Problem solved

Yazi solves the need for fast, efficient file management within a terminal environment without sacrificing functionality. Traditional file managers can be slow or lack extensibility, while existing terminal file managers may struggle with large directories or modern preview features. Yazi addresses these issues by offering asynchronous I/O, responsive UI, and plugin-based customization.

Use cases

• Quickly navigate and manage files directly from the terminal
• Preview images, documents, and text files without opening separate applications
• Batch rename and organize files using keyboard shortcuts and custom commands
• Extend functionality with Lua plugins for custom workflows
• Use as a lightweight alternative to GUI file managers on servers or remote systems
• Customize themes and keybindings to match personal workflow

Audience

• Developers
• ML Engineers
• Data Scientists
• Hobbyists
• Researchers

Pros

• Blazing fast performance due to Rust and async I/O
• Highly extensible with Lua-based plugins
• Cross-platform support (Linux, macOS, Windows)
• Supports file previews including images
• Active open-source community and frequent updates

Cons

• Configuration and plugin development require learning Lua
• Smaller ecosystem compared to mature file managers like ranger
• Image previews may require additional terminal setup
• Some advanced features still under development