gdu is a disk usage analyzer that helps identify files and directories consuming storage space. It combines parallel filesystem scanning with interactive navigation, allowing users to explore large directory trees and investigate the contents of individual folders.
The application was designed with solid-state storage in mind, where concurrent filesystem operations can help reduce scanning time. It also works with mechanical disks, although the performance benefits of parallel traversal depend on the characteristics of the storage device.
gdu provides several ways to work with scan results. Its terminal interface is suited to interactive exploration, while non-interactive output can be incorporated into scripts and automated workflows. A browser-based interface provides another option for examining directory information.
The program is useful for checking home directories, investigating server storage, reviewing development files and finding candidates for cleanup.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Parallel directory scanning with configurable CPU usage.
- Interactive terminal interface for navigating the filesystem.
- Optional browser-based interface for examining disk usage.
- Sort, filter and navigate files and directories by size and other criteria.
- Filter files by type, age and path patterns.
- Exclude selected directories or read exclusions from a file.
- Restrict scanning to a single filesystem.
- Display apparent sizes or allocated disk usage.
- Browse supported archive formats, including ZIP and TAR archives.
- Preview partial results while a long scan is running.
- Stop scanning while retaining the results already collected.
- Import and export scan results using JSON.
- Store scan data using SQLite or BadgerDB.
- Move selected items to the Trash or perform deletion through the interface.
- Configurable appearance, including usage bars and colour settings.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/dundee/gdu
Support:
Developer: Daniel Milde
License: MIT License
gdu is written in Go. Learn Go with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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