8 Best Linux Console File Managers

If you're a Linux user, you may be familiar with console, which is a command-line interface that allows you to interact with your operating system using text commands. While many Linux users prefer to use graphical user interfaces, there are times when console can be more efficient and powerful, especially for tasks like file management. That's where console file managers come in. These tools allow you to navigate, copy, move, and delete files and directories using a text-based interface. In this article, we'll take a look at eight of best console file managers for Linux.

Midnight Commander

Midnight Commander is a classic console file manager that has been around for over 20 years. It's a favorite among many Linux users for its simplicity, ease of use, and powerful features. Midnight Commander has a two-pane interface that allows you to navigate your file system and perform file operations with ease. You can use arrow keys to move around, and F keys to access various commands. For example, F5 is copy command, F6 is move command, and F8 is delete command. Midnight Commander also has built-in support for many file types, including archives, RPM packages, and FTP servers.

Ranger

Ranger is a modern console file manager that takes a different approach to file management. It's designed to be more minimalist and keyboard-centric, with a focus on speed and efficiency. Ranger has a single-pane interface that displays your file system in a tree structure. You can navigate using arrow keys, and press Enter to open a file or directory. Ranger also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly. For example, you can press dd to delete a file, cc to copy a file, and yy to copy path of a file to clipboard.

Vifm

Vifm is a console file manager that's modeled after classic file manager from Amiga operating system. It has a two-pane interface that's similar to Midnight Commander, but with some unique features. For example, Vifm has built-in support for file previews, so you can quickly preview images, text files, and other types of files without having to open them in a separate program. Vifm also has a powerful command-line interface that allows you to perform complex file operations with ease.

Nnn

Nnn is a minimalist console file manager that's designed to be fast and lightweight. It has a single-pane interface that displays your file system in a list format. You can navigate using arrow keys, and press Enter to open a file or directory. Nnn also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly. For example, you can press d to delete a file, m to move a file, and c to copy a file.

MC Clone

MC Clone is a console file manager that's based on Midnight Commander. It has a similar two-pane interface, but with some additional features. For example, MC Clone has built-in support for Git, so you can perform Git operations from within file manager. MC Clone also has a powerful command-line interface that allows you to perform complex file operations with ease.

Lfm

LfM is a console file manager that's designed to be simple and easy to use. It has a single-pane interface that displays your file system in a tree structure. You can navigate using arrow keys, and press Enter to open a file or directory. LfM also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly. For example, you can press d to delete a file, c to copy a file, and m to move a file.

Double Commander

Double Commander is a console file manager that's similar to Midnight Commander, but with a more modern interface. It has a two-pane interface that allows you to navigate your file system and perform file operations with ease. Double Commander also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly. For example, you can press F5 to copy a file, F6 to move a file, and F8 to delete a file.

FFF

FFF is a minimalist console file manager that's designed to be fast and lightweight. It has a single-pane interface that displays your file system in a list format. You can navigate using arrow keys, and press Enter to open a file or directory. FFF also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly. For example, you can press d to delete a file, m to move a file, and c to copy a file.

Choosing Right Console File Manager

When it comes to choosing a console file manager, there are a few things to consider. First, consider your level of experience with command line. Some file managers, like Midnight Commander, are more user-friendly and have a lot of built-in help. Others, like Ranger, are more minimalist and require a bit more knowledge of command line.

Another thing to consider is types of files you'll be working with. Some file managers, like Vifm, have built-in support for file previews, which can be useful for working with images or text files. Others, like MC Clone, have built-in support for Git, which can be useful for software development.

Krusader

Krusader is a console file manager that's designed to be a powerful alternative to graphical file managers like Nautilus or Dolphin. It has a two-pane interface that allows you to navigate your file system and perform file operations with ease. Krusader also has a powerful set of features, including support for archives, FTP, and network shares.

Dired

Dired is a console file manager that's built into Emacs, a popular text editor for Linux. It has a single-pane interface that displays your file system in a list format. You can navigate using arrow keys, and press Enter to open a file or directory. Dired also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly.

NcursesFM

NcursesFM is a console file manager that's designed to be simple and easy to use. It has a single-pane interface that displays your file system in a list format. You can navigate using arrow keys, and press Enter to open a file or directory. NcursesFM also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly.

Console File Manager

Console File Manager is a console file manager that's designed to be fast and lightweight. It has a single-pane interface that displays your file system in a list format. You can navigate using arrow keys, and press Enter to open a file or directory. Console File Manager also has a powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks quickly.

Choosing right console file manager can be a matter of personal preference and workflow. It's worth trying out a few different options to see which one works best for you. With so many great options available, you're sure to find one that meets your needs.

Finally, consider your personal preferences when it comes to interface and workflow. Some file managers, like Ranger, are designed to be more keyboard-centric and efficient. Others, like Double Commander, have a more modern interface that may be more visually appealing.

Conclusion

Console file managers are powerful tools that can make file management in Linux more efficient and powerful. Whether you're a command-line expert or a beginner, there's a console file manager out there that will meet your needs. From classic simplicity of Midnight Commander to minimalist efficiency of Ranger, there's a file manager for every user. So give one a try and see how it can improve your workflow in Linux.