# nnn — n³ The Fastest Terminal File Manager Ever Written

> nnn is a full-featured, ultra-fast, zero-config terminal file manager written in C, with a plugin ecosystem, type-to-nav, mounting, disk usage analysis, and batch renaming.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# nnn — n³ The Fastest Terminal File Manager Ever Written

## Quick Use
```bash
brew install nnn
# Launch with detail mode + git status
nnn -de
# Auto-cd on quit
n()
{
  export NNN_TMPFILE="${XDG_CONFIG_HOME:-$HOME/.config}/nnn/.lastd"
  nnn "$@"
  [ -f "$NNN_TMPFILE" ] && . "$NNN_TMPFILE" && rm -f "$NNN_TMPFILE"
}
```

## Introduction
nnn (n-cubed) is a blazing-fast, text-mode file manager that renders in under 16ms, fits in ~300KB, and leverages native OS shells for operations. Unlike heavier TUIs that ship their own mini-shell, nnn trusts your `cp`, `mv`, `trash-cli` and stays out of the way. A thriving plugin repo bolts on previews, git, archivers, and media.

## What nnn Does
- Navigates filesystems with vim-style keys.
- Displays disk usage, permissions, git status, mount points.
- Mounts/unmounts archives, cloud drives (via rclone), remote shells.
- Batch-renames via `$EDITOR`.
- Plugin system: press `;` or `!` and pick a shell script.

## Architecture Overview
nnn is a single C binary using ncurses. Operations delegate to POSIX tools over `fork/exec`. A context ring (up to 8 contexts) keeps multiple directories active. The plugin bridge writes a FIFO with selections so plugins can pipe selections into tools like `rsync`, `zip`, or `ffmpeg`.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via brew, apt, dnf, pacman, pkg.
- Config via env vars: `NNN_PLUG`, `NNN_OPENER`, `NNN_FIFO`, `NNN_COLORS`.
- Plugin installer: `curl -Ls https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jarun/nnn/master/plugins/getplugs | sh`.
- `NNN_BMS="d:~/dev;s:~/sync"` bookmarks.
- `NNN_TRASH=1` uses trash-cli for recoverable deletes.

## Key Features
- Sub-100ms startup.
- Context tabs — 8 directories, one keystroke apart.
- Mount archives & cloud remotes inline.
- Detail mode shows size, mtime, perms, git.
- Plugin ecosystem for preview, batch ops, media.

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **ranger** — Python, more features, slower startup.
- **lf** — Go, minimal, config in a DSL; very close to nnn.
- **vifm** — vim-like bindings; heavier.
- **mc (Midnight Commander)** — classic two-pane; not as fast.
- **yazi** — newer Rust alternative with async previews.

## FAQ
**Q: Is there image preview?**
A: Via plugin with kitty/iterm2/Ueberzug.

**Q: Tab/context difference?**
A: Contexts are persistent tabs, preserved across sessions.

**Q: Where do settings live?**
A: Env vars in shell rc; no config file by design.

**Q: Trash?**
A: `NNN_TRASH=1` (trash-cli) or `2` (gio trash).

## Sources
- https://github.com/jarun/nnn

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/43de3496-38c4-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: Script Depot