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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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What's the point of terminal file managers (mc, ranger, nnn, etc)? (self.linux)

submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by tatterdemalion to c/[email protected]

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Who are these for? People who use the terminal but don't like running shell commands?

OK sorry for throwing shade. If you use one of these, honestly, what features do you use that make it worthwhile?

EDIT: Just to clarify, my point is I would almost always reach for fzf, fd, or rg before trying to manually search through a directory in a file manager.

EDIT2: A few people mentioned selecting files in a TUI. I don't find it any harder to select files using autocomplete. It might even be faster to start typing a name than it is it "scroll" through a list of files.

EDIT3: Here's a neat tool that can add some flexibility to your shell workflow: https://github.com/urbanogilson/lineselect

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[–] [email protected] 25 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

With some people, it's just easier and faster to navigate a filesystem structure if you can just see it all laid out in front of you visually instead of "cd-ing" and "ls-ing" every directory you traverse just to see what's in it and having to "pwd" and remember where you are. Some of us didn't do too well at the memory game as kids.

[–] tatterdemalion 1 points 2 years ago

It just strikes a weird niche IMO. If I wanted to explore a directory, I wouldn't recursively cd; I would use fd or rg. You're looking for content, right? That's how you search a file system for content.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Yes but GUI file managers exist and already lay everything out for you by design. Refusing to use one, just because you think you're too cool to use a mouse is just plain elitism.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Ever hear of headless servers and networking equipment? I'm not gonna forward X through every ssh connection I make to my home machines. Not all of us are using Linux only on the desktop. It's running my NAS, media streaming server, firewall, DNS ad filter, home automation server, and my security camera DVR. None of which have GUIs installed.