cli-fm: Explore a Nifty Command-line File Manager with Bookmarking Features

In the Linux world, there's always an abundance of options available for nearly all kinds of applications. Among file managers, while GUI-based ones like Nautilus and Dolphin tend to grab the limelight, the charm and efficiency of CLI (Command-Line Interface) based file managers shouldn't be overlooked.

Today, we are diving into cli-fm, a command-line file manager that stands out with its bookmarking capability. It's an excellent tool for those who prefer using the terminal and wish for swift navigation through directories, making file management straightforward and efficient from the command line.

What is cli-fm?

cli-fm is a lightweight, command-line file manager designed for Unix systems. It is particularly known for its bookmarking feature, allowing users to save and jump to frequently accessed directories swiftly, enhancing productivity and usability. It’s particularly useful for developers, sysadmins or any other advanced users who spend a lot of time navigating complex file systems.

Main Features of cli-fm

• Bookmark Management: Easily bookmark folders and switch between them.

• Portability: Written in shell script, it runs anywhere bash is available.

• Customization: Configurable through an rc file, allowing users to tailor its functionality.

• File Operations: Supports basic file operations like copy, move, delete, etc.

Installation

Here is how you can install cli-fm on various Linux distributions:

Debian and Ubuntu Systems

First, ensure your packages are up to date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install cli-fm using apt:

sudo apt install cli-fm

Fedora and CentOS

For Fedora and other RHEL-based distributions, you can use dnf:

sudo dnf update
sudo dnf install cli-fm

openSUSE

openSUSE users can utilize zypper, another powerful package manager:

sudo zypper refresh
sudo zypper install cli-fm

Arch Linux

For those on Arch Linux, cli-fm may be available via an AUR helper like yay:

yay -Syu cli-fm

Or manually from the AUR for those that prefer using makepkg.

Generic Installation

Should cli-fm not be available directly through your distro's package manager, or if you prefer installing the latest version directly from source, you can do so by cloning the git repository and running a simple installation script:

git clone https://github.com/USERNAME/cli-fm.git
cd cli-fm
sudo make install

Note: Replace USERNAME with the git repository's owner's username.

Getting Started with cli-fm

Once installed, launch cli-fm from your terminal by typing:

cli-fm

Use the help command inside cli-fm (? or h) to view available commands within the file manager.

Bookmarking Directories

Adding bookmarks is straightforward:

1. Navigate to the directory you want to bookmark.
2. Press b to add a bookmark.
3. Assign a mnemonic key or name to recall this bookmark.

To jump to a bookmarked directory, simply type your preset mnemonic key, and cli-fm will switch to that directory.

Conclusion

For enthusiasts of minimalist setups or anyone who prefers working within a terminal, cli-fm can significantly enhance your file management efficiency and increase your productivity. Its bookmarking feature is a standout, promising smooth navigation tailored to your needs. Give cli-fm a try, and streamline your command-line operations like never before.

Happy file managing, the CLI way!