifm or Vi-file supervisor is a terminal-focused utility which is likely one of the greatest file managers for Linux. Because the identify suggests, Vifm gives a Vim-like atmosphere for managing objects throughout the file system.
In case you are aware of Vi or Vim, this file supervisor will make you are feeling proper at residence with the keyboard shortcuts. However, you need to use it for day after day objective, even in case you are not a Vi professional.
Key options of Vifm:
Vim-like person mappingsDirectory tree comparisonOperation undoing/redoing/again groundingFUSE file programs supportColor schemes, which may also be utilized to particular subtreesAdvanced file filtering and renaming capabilitiesNamed bookmarks (tags)SessionsBuilt-in integration with GNU Display screen and tmux
Putting in Vifm
Since it’s a fashionable file supervisor, it’s out there within the default repository of many Linux distributions. On Ubuntu, you may set up Vifm utilizing:
sudo apt set up vifm
Vifm, when invoked from the terminal, opens within the present working listing utilizing the next command:
vifm
2. Ranger
One other command-line based mostly fashionable file supervisor, impressed by Vim, is Ranger. It’s a minimalistic file supervisor, with the same interface. Ranger has a file launcher, known as Rifle, that may open information based mostly on its kind.
Aside from that, it provides a multi-pane view mode and all of the necessities.
Key options of Ranger:
UTF-8 Assist (in case your Python copy helps it)Multi-column displayPreview of the chosen file/directoryCommon file operations (create/chmod/copy/delete/…)Renaming a number of information at onceVIM-like console and hotkeysAutomatically decide file varieties and run them with appropriate programsChange the listing of your shell after exiting rangerTabs, bookmarks, mouse assist, and extra
Set up Ranger
Ranger is accessible to put in on the default repos of Ubuntu. Open a terminal and run the next command to get it put in:
sudo apt set up ranger
3. Midnight Commander
GNU Midnight Commander is a feature-rich file supervisor, that may do a lot of the necessary file administration operations in a full-screen text-mode.
It additionally comes with an inside viewer and editor.
Key options of GNU Midnight Commander:
Constructed-in digital file system: manipulate distant file programs, browse archive filesMouse assist on most terminal emulators for X Window System in addition to on the Linux consoleText and hex editors availableHotlist means that you can maintain a listing of widespread visited locationsCommand completion with Alt-Tab shortcutSubshell supportLinux file recoveryBuilt-in editor helps syntax highlighting and exterior actions, comparable to spell checking and formattingFTP proxy assist
Set up GNU Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander makes use of the package deal identify mc in most system. So, in a terminal, run the command beneath to get it put in:
sudo apt set up mc
4. Superfile
Superfile is a contemporary terminal file supervisor written in Go. It provides an eye fixed sweet person interface with highly effective multi panel workflow.
Key options of Superfile:
Stunning person interfaceFully customizable from primary hotkey to theming and stylingAlmost full features of a file supervisor are availablePlugin supportLinux and macOS assist, with a attainable Home windows installationSudo and Native installationOffers file preview
Set up Superfile
Earlier than putting in Superfile, be sure to have any Nerd Fonts put in. If not, set up any Nerd Font of your selection.
Now, for all Linux customers, run the command beneath to put in Superfile.
bash -c “$(curl -sLo- https://superfile.netlify.app/set up.sh)”
Moreover, there are packages for Arch Linux in official repositories:
sudo pacman -S superfile
You possibly can test extra set up choices on the official documentation.
As soon as put in, it’s possible you’ll have to reopen your terminal. To start out Superfile, use the command:
spf
5. xplr
xplr is an intuitive and hackable file explorer with a concentrate on elevated productiveness by using the command-line file-system utilities.
This isn’t a file supervisor within the sense that you are able to do what a GUI file supervisor allows you to do. However, it really works extra as a file explorer, providing some highly effective instruments.
Key options of xplr:
Quick and minimalCustomizable layouts with built-in panelsSwitchable get well mode that saves you from doing undesirable issues when rushingEmbedded LuaJIT for portability and extensibilityCustom file properties with customized colours may be displayed within the tablePlugins and integrationsDifferent give up optionsCustom file properties with customized colours may be displayed within the desk
Set up xplr
In case you are an Arch Linux person, use the next command to put in it:
sudo pacman -S xplr
One other technique to set up is by utilizing the Crates. Be sure to have rust toolchain, gcc, and makepackages prepared. And, then run:
cargo set up –locked –force xplr
For all different customers, you may all the time obtain the compiled binaries from the official releases web page.
6. Yazi
Yazi is a rust-based file supervisor on your terminal, which is exceptionally quick. It’s based mostly on non-blocking async I/O and goals to supply an environment friendly, user-friendly, and customizable file administration expertise.
Key options of Yazi:
Full Asynchronous SupportPowerful Async Job Scheduling and ManagementBuilt-in Assist for A number of Picture ProtocolsBuilt-in Code Highlighting and Picture DecodingPlugin system with package deal supervisor for plugins and themes managementMulti-tab with scrollable previewIntegration with ripgrep, fd, fzf, and zoxideData Distribution Service
Set up Yazi
For Arch Linux, use:
sudo pacman -S yazi ffmpegthumbnailer p7zip jq poppler fd ripgrep fzf zoxide imagemagick
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For Yazi, a nerd-font is really helpful to have put in.
For all different distributions, obtain the compiled binary from the official launch web page.
Extra set up strategies together with rust cargo are defined within the official documentation of the undertaking.
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7. CliFM
CliFM is a straightforward terminal file supervisor, that works a bit otherwise from the opposite instruments. As an alternative of a Terminal Person Interface (TUI), CliFM, as within the identify, follows a CLI design precept.
Key options of CliFM:
Can run on the kernel built-in console, SSH, or every other distant session.Huge terminal assist (even 8 colours and no Unicode assist terminals).Prolonged colour codes for file-types and -extensions.Helps operations like bookmarks, tags, filters, and many others.As much as 8 workspaces.File permissions/possession editor through the computer and oc instructions respectively.Autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, TAB completion, and many others. can be found.A Stealth mode, often known as incognito or non-public mode.
Set up CliFM
Arch Linux customers can set up CliFM from AUR.
There are binary packages for main Linux distributions like Arch, Debian, Ubuntu, and many others. You too can obtain the binary from the openSUSE construct system.
8. nnn
n3 or nnn is a full-featured terminal file supervisor, that’s almost 0-config. Whereas this minimalism doesn’t have an effect on the capabilities of this utility.
Key options of nnn:
POSIX-compliant, follows Linux kernel coding styleTypically wants lower than 3.5Â MB resident memoryMinimal library deps, straightforward to compileTouch enabled, handheld-friendly shortcutsBasic assist for display screen readers and braille displaysRun plugins and customized instructions with hotkeysLaunch apps, run instructions, spawn a shell, and many others
Set up nnn
nnn is accessible within the repos of most distribution. In Ubuntu, run the next command to put in it:
sudo apt set up nnn
You too can get statically linked binary from the releases web page of the undertaking.
9. lfm
lfm or Final File Supervisor is a UNIX console file supervisor written in Python. It provides a two-pane interface by default with a neat darkish colour scheme.
Key options of lfm:
Assist tabs, file filters, bookmarks, historical past, etcVFS for compressed filesDirect integration of discover/grep, df and different toolsColor information by extensionFully customizable themes (colours) and key bindingsSupport for filenames with large chars
Set up lfm
lfm is accessible within the default repositories of most main Linux distributions. Ubuntu customers can set up it utilizing the command:
sudo apt set up lfm
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Make sure the model of lfm is 3 or greater within the repository. You additionally want Python 3.4+ to run this.
10. lf
lf is a straightforward file supervisor, closely impressed from Ranger file supervisor. Its specialty is being a simple and minimal utility.
Key options of lf:
Cross-platformSingle binary with none runtime dependenciesFast startup and low reminiscence footprintAsynchronous IO operations to keep away from UI lockingServer/shopper structure and distant instructions to handle a number of instancesExtendable and configurable with shell commandsCustomizable keybindings
Set up lf
lf is accessible within the default repositories of main Linux distribution. For Ubuntu and Debian-based, set up it utilizing:
sudo apt set up lf
There are prebuilt binaries out there within the undertaking releases web page for all distributions.
11. Ytree
Ytree is a classic-looking file supervisor for looking filesystem and archives.
Key options of Ytree:
Helps exterior applications to view/edit filesAn inside hex viewer and editor are availableConfigurable and helps completely different architectures
Set up Ytree
On Ubuntu, you may set up it from the official repository.
sudo apt set up ytree
Arch Linux customers can discover it in AUR.
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Wrapping Up
Terminal-based file managers enable you to effectively work with information with out worrying concerning the efficiency, no matter what utility you select from the listing.
If you’d like easy operations, and simply discover the filesystem, you may go along with any of the alternatives. However, in case you are searching for a performance-focused, easy-to-use, and feature-rich program, I counsel superfile and yazi. Simply two of my private picks.
It’s best to give all of them a attempt if one does not work ok on your use-case.
💬 What’s your favourite on the listing? Something I missed right here? Do share your ideas within the feedback beneath.