Exploring Caja: The MATE Desktop’s File Manager

The Linux world is filled with various desktop environments, each offering its own unique tools and applications. For users of the MATE desktop environment, Caja emerges as the official file manager, replacing Nautilus from GNOME. In this blog, we will delve into the features of Caja, why it might be a perfect fit for many users, and provide detailed installation instructions across several Linux distributions using different package managers.

What is Caja?

Caja is the official file manager of the MATE desktop environment, which is known for its classic design and efficiency. It is a fork of GNOME's Nautilus file manager but has been modified to better fit the MATE philosophy. Caja allows users to browse directories, preview files, and launch applications associated with them. It is designed to be simple to use, customizable, and reliable – trademarks of the MATE desktop experience.

Key Features of Caja

• File browsing in multiple tabs

• Bookmarks, history, and location navigation

• Comprehensive file search integrated with the desktop

• Support for scripts and extensions

• Integrated image viewing, text editing, and PDF reading

• Customizable layout and views

Caja not only offers the basics that one would expect from a file manager but also provides detailed preferences customization, making it an excellent choice for users who like to tweak their environment.

Installing Caja

Depending on your Linux distribution, there are different methods to install Caja through various package managers. Below are the installation instructions for Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE.

Ubuntu (Using apt)

For users running Ubuntu or any other Debian-based distributions, you can install Caja using apt. First, make sure your package list is updated:

sudo apt update

Then, install Caja by running:

sudo apt install caja

This command will install Caja along with its dependencies. Once installed, you can start Caja from your application launcher or by running caja in your terminal.

Fedora (Using dnf)

If you are using Fedora, you can use the dnf package manager to install Caja. Like in Ubuntu, ensure your packages are up to date:

sudo dnf update

Then, you can install Caja:

sudo dnf install caja

This will download and install Caja and any necessary dependencies.

openSUSE (Using zypper)

For openSUSE users, zypper is the command-line package manager. Begin by refreshing your package list:

sudo zypper refresh

Install Caja with:

sudo zypper install caja

As with the other package managers, this will fetch Caja and any dependencies it requires.

Getting Started with Caja

After installation, launching Caja is straightforward. You can find it in your applications menu, or just run caja from a terminal. Once opened, you can begin exploring its features: customise the toolbar, add or remove panels, and experiment with its powerful plugins and integrations.

Conclusion

Caja is more than just a file manager—it is a bridge towards using your computer in a more organized, efficient way. Whether you are looking for a light, configurable file manager or you are already a user of the MATE desktop environment, Caja offers a solid balance between functionality and resource efficiency. Its installation is simple across different Linux distributions, allowing more users to take advantage of this robust tool.