FOSSPicks
Terminal file explorer
xplr
Despite all the command-line file managers we've looked at, and the venerable Midnight Commander created by Miguel de Icaza, it still feels like there's space for improvement. xplr could be the tool that makes the difference, not because it's more powerful than Midnight Commander, but because it does file management differently and not in a way that tries to replicate a desktop file manager. xplr is primarily minimal and very fast. It will launch in about the same time it takes to peruse the output from the ls -al
command, and the default view shows the same information. You can then use the cursor or Vim navigation keys to move up and down through the file and directory list, pressing right to enter a directory and left to leave for the parent directory. Other Vim bindings, such as the top and bottom, will also work, and there's also an equivalent command mode that's opened by pressing :
.
But you don't need to be a Vim user, or have an incredible memory for shortcuts, to use xplr. A small pane in the bottom right shows all the important keyboard shortcuts, and pressing ?
will always show a complete list of which commands are available and what they do. What makes xplr powerful is that it easily lets you perform actions that might take longer on the command line. You can use the spacebar to select files and directories, for example, and selected items appear in a pane in the top right. You can then issue further commands to move (m
) or copy (c
) these to a different location. If you need more than this, such as a custom layout or new commands, it's also eminently hackable, with a plugin system, well-commented code, and even a hacking document to help you on your way.
Project Website
Python shell
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.
-
Fedora 41 Beta Available with Some Interesting Additions
If you're a Fedora fan, you'll be excited to hear the beta version of the latest release is now available for testing and includes plenty of updates.
-
AlmaLinux Unveils New Hardware Certification Process
The AlmaLinux Hardware Certification Program run by the Certification Special Interest Group (SIG) aims to ensure seamless compatibility between AlmaLinux and a wide range of hardware configurations.
-
Wind River Introduces eLxr Pro Linux Solution
eLxr Pro offers an end-to-end Linux solution backed by expert commercial support.