Software Alternatives & Startups

Vifm VS CloudShell

Compare Vifm VS CloudShell and see what are their differences

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Vifm logo Vifm

Vifm is a ncurses based file manager with vi like keybindings.

CloudShell logo CloudShell

Cloud Shell is a free admin machine with browser-based command-line access for managing your infrastructure and applications on Google Cloud Platform.
  • Vifm Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-09
  • CloudShell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-12

Vifm features and specs

  • Efficient Keyboard Navigation
    Vifm is designed to be navigated using the keyboard, which can significantly speed up file management tasks for users who are proficient with keyboard shortcuts.
  • Vim-Like Interface
    For users familiar with Vim, the interface and command structure of Vifm will be intuitive, reducing the learning curve and providing a seamless experience.
  • Customizability
    Vifm offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the file manager to their specific preferences and workflow.
  • Lightweight
    Vifm is relatively light on system resources, making it a good choice for systems with limited resources or users who prefer minimal software.
  • Dual Pane View
    The dual-pane view in Vifm facilitates efficient file operations like moving and copying files between directories.
  • Scriptable
    Vifm supports scripting, which allows for automation of repetitive tasks and integration with other tools.

Possible disadvantages of Vifm

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New users, especially those not familiar with Vim, may find Vifm difficult to learn and use effectively.
  • Limited GUI Features
    Vifm primarily operates in a terminal environment and lacks some of the graphical user interface features found in other file managers.
  • Dependency on Terminal
    As a terminal-based application, Vifm depends on terminal access, which might not be convenient for all users or scenarios.
  • Less Intuitive for Non-Vim Users
    Users who are not familiar with Vim may find the command structure and navigation unintuitive and challenging to adapt to.
  • Documentation
    While functional, the documentation for Vifm can sometimes be insufficient, leading to difficulties in troubleshooting and feature exploration.

CloudShell features and specs

  • Integrated Environment
    CloudShell provides a fully integrated development environment directly within your browser, including access to Google Cloud resources, pre-installed Google Cloud SDK, and other useful tools.
  • Convenience
    Because it's browser-based, there is no need to install or configure anything locally, which can save considerable setup time and eliminate environment inconsistencies.
  • Security
    Operating within Google's infrastructure can add layers of security, including secure connection to cloud resources and less risk of exposing local machines to vulnerabilities.
  • Access to Project Resources
    Directly connects to Google Cloud resources associated with your account, making it easy to manage and deploy applications within your cloud environment.
  • Scalability
    Seamlessly scalable environment that can handle different workloads without performance degradation.
  • Persistent Storage
    CloudShell offers persistent storage, allowing users to save their work and configurations, which are available in future sessions.
  • Pre-installed Tools
    Includes a range of pre-installed tools, such as git, gcloud SDK, and language libraries, enabling efficient development and deployment workflows.

Possible disadvantages of CloudShell

  • Resource Limits
    CloudShell has usage limits, including limited disk space and CPU, which may not be sufficient for all types of workloads, particularly resource-intensive tasks.
  • Inactive Use Timeouts
    Sessions that are inactive for a period of time may be automatically terminated, which can disrupt ongoing work.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    Being a cloud-based solution, a stable internet connection is required. Any disruption in connectivity can hamper development and deployment processes.
  • Latency Issues
    Depending on your geographical location, there may be latency issues which can affect performance and response times.
  • Limited Customization
    While CloudShell provides many pre-installed tools, users have limited control over the environment compared to a locally managed development setup.
  • Paid Subscription Needed for Extensive Use
    Beyond the free tier, extensive usage of CloudShell resources may incur additional costs, which can add up depending on the scale and nature of the tasks.
  • Learning Curve
    New users who are not familiar with Google Cloud's ecosystem may face an initial learning curve to fully leverage CloudShell's capabilities.

Analysis of Vifm

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Vifm is a good choice for users who prefer command-line tools and vi-like interfaces. It is powerful and highly customizable, making it suitable for users who value efficiency and productivity. However, it may have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with vi keybindings or command-line interfaces.

Why this product is good

  • Vifm is highly regarded for its efficiency and flexibility as a file manager, especially for users comfortable with vi-like keybindings. It integrates well into a terminal-based workflow, allowing seamless navigation and file operations without leaving the command line. Customization options and the ability to work with multiple panes enhance productivity for advanced users. Its reliance on keyboard shortcuts rather than mouse interactions can be a significant advantage for those accustomed to command-line environments.

Recommended for

  • Linux users who frequently use the terminal
  • Developers or system administrators who like vi-style interfaces
  • Users looking for a customizable and lightweight file manager
  • Power users who appreciate keyboard-driven workflows

Analysis of CloudShell

Overall verdict

  • Yes, CloudShell is a good tool, especially for those who are actively using Google Cloud Platform. It provides a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of tools to manage cloud resources effectively. Its convenience, combined with the power of GCP, makes it a valuable asset for cloud-based development and operations.

Why this product is good

  • CloudShell is a versatile tool offered by Google Cloud Platform (GCP) that provides a command-line environment directly in your web browser. It is particularly beneficial for developers and system administrators because it allows them to manage GCP resources easily without needing to install additional software on their local machines. CloudShell includes the Google Cloud SDK, along with other essential tools, making it a convenient and efficient option for cloud management tasks. Additionally, it offers persistent storage, allowing users to save their scripts and data between sessions. The integration with other GCP services enhances productivity by providing seamless access and control.

Recommended for

  • Developers who frequently work with Google Cloud Platform
  • System administrators managing GCP resources
  • New users of Google Cloud who need an easy introduction to command-line tools
  • Teams collaborating on GCP projects, as it supports session sharing

Vifm videos

vifm - The Terminal File Manager For The Vim-Centric User

More videos:

  • Review - Icons And Image Previews In Vifm, Plus Xterm Is Great!
  • Review - vifm - Vi File Manager - Linux TUI

CloudShell videos

No CloudShell videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Vifm and CloudShell)
FTP Client
100 100%
0% 0
Text Editors
0 0%
100% 100
File Manager
100 100%
0% 0
Development
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, CloudShell seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 13 times since March 2021. 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.

Vifm mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Vifm yet. Tracking of Vifm recommendations started around Mar 2021.

CloudShell mentions (13)

  • GCP Fundamentals: Cloud Shell API
    The Google Cloud Shell API empowers organizations to automate cloud operations, accelerate software delivery, and improve efficiency. By providing a programmatic interface for managing Cloud Shell environments, the API unlocks new possibilities for developers, SREs, and data teams. Explore the official documentation and try the hands-on lab to experience the benefits of the Cloud Shell API firsthand. ... - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Intro to the YouTube APIs: searching for videos
    Command-line (gcloud) -- Those who prefer working in a terminal can enable APIs with a single command in the Cloud Shell or locally on your computer if you installed the Cloud SDK which includes the gcloud command-line tool (CLI) and initialized its use. If this is you, issue this command to enable the API: gcloud services enable youtube.googleapis.com Confirm all the APIs you've enabled with this command:... - Source: dev.to / about 2 years ago
  • Explore the world with Google Maps APIs
    Gcloud/command-line - Finally, for those more inclined to using the command-line, you can enable APIs with a single command in the Cloud Shell or locally on your computer if you installed the Cloud SDK (which includes the gcloud command-line tool [CLI]) and initialized its use. If this is you, issue the following command to enable all three APIs: gcloud services enable geocoding-backend.googleapis.com... - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • Getting started with the Google Cloud CLI interactive shell for serverless developers
    While you might find that using the Google Cloud online console or Cloud Shell environment meets your occasional needs, for maximum developer efficiency you will want to install the Google Cloud CLI (gcloud) on your own system where you already have your favorite editor or IDE and git set up. - Source: dev.to / almost 4 years ago
  • Cloud desktops aren't as good as you'd think
    Here is the product https://cloud.google.com/shell It has a quick start guide and docs. - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Vifm and CloudShell, you can also consider the following products

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

GitHub Codespaces - GItHub Codespaces is a hosted remote coding environment by GitHub based on Visual Studio Codespaces integrated directly for GitHub.

fman - An unexpected gift. January 07, 2018 by Michael. One of the nice things that happened last week was an fman user writing in to say that 1) fman "is THE BEST SOFTWARE" (sic). And that 2) he would like to send me a $50 tip.

CodeTasty - CodeTasty is a programming platform for developers in the cloud.

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 .

Glitch - Glitch is the friendly community where everyone builds the web. Simple, powerful interface for creating web apps.