cdls is a curses-based file manager for quickly browsing directories and files. The screen can be dynamically adjusted to include all information (like ‘ls -ail’), or just the filenames (multi-column), or anything in between.
All basic file and directory manipulations are possible with a single keystroke: copy, move, delete, view, execute, change owner/group/mode, edit, diff, link (hard/symbolic), wc, tail -f, cksum, hexdump and many others.
cdls always displaying the contents of a directory on the 3rd up to (but not including) the bottom line. Directories are displayed first (in bold characters to distinguish them from other files). Whenever possible, the files and directories are displayed in multi-column format automatically.
cdls dynamically adopts all output to the size of your screen. So, large directories or hexdumps (X command) are conveniently browsed with maximized xterms.
- Show special or non-printable characters in filenames.
- Easy help facility (see below).
- Monitor growing files in a directory.
- Attributes of files and directories that can be shown or hidden: group identification, hard links, size, inode, protection , and user identification.
- Compute the checksum of the currently highlighted file (with cksum).
- Create symbolic links with @ and =.
- Cross-platform – runs under Linux, FreeBSD, Digital UNIX, Ultrix, HP-UX, and other UNIXes.
Website: www.freshports.org/sysutils/cdls
Support:
Developer: Hans de Hartog
License: Public Domain
cdls is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Return to Survey: Console Based File Managers
| Popular series | |
|---|---|
 | The largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions. |
 | Hundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information. |
 | The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions. |
 | Replace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS. |
 | Awesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series. |
 | Machine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source. |
 | New to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux. |
 | Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities. |
 | Essential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users. |
 | Linux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine. |
 | Surveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal. |
 | Saving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux. |
 | Home computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. |
 | Now and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride. |
 | Linux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged. |
 | Linux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery. |
 | Getting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers. |
 | Best Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series. |
 | These best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today! |
 | These free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series. |
 | Linux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. |
 | Stars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA. |