Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

xplr VS Broot

Compare xplr VS Broot and see what are their differences

xplr logo xplr

Fast and hackable file manager for the terminal.

Broot logo Broot

Commandline app to simplify directory navigation.
  • xplr Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-01
  • Broot Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30

xplr features and specs

  • Customizability
    xplr offers a high level of customizability, allowing users to script and configure the file explorer extensively using Lua.
  • Terminal Integration
    As a terminal-based file explorer, xplr integrates well into a command-line workflow, making it convenient for users who prefer navigating files without leaving the terminal.
  • Lightweight
    xplr is designed to be a lightweight file explorer, ensuring quick start-up times and minimal system resource usage.
  • Keyboard Navigation
    It offers efficient keyboard navigation, which can improve productivity for users comfortable with keyboard shortcuts.
  • Cross-Platform
    xplr is a cross-platform application, making it accessible on various operating systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Possible disadvantages of xplr

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its customizability and keyboard-driven nature, xplr may have a steep learning curve for new users or those accustomed to GUI-based navigations.
  • Limited Default Features
    Out of the box, xplr might have fewer features compared to other more mature file explorers, requiring users to set up or script additional functionalities.
  • Dependency on Terminal
    As a terminal-based application, it requires users to have a terminal emulator, which may not be ideal for users who prefer graphical interfaces.
  • Potential for Overhead
    The extensive customization options might lead to increased overhead in managing configurations for users who need a simple, quick file explorer.
  • Community and Support
    While growing, xplr may not yet have as large of a community or as much available support compared to more established file explorers.

Broot features and specs

  • Interactive Interface
    Broot provides an intuitive and interactive text-based interface, making it easier for users to navigate directories and manage files visually within the terminal.
  • Speed and Efficiency
    Designed to be fast and efficient, Broot helps users quickly locate files and directories, even in large and complex directory structures.
  • Search and Filter Capabilities
    Users can perform refined searches and apply filters to narrow down file viewing, which is particularly useful when dealing with expansive file systems.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Broot is available on multiple platforms including Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it accessible to a wide range of users across different environments.
  • Customization and Extensibility
    Broot supports various configurations and the ability to integrate with other tools, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Broot

  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a steep learning curve to understand all the functionalities and commands to use Broot effectively.
  • Limited Documentation
    While there is documentation available, some users might find it insufficient for understanding advanced features and integrations.
  • Terminal-Only
    As a terminal-based tool, it doesn't provide a graphical user interface which might be a downside for users preferring GUI-based file managers.
  • Dependency on Rust
    Since Broot is built with Rust, users must install Rust or its dependencies which could be a barrier for those not already utilizing Rust environments.
  • Partial Shell Integration
    Although it offers shell integration, there might be limitations in seamlessness or functionality, compared to traditional shell commands.

xplr videos

SRAM XPLR Groupset Review: 1x Specific for Gravel Cycling

More videos:

  • Review - Is This The Future Of Gravel? SRAM XPLR first ride impressions
  • Review - SRAM XPLR with Sage Storm King GP Review

Broot videos

Broot: An Innovative Way To View Your Linux File System

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to xplr and Broot)
FTP Client
42 42%
58% 58
File Manager
48 48%
52% 52
File Explorer
50 50%
50% 50
Robo-Advisor
40 40%
60% 60

User comments

Share your experience with using xplr and Broot. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Broot should be more popular than xplr. It has been mentiond 15 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.

xplr mentions (5)

Broot mentions (15)

  • Show HN
    Well done! Reminds me of broot (https://dystroy.org/broot/). - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Superfile – A fancy, petty terminal file manager
    I personally use broot[1] to achieve something similar. I’ve you open two panes, you can copy or move items between them. I also sometimes use it as a pseudo IDE. [1]: https://dystroy.org/broot. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Exa Is Deprecated
    Https://dystroy.org/broot/ You can use it just like the original tree tool too: https://dystroy.org/broot/tricks/#replace-tree (disclaimer: broot author). - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • What’s everyone working on this week (1/2023)?
    I'll add the long awaited support for nushell in broot. Source: over 2 years ago
  • A list of new(ish) command line tools – Julia Evans
    Broot has many features that feel natural... When you know they exist (for example, try looking for what's taking space with `br -w` then stage the files and remove them at the end). I suggest everyone to have at least a short glance at the introduction at https://dystroy.org/broot/. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing xplr and Broot, you can also consider the following products

lf (file manager) - Terminal file manager written in Go (programming language).

nnn - Fast and resource-sensitive file manager for the terminal

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

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

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