File Managers

lf – terminal file manager written in Go

lf (as in “list files”) is an open source terminal file manager written in Go. It is heavily inspired by Ranger with some missing and extra features. Some of the missing features are deliberately omitted since they are better handled by external tools.

lf uses the underlying ‘cp’ and ‘mv’ shell commands for file operations. By default, lf does not provide an actual file deletion command to protect new users. You can define such a command and optionally assign a key.

lf tries to automatically adapt its colors to the environment. The software uses termbox-go for its user interface.

Features include:

  • Single binary without any runtime dependencies (except for terminfo database).
  • Fast startup and low memory footprint (due to native code and static binaries).
  • Server/client architecture to share file selection between multiple instances.
  • Configuration with shell commands.
  • Customizable keybindings (vi and readline defaults).
  • Command prefixes:
    • : read (default) builtin/custom command.
    • $ shell shell command.
    • % shell-pipe shell command running with the ui.
    • ! shell-wait shell command waiting for key press.
    • & shell-async shell command running asynchronously.
    • / search search file in current directory.
    • ? search-back search file in the reverse order.
  • Bind cd commands in the config file which acts like bookmarks.
  • Preview filtering (for source highlight, archives, pdfs/images as text etc). lf previews files on the preview pane by printing the file until the end or the preview pane is filled.
  • Case-insensitive searches.
  • Persistent history using a history file. History file is currently limited to 1,000 commands.
  • Sort by natural, size, and time.
  • Unicode support.

Website: godoc.org/github.com/gokcehan/lf
Support: Tutorial, GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Gokcehan
License: MIT License

lf

lf is written in Go. Learn Go with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to File Managers | Return to Survey: Console Based File Managers | Return to Console File Managers


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Please read our FAQ before making a comment.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments