Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

nnn VS lf (file manager)

Compare nnn VS lf (file manager) and see what are their differences

nnn logo nnn

Fast and resource-sensitive file manager for the terminal

lf (file manager) logo lf (file manager)

Terminal file manager written in Go (programming language).
  • nnn Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-06
  • lf (file manager) Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-04

nnn features and specs

  • Lightweight
    nnn is incredibly lightweight, with a minimal memory footprint, making it ideal for use on older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Fast
    Due to its lightweight nature and efficient coding, nnn offers very fast performance even when navigating large filesystems.
  • Terminal-based
    As a terminal-based file manager, nnn can be used over SSH and integrates well with other terminal utilities and workflows.
  • Feature-rich
    Despite its small size, nnn is packed with features including file previews, batch rename, file type filters, and plugin support.
  • Customizable
    nnn is highly customizable through plugins and user scripts, allowing users to tailor the file manager to their needs.
  • Cross-platform
    nnn works on various Unix-like systems including Linux, macOS, and BSD, as well as on Windows through WSL.
  • Extensible
    The plugin system allows users to extend its functionalities easily by adding new scripts and integrations.

Possible disadvantages of nnn

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Users unfamiliar with terminal-based applications may find nnn challenging to learn and get accustomed to.
  • Limited GUI
    As a terminal-based file manager, nnn lacks a graphical user interface, which might be a drawback for users who prefer GUI-based navigation.
  • Basic Default Configurations
    Out of the box, the default configurations might be too basic for some users, requiring additional setup and customization.
  • Dependency on Terminal
    Being a terminal application, nnn requires a terminal emulator, which may not be preferred by users who are not comfortable in a terminal environment.

lf (file manager) features and specs

  • Speed
    Being a terminal-based file manager, lf is fast and snappy, providing swift navigation and file manipulation compared to GUI-based file managers.
  • Minimalistic Design
    With its simple and minimal interface, lf is less distracting and allows users to focus more on managing files effectively without unnecessary bells and whistles.
  • Keyboard-driven
    Offers efficient, keyboard-driven navigation and file management, increasing productivity for users comfortable with mouse-less interaction.
  • Configurable
    Highly configurable with the ability to customize key bindings, appearance, and integrate with external tools, making it adaptable to various workflows.
  • Cross-platform
    Available on multiple operating systems, including Unix-like systems and Windows, providing a consistent experience across different environments.
  • Vi-like Key Bindings
    Supports vi-like key bindings by default, which can be appealing to users familiar with the vi or vim editors who can extend their keyboard proficiency to file management.

Possible disadvantages of lf (file manager)

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The reliance on keyboard input and lack of graphical user interface elements can be difficult for users unfamiliar with terminal-based applications.
  • Limited Functionality
    May lack out-of-the-box features found in some GUI file managers, such as drag-and-drop support, thumbnail previews, and built-in synchronization capabilities.
  • Dependency on Terminal
    Since lf runs within a terminal, users must be comfortable navigating and operating within a terminal environment, which might not be ideal for everyone.
  • No Built-in Viewer
    Lf doesn't offer a built-in file viewer, requiring users to configure and rely on external programs to open or preview files, adding an extra configuration step.
  • Customization Required
    While lf is highly configurable, it requires users to spend time and effort in setting up custom configurations to tailor it to their specific needs.

nnn videos

RGV's Naked Nanga Nagnam Response | Ram Gopal Varma | #NNN | #RGV | Cinemapicha

More videos:

  • Review - Star Kids Are part Of Fanism | RGV New Movie NNN Need Review? | Mahesh Babu | Mr. B
  • Review - Naked Nanga Nagnam Movie Review Telugu | Ram Gopal Varma | #NNN | Latest Movies | Sarvesh Tv

lf (file manager) videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to nnn and lf (file manager))
FTP Client
50 50%
50% 50
File Manager
56 56%
44% 44
Robo-Advisor
40 40%
60% 60
File Explorer
57 57%
43% 43

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

nnn might be a bit more popular than lf (file manager). We know about 76 links to it since March 2021 and only 65 links to lf (file manager). We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

nnn mentions (76)

  • Shunpo: Minimalist bash tool to make directory navigation a little bit faster
    I use https://github.com/jarun/nnn/ with `cd` on quit if I need to scan around manually. Otherwise, zoxide. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Directory navigation on Helix
    If you want a file full browser experience choose nnn: https://github.com/jarun/nnn . If you have a desktop file for Helix you can use the Gnome Files program to make all your programming language files open in Helix. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Antonmedv/walk: Terminal file manager
    Nnn [1] seems like a more advanced tool (directory management, copying, renaming, packing/unpacking) and pluggable. [1] https://github.com/jarun/nnn. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Terminal file manager nnn v4.8 released
    In case you haven't come across nnn earlier, it is a tiny full-featured terminal file manager written for performance and productivity - https://github.com/jarun/nnn. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Best way to create a new file from within helix?
    Another option is to create a file in the command line, but quitting from the editor can be a bit of a hassle. So, what we can do is split the screen with tmux or zellij. Use a file manager if you prefer visual. Personally use nnn. Source: over 2 years ago
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lf (file manager) mentions (65)

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing nnn and lf (file manager), you can also consider the following products

Midnight Commander - GNU Midnight Commander is a visual file manager, licensed under GNU General Public License and...

CliFM - CliFM is a completely CLI-based, shell-like and KISS file manager written in C: simple, fast, and lightweight as hell.

Krusader - Krusader is an advanced twin panel (commander style) file manager for KDE and other desktops in the *nix world, similar to Midnight or Total Commander.‎Get your copy of the Krusader .

Broot - Commandline app to simplify directory navigation.

Double Commander - Double Commander is a cross-platform open source file manager with two panels side by side.

xplr - Fast and hackable file manager for the terminal.