vifm

Open the current directory

$ vifm .

$ vifm [path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...]

vifm [OPTIONS] [PATH...]

-c
    Execute command after startup.

-f
    Read filenames from file and select them in visual mode.

-i
    Import list of files from file to current directory view.

-o
    Write selected file paths to file on exit.

-O
    Write selected file paths to file and quit immediately.

-d
    Start in diff mode to compare two directories.

-l
    Start in view mode (single pane).

--select-from
    Read files from file and select them.

--choose-dir
    Print the chosen directory path to stdout and exit.

--choose-files
    Print selected file paths to stdout and exit.

--version
    Display version information and exit.

--help
    Display help message and exit.

...
    Initial directory paths to open.

vifm is a powerful, curses-based file manager that brings the efficiency and modal editing paradigm of the Vim text editor to file management in your terminal. It features a dual-pane interface, enabling seamless navigation and manipulation of files and directories.

Users familiar with Vim will find its keyboard-centric workflow, including Normal, Visual, and Command-line modes, highly intuitive. vifm offers robust capabilities such as file and directory comparisons (diff mode), extensive file filtering, customizable file associations, and the ability to execute external commands directly on selected items.

Designed for speed and productivity, it allows for deep customization through its configuration files, making it a preferred choice for power users who prioritize keyboard control and an efficient, scriptable environment for managing their filesystem.

Due to its Vim-like nature, vifm has a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with modal editing. It is primarily keyboard-driven, with minimal mouse support. Extensive customization requires editing text configuration files, which can be complex.

vifm is highly configurable through files like vifmrc (main configuration) and vifminfo (session information), typically located in ~/.config/vifm/ or ~/.vifm/. These files allow for extensive customization of keybindings, commands, filetype associations, and more.

Similar to Vim, vifm operates in distinct modes:
Normal mode: For navigation and basic file operations.
Visual mode: For selecting files and applying actions to multiple items.
Command-line mode: For executing commands, searching, and filtering.

vifm development began around 2008-2009 by Xie Qiang, driven by the desire for a powerful, keyboard-driven file manager for Unix-like systems, emulating the efficient workflow of the Vim text editor. It has since seen continuous active development by various contributors, solidifying its position as a robust tool for power users.

mc(1), ranger(1), nnn(1), vim(1)