Vifm (VI File Manager) Examples (with examples)

Vifm is a command-line file manager that allows users to navigate and manage files and directories using the VI text editor keybindings. It provides a powerful and efficient way to perform file operations without leaving the command line. In this article, we will explore different use cases of the vifm command and provide code examples to illustrate each case.

Opening the Current Directory

To open the current directory in Vifm, we can simply execute the following command:

vifm .

Motivation: Opening the current directory in Vifm allows us to quickly browse and perform file operations within the current directory and its subdirectories. This is especially useful when we want to navigate through a large directory structure efficiently.

Explanation:

• vifm: The command to launch Vifm.
• .: The current directory path.

Example output:

• Upon executing the command, Vifm will be launched and the current directory will be displayed in the Vifm interface, ready for navigation.

Opening Specified Directories on Left or Right Pane

Vifm provides the ability to specify directories to open on the left or right pane. This allows us to compare and manipulate files and directories between different locations efficiently. To open specified directories, we can use the following command format:

vifm path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...

Motivation: By opening specific directories on the left or right pane, we can easily compare and transfer files between different locations without the need to switch between multiple file manager windows or terminals.

Explanation:

• vifm: The command to launch Vifm.
• path/to/directory1, path/to/directory2, etc.: The directories to open in Vifm. Multiple directories can be specified, and they will be opened in separate panes within the Vifm interface.

Example output:

• With the command vifm /path/to/dir1 /path/to/dir2, Vifm will be launched with /path/to/dir1 and /path/to/dir2 opened on the left and right panes, respectively. The contents of each directory will be displayed, allowing us to navigate and perform file operations between them.

Conclusion

Vifm is a powerful command-line file manager that provides a seamless and efficient way to navigate and manage files and directories using VI text editor keybindings. In this article, we have demonstrated two common use cases of the vifm command, including opening the current directory and opening specified directories on the left or right pane. By understanding and utilizing these use cases, users can enhance their file management workflow and improve their productivity when working with the command line.