ncmpcpp

Connect to a music player daemon on a given host and port

$ ncmpcpp --host [ip] --port [port]

$ ncmpcpp --current-song

$ ncmpcpp --config [file]

$ ncmpcpp --bindings [file]

ncmpcpp [options]

-h, --host hostname
    Connect to the MPD server on the specified hostname or IP address.

-p, --port port
    Connect to the MPD server on the specified port number.

-c, --config file
    Use an alternative configuration file instead of the default.

-s, --screen name
    Start ncmpcpp directly on a specific screen (e.g., playlist, browser, library).

-v, --version
    Display the version information of ncmpcpp.

-?, --help
    Show a summary of command-line options.

Ncmpcpp (Ncurses Music Player Client Plus Plus) is a powerful, customizable, and feature-rich terminal-based client for the Music Player Daemon (MPD). Designed for command-line enthusiasts, it provides a comprehensive set of functionalities within a clean ncurses interface. Users can manage their music library, edit tags, create and modify playlists, browse the filesystem, view song lyrics, and enjoy an audio visualizer. It extends beyond basic playback control, offering advanced features like search capabilities, Last.fm integration, and seamless interaction with the underlying MPD server. Its lightweight nature and keyboard-driven interface make it an efficient choice for managing music without a graphical environment, providing a complete and highly responsive musical experience directly from the terminal.

Requires an active Music Player Daemon (MPD) server to function, as it acts as a client rather than a standalone player.
Initial configuration can be intricate due to its extensive customization options.
Performance of certain features, like the visualizer, may depend on terminal capabilities and system resources.

Ncmpcpp is highly configurable via its main configuration file, typically located at ~/.ncmpcpp/config. This file allows users to extensively customize nearly every aspect of the client, including color schemes, keybindings, default screen layouts, visualizer settings, and various behavior options to tailor the experience to individual preferences.

The interface is primarily navigated using keyboard shortcuts, making it very efficient for power users. It features multiple distinct screens (e.g., playlist, file browser, library, tag editor, visualizer, lyrics, clock) which can be toggled via hotkeys, providing a multi-functional environment for music management.

Ncmpcpp was developed as an enhanced successor to ncmpc, another ncurses-based MPD client. While ncmpc offered basic control, ncmpcpp significantly expanded functionality by integrating features such as a file system browser, tag editor, visualizer, and advanced playlist management. This evolution aimed to provide a more comprehensive and feature-rich experience for users who prefer managing their music library entirely within the terminal. Its continued development has focused on robustness, performance, and user customization, establishing it as a highly popular choice within the Linux terminal music ecosystem.

mpd(1), mpc(1), ncmpc(1)