5 Best Alternative Free Linux File Managers
Reinventing the wheel is frequently cited as
a barrier to the development of open source software. Critics
point out if developers worked together on projects, instead
of duplicating software that already exists, this would help to
simplify matters for users, and actually significantly advance the
development of established open source projects. There is an element of
truth that development time is wasted, and it is not hard to identify
examples of developers reinventing the wheel in their code, rather than
contribute their development skills to projects
with broadly similar objectives.
However, one of the strengths of Linux is the vast array of
choice. Having the opportunity to select from a gamut of
software and select the ones that meet my needs works very well. Having
hundreds of open source text editors, file managers, integrated
development environments, backup tools, databases, web browsers, FTP
clients increases the likelihood of applications existing that
really do what I want them to do. Further, even where a developer
simply reinvents the wheel by creating a very simple application he or
she
still learns important lessons from the programming experience. The
simple
open source text editor or sticky notes utility may lay the foundation
blocks for a developer to create something more groundbreaking in the
future.
Irrespective of the operating system used, the file manager is
one of those essential applications for many users which is almost
impossible to function without. Linux is blessed with a large range of
file managers which help to make file management a breeze. Our File
Manager Group Test identified mature, polished file managers.
However, for this feature, we wanted to select alternative file
managers which are definitely worth trying but may have been missed
given that they
receive little coverage in Linux publications, and are not included or
installed
by default in mainstream Linux distributions. Some of the applications
are
still in an early stage of development.
One application that is not included in this list but is
worthy of a mention is Codename Nemo. We particularly like Codename
Nemo for its innovative approach to file management. Unfortunately, the
application does not appear to be under active development.
Now, let's explore the 5 file managers at hand.
For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description
with an in-depth analysis of its features, a screenshot of the software
in action, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.
| File Managers |
| SpaceFM |
Multi-panel tabbed file manager with built-in VFS,
udev-based |
| gentoo |
Powerful
two-pane file manager |
| Marlin |
Sleek and fast GTK3 file manager |
| Eagle
Mode |
Zoomable
user interface with plugin applications |
| Beesoft
Commander |
Two-panel orthodox file manager |
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Last Updated Tuesday, March 26 2013 @ 04:45 PM EST
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