bombadillo

Terminal browser for Gopher, Gemini, and Finger protocols

TLDR

Launch Bombadillo

$ bombadillo

Open a specific Gopher URL

$ bombadillo [gopher://example.com]

Open a Gemini URL

$ bombadillo [gemini://example.com]

bombadillo is a non-web browser designed for the terminal. It supports the Gopher, Gemini, and Finger protocols, as well as local file browsing. It provides a vim-like modal interface with command-line navigation for exploring the "small internet" — alternative protocols to the modern web.The browser renders text content directly in the terminal, supports bookmarks, history navigation, and configurable settings. It can handle TLS connections for Gemini and provides a distraction-free reading experience.

PARAMETERS

-v

Display version information and exit

-t

Set the terminal window title to "Bombadillo"

-h

Display usage help and exit

CONFIGURATION

Configuration is stored in ~/.config/bombadillo/config.ini. Settings include default protocol, home URL, certificate handling, and display preferences. Settings can also be changed at runtime using the :set command.

INSTALL

sudo apt install bombadillo

sudo apk add bombadillo

brew install bombadillo

nix profile install nixpkgs#bombadillo

CAVEATS

Does not support HTTP/HTTPS natively — it is specifically designed for alternative protocols, though HTTP/HTTPS can be opened via a configured external handler. Gemini TLS certificate handling uses trust-on-first-use (TOFU). Media files are passed to external handlers. Navigation uses vim-like keybindings: `j`/`k` scroll, `b` goes back, `f` goes forward, `g`/`G` jump to top/bottom, and `q` quits.

HISTORY

Bombadillo was created by sloum (on tildegit) and first released around 2019. Written in Go, it was developed as part of the growing interest in the Gemini protocol and the small-internet movement. The name references the character Tom Bombadil from Tolkien's works.