# Ranger — Terminal File Manager with Vi Keybindings

> Ranger is a console file manager with vi-style key bindings, file previews, and a multi-column directory layout that makes navigating and manipulating files fast without leaving the terminal.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Ranger — Terminal File Manager with Vi Keybindings

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install
pip install ranger-fm
# Or via package manager
sudo apt install ranger   # Debian/Ubuntu
brew install ranger       # macOS
# Launch
ranger
```

## Introduction
Ranger is a text-based file manager that uses a Miller columns layout (like macOS Finder column view) in the terminal. It is written in Python with vi-style keybindings, making it efficient for developers who already think in hjkl.

## What Ranger Does
- Displays directories in a three-column layout: parent, current, and preview
- Provides file previews for text, images (via w3m/kitty/sixel), PDFs, and archives
- Supports bulk rename, multi-file selection, tabs, and bookmarks
- Integrates with external tools: rifle (opener), atool (archives), highlight (syntax)
- Allows full customization via Python config files and plugins

## Architecture Overview
Ranger is a single-threaded Python application using curses for terminal rendering. The file system is lazily loaded into an internal directory model. The rifle file opener uses a rule-based MIME config to dispatch files to the correct program. Previews are generated by scope.sh, a user-editable shell script.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install from PyPI (`pip install ranger-fm`) or system package manager
- Generate default config with `ranger --copy-config=all` (creates rc.conf, rifle.conf, scope.sh)
- Edit ~/.config/ranger/rc.conf to change keybindings, sorting, and display options
- Customize file previews by editing scope.sh (add handlers for new file types)
- Enable image previews by setting `set preview_images true` and choosing a method (kitty, ueberzug, w3m)

## Key Features
- Vi-native navigation: hjkl, gg, G, /, :commands
- Tabs and bookmarks for quick directory switching
- Bulk rename via :bulkrename which opens filenames in $EDITOR
- Extensible with Python plugins (Git status, icons, archive mounting)
- Trash support via integration with trash-cli

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **nnn** — faster (written in C) and lighter, but minimal UI; less visual feedback
- **lf** — Go rewrite inspired by Ranger; faster startup, fewer built-in features
- **Yazi** — Rust-based, async I/O, faster for large dirs; newer with smaller plugin ecosystem
- **Midnight Commander (mc)** — dual-pane orthodox style; different UX paradigm
- **Thunar/Nautilus** — graphical file managers; require a desktop environment

## FAQ
**Q: Is Ranger slow on large directories?**
A: Python-based, so yes compared to C/Rust alternatives. For dirs with 10k+ files, consider nnn or Yazi.

**Q: How do I enable file icons?**
A: Install the ranger_devicons plugin and a Nerd Font in your terminal.

**Q: Can I use Ranger as a file picker for other apps?**
A: Yes. Use `ranger --choosefile=/tmp/pick` and read the selected path from that file.

**Q: Does Ranger support Git integration?**
A: Via plugins. The built-in VCS integration shows git status indicators in the file list.

## Sources
- https://github.com/ranger/ranger
- https://ranger.github.io

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-8fafb989
Author: Script Depot