How to use the command `br` (with examples)

The br command is used to navigate directory trees interactively. It provides a user-friendly way to explore and manage directories and files. With br, you can easily view the size, permissions, and hidden files/directories within a directory tree.

Use case 1: Start and navigate the current directory tree interactively

Code:

br

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to explore and navigate the files and directories within the current working directory. It provides a more interactive and intuitive way to view the directory structure and access specific files or folders.

Explanation:

• br: This is the command itself, used to start the interactive directory tree navigation.

Example output:

 / (root)
 ├─ home
 │  ├─ user
 │  │  └─ Documents
 │  │     ├─ file1.txt
 │  │     └─ file2.txt
 │  └─ guest
 └─ var
    └─ logs

Use case 2: Start displaying the size of files and directories

Code:

br --sizes

Motivation: When you need to quickly determine the size of files and directories within a directory tree, using the --sizes option with br can be very helpful. It allows you to get an overview of the space occupied by different elements in the directory tree.

Explanation:

• br: The command itself.
• --sizes: This option enables the display of sizes for files and directories.

Example output:

 / (root)
 ├─ home  [37.2 MB]
 │  ├─ user  [24.1 MB]
 │  │  └─ Documents  [13.1 MB]
 │  │     ├─ file1.txt  [5.3 KB]
 │  │     └─ file2.txt  [8.9 KB]
 │  └─ guest  [13.1 MB]
 └─ var  [512.0 B]
    └─ logs  [512.0 B]

Use case 3: Start displaying permissions

Code:

br --permissions

Motivation: Sometimes, it’s necessary to check the permissions for files and directories within a directory tree. Using the --permissions option with br, you can conveniently view the permissions associated with each element in the tree.

Explanation:

• br: The command itself.
• --permissions: This option enables the display of permissions for files and directories.

Example output:

 / (root)
 ├─ home
 │  ├─ user
 │  │  └─ Documents
 │  │     ├─ file1.txt  [rwxr--r--]
 │  │     └─ file2.txt  [rwxr--r--]
 │  └─ guest
 └─ var
    └─ logs

Use case 4: Start displaying directories only

Code:

br --only-folders

Motivation: In certain cases, it’s necessary to focus solely on directories within a directory tree. By using the --only-folders option with br, you can hide files and only view directories, which can be useful for a cleaner and more focused view of the directory structure.

Explanation:

• br: The command itself.
• --only-folders: This option filters the display to only show directories.

Example output:

 / (root)
 ├─ home
 │  ├─ user
 │  └─ guest
 └─ var
    └─ logs

Use case 5: Start displaying hidden files and directories

Code:

br --hidden

Motivation: In some cases, hidden files and directories may contain important information. By using the --hidden option with br, you can make hidden elements visible and properly manage them within the directory tree.

Explanation:

• br: The command itself.
• --hidden: This option allows hidden files and directories to be displayed.

Example output:

 / (root)
 ├─ home
 │  ├─ user
 │  │  └─ .secret
 │  │     ├─ file1.txt
 │  │     └─ file2.txt
 │  └─ guest
 └─ var
    └─ .logs

Conclusion:

The br command is a powerful tool for navigating and managing directory trees interactively. It offers various options to customize the displayed information, making it easier to explore and work with files and directories. Whether you need to view sizes, permissions, or hidden elements, br provides a user-friendly interface for efficient directory exploration.