“clifm” stands for Command Line File Manager, which is a program designed to provide file management capabilities within the command-line interface of a computer. It offers a way to navigate and manipulate files and directories directly from the terminal.
The primary purpose of clifm is to offer a user-friendly and efficient file management solution without the need for a graphical user interface. It allows users to perform various file-related operations, such as navigating directories, creating and deleting files or directories, copying and moving files, renaming files, and changing file permissions.
Clifm typically provides a text-based interface that displays the contents of the current directory and allows users to interact with files and directories using keyboard commands. It often offers a tree-like representation of the directory structure, allowing users to navigate through different folders and access their files.
Some common features of clifm include:
- File Navigation: Clifm enables users to browse through directories, view file listings, and navigate to different folders within the command-line interface. It usually provides keyboard shortcuts or commands to move up or down the directory tree.
- File Operations: Clifm allows users to perform various file operations, such as creating new files or directories, deleting files or directories, copying or moving files between directories, and renaming files. These operations can be initiated through specific commands or keyboard shortcuts.
- File Information: Clifm often provides detailed information about files and directories, including file sizes, permissions, timestamps, and ownership. This information helps users understand the properties and attributes of their files.
- File Search: Some clifm implementations offer file search functionality, allowing users to search for specific files or patterns within the current directory or across the entire file system. This feature helps users locate files quickly.
- File Permissions and Ownership: Clifm may allow users to modify file permissions and ownership, granting or revoking access to files or changing the ownership of files or directories.
Clifm is typically lightweight and can be useful in scenarios where a graphical file manager is not available or not practical, such as in remote server environments or when working on a terminal-only interface.
It’s important to note that there are several clifm implementations available, each with its own set of features and user interface design. Examples of popular clifm programs include Midnight Commander (mc), Ranger, and Vifm.
clifm Command Examples
1. Start CliFM:
# clifm
2. Open the file or directory whose ELN (entry list number) is 12:
12
3. Create a new file and a new directory:
n file dir/
4. Search for PDF files in the current directory:
5. Select all PNG files in the current directory:
s *.png
6. Remove the previously selected files (use t to send the files to the recycle bin instead):
r sel
7. Display detailed help:
?
8. Exit CliFM:
q
Summary
In summary, clifm refers to Command Line File Manager, which is a program that provides file management capabilities within the command-line interface. It allows users to navigate directories, perform file operations, view file information, and search for files, all from the terminal. Clifm serves as a lightweight alternative to graphical file managers in environments where a text-based interface is preferred or required.