Exploring far2l: The Versatile Terminal File and Archive Manager

In the world of Linux, file management is a skill as fundamental as typing. While graphical user interfaces offer convenience, terminal-based file managers provide powerful, flexible options for those who prefer to work in a text-based environment. One such tool that has been gaining attention is far2l, an impressive fork of the classic FAR Manager. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes far2l stand out, and guide you through its installation process across different Linux distributions using various package managers like apt, dnf, and zypper.

What is far2l?

far2l (FAR2 Linux) is an open-source file and archive manager designed for UNIX-like systems, particularly for terminal use. It's a continuation of the famous FAR Manager used in Windows, adapted to be more friendly with Linux and Mac OS systems. Its functionality can be extended with plugins, and it supports a variety of file formats and operations, making it a robust tool for comprehensive file management tasks.

Key Features of far2l:

• Multi-language support: Ensures that it can be used globally.

• Extensible via plugins: Enhances its functionalities beyond basic file operations.

• Compatible with both Console and X11: Though primarily for terminal, it works well with X Terminal emulators.

Installing far2l on Linux

1. Ubuntu and Debian-Based Systems

For users of Ubuntu, Debian, and other derivatives, the easiest installation method is via the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT). Open your terminal and follow these simple steps:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install far2l

2. Fedora, Red Hat, and CentOS

If you're using a distribution like Fedora, you can install far2l using the dnf package manager:

sudo dnf makecache
sudo dnf install far2l

CentOS users might need to enable EPEL repository or check if the package is directly available or provided through another repository. In Red Hat-based systems, ensuring that you have access to the needed repositories is crucial.

3. openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise

For openSUSE users, the zypper package manager is your way to go. Zypper is powerful and supports multiple repository formats. Install far2l by running:

sudo zypper refresh
sudo zypper install far2l

From Source

If you are using a distribution that does not support far2l directly via its package manager or you need a specific version, installing from source is a universal approach. Here’s how you can compile and install far2l from its source code:

sudo apt-get install git cmake g++ pkg-config libgtk-3-dev libwxgtk3.0-gtk3-dev libglib2.0-dev libcairo2-dev libssh-dev
git clone https://github.com/elfmz/far2l
cd far2l
mkdir build
cd build
cmake -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release ..
make
sudo make install

These commands install the required dependencies, clone the far2l repository, compile the source code, and finally install the program.

Getting Started with far2l

Upon installation, launching far2l is as simple as typing far2l in your terminal. For those familiar with Norton Commander or the original FAR Manager, the interface of far2l will feel very intuitive. For new users, the two-pane layout represents different directories side by side, simplifying file copying, moving, and archiving.

Explore the key bindings and menus by pressing F1 for help. This will display useful shortcuts and commands that enhance your file management capabilities.

Conclusion

far2l brings the power and nostalgia of FAR Manager to Linux and other Unix-like systems. It marries the simplicity of terminal commands with the intuitiveness of graphical interfaces, creating a unique tool that’s both potent and user-friendly. Whether you are managing local files or dealing with remote services, far2l offers a reliable and robust solution for all your file management needs. Its installation across various Linux distributions is straightforward, ensuring that you can start organizing your files efficiently, regardless of your platform.