Nnn
nnn is a full-featured terminal file manager designed for performance and efficiency. It is written in C with minimal dependencies, resulting in a lightweight and fast user experience. The tool is built to be keyboard-driven, allowing users to navigate, manipulate, and manage files directly from the command line without leaving the terminal. Beyond basic file operations, nnn includes advanced features such as fuzzy search, bookmarks, batch rename, disk usage analysis, and a plugin system for extensibility. It supports multiple platforms, including Linux, macOS, and Windows (via WSL or other Unix-like environments), and integrates well with other command-line tools by allowing files to be selected and passed to external commands. nnn emphasizes low resource usage and responsiveness, making it suitable for use on older hardware or in resource-constrained environments. Its "unorthodox" approach includes a minimal interface that prioritizes speed and scriptability, positioning it as a practical alternative to more heavyweight file managers.
- Category
- Dev Tools
- Pricing
- Open Source
Problem solved
nnn addresses the need for efficient, keyboard-centric file management within the terminal environment. It eliminates the overhead of graphical file managers and provides power users with a fast, scriptable tool to handle file operations without leaving the command line.
Use cases
- Navigating and managing files from the terminal
- Selecting files to pass to other CLI tools via plugins
- Performing batch file operations like rename or delete
- Analyzing disk usage of directories
- Using as a file picker in shell scripts
- Quickly searching for files with fuzzy matching
Audience
- Developers
- Hobbyists
Pros
- Extremely fast and lightweight
- Minimal dependencies and resource usage
- Extensive keyboard shortcuts for high productivity
- Plugin system for extensibility
- Cross-platform support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with terminal file managers
- Terminal-only interface may not appeal to users preferring GUIs
- Requires memorization of keyboard shortcuts for efficient use
- Not as feature-rich as some graphical file managers
Official website: https://github.com/jarun/nnn
Canonical LambdaBase page: https://www.lambdabase.com/tools/nnn