How to Use the Command 'yazi' (with examples)
Yazi is an exceptionally fast terminal-based file manager developed using Rust, known for its impressive speed and performance efficiency. Designed to be user-friendly and highly customizable, Yazi provides an efficient file management experience directly from the terminal. Whether you are a developer or a power user, Yazi offers you a seamless and effective way to handle file operations. Explore its capabilities and usage to enhance your productivity in managing files and directories from the command line interface.
Use Case 1: Launch Yazi from the Current Directory
Code:
yazi
Motivation:
Launching Yazi from the current directory allows users to quickly access and manage files within the directory they are currently working in. This is particularly useful for developers or system administrators who handle various file manipulations frequently and require a quick overview of their current directory’s contents without switching between different interfaces.
Explanation:
yazi: When this command is executed without any specific options or arguments, it launches the Yazi file manager in the current directory from which the command is executed. This is the basic functionality to get started with Yazi, offering an immediate interface to navigate and manipulate files.
Example Output:
Upon executing the command, Yazi would open up in your terminal window, showing the list of files and directories within the current working directory. You would then be able to use its navigation keys and commands to move around and manage your files efficiently.
Use Case 2: Print Debug Information
Code:
yazi --debug
Motivation:
Running Yazi with the debug information option is crucial during the development or troubleshooting phase. Debug information provides insights into the application’s workflow, helping to identify any errors, bugs, or issues that might be affecting its performance.
Explanation:
yazi: The command to start the Yazi file manager.--debug: This argument triggers the debug mode in Yazi, which outputs detailed logging information that can be used to understand and troubleshoot the internal processes of the application. It is especially useful for developers or anyone involved in maintaining or improving the software.
Example Output:
Executing this command will display additional debug information in the terminal window, such as loading times, errors encountered, or specific actions being performed by the file manager. This aids in diagnosing problems and optimizing Yazi’s performance.
Use Case 3: Write the Current Working Directory on Exit to a File
Code:
yazi --cwd-file path/to/cwd_file
Motivation:
There are scenarios where you might need to track or maintain a record of the directories you’ve navigated through or worked on. By writing the current working directory to a file upon exiting Yazi, you can create a log or history of your sessions, which can be extremely helpful for future reference or auditing purposes.
Explanation:
yazi: The command initializes the Yazi file manager.--cwd-file: This option allows specifying a file path where Yazi will write the current working directory’s path upon exiting the application. This is useful for keeping track of directory navigation or for script automation purposes where such information is needed.
Example Output:
When exiting Yazi, the specified file (path/to/cwd_file) will be updated with the last directory path you were working in. You could then review this file to see your most recent directory location.
Use Case 4: Clear the Cache Directory
Code:
yazi --clear-cache
Motivation:
Over time, cache data can accumulate and potentially slow down your system or consume unnecessary space. Clearing the cache directory with Yazi can help maintain efficiency and free up space, ensuring that the file manager continues to operate at optimal performance without being bogged down by redundant data.
Explanation:
yazi: The command to initiate the Yazi file manager.--clear-cache: An argument that instructs Yazi to clear its cache directory. This removes temporary files that may have been stored to enhance performance but are no longer necessary, ensuring that the disk remains uncluttered and the application continues to run smoothly.
Example Output:
Upon executing the command, the terminal will confirm that the cache directory has been cleared. This operation helps you reclaim storage space and ensure that Yazi functions effectively without outdated cache data.
Conclusion
By utilizing the various use cases of the Yazi command, users can efficiently manage their file directories, troubleshoot issues, keep track of file paths, and maintain optimal performance by managing cache usage. Each command usage provides distinct functionality tailored to enhance the user experience and productivity when handling numerous file operations within the terminal environment.
