# eza — A Modern Colorful Replacement for ls

> eza is a modern replacement for the venerable ls command. Adds colors, Git status, file type icons, tree view, and long-format improvements. Actively maintained fork of the archived exa project.

## Install

Save the content below to `.claude/skills/` or append to your `CLAUDE.md`:

## Quick Use

```bash
# Install
brew install eza                          # macOS
sudo apt install eza                      # Debian/Ubuntu
cargo install eza                         # Rust
scoop install eza                         # Windows

# Replace ls in shell config
alias ls="eza"
alias ll="eza -lbhF --git"
alias la="eza -labhF --git"
alias lt="eza --tree --level=2"
```

Usage:
```bash
eza                    # Colorful ls
eza -l                 # Long format
eza -l --git           # Show git status
eza --tree             # Tree view
eza -T --level=3       # Tree with depth limit
eza --icons            # File type icons (needs Nerd Font)
eza -l --sort=modified # Sort by mtime
eza -l --group-directories-first
```

## Intro

eza is a modern, maintained replacement for the venerable `ls` command. Fork of the archived `exa` project with active development and new features. Written in Rust with colors, Git status, file icons, tree view, and better long-format output. A quality-of-life upgrade every terminal user can appreciate.

- **Repo**: https://github.com/eza-community/eza
- **Stars**: 21K+
- **Language**: Rust
- **License**: EUPL 1.2

## What eza Does

- **Colors by file type** — via LS_COLORS or custom scheme
- **Git status** — show modified/added/ignored files
- **File icons** — Nerd Font icons for file types
- **Tree view** — recursive with depth control
- **Long format** — human-readable sizes, permissions, modified time
- **Extended attrs** — xattrs, ACLs, selinux
- **Sort options** — name, size, mtime, accessed, created
- **Filters** — only dirs, only files, hidden

## Architecture

Single Rust binary, replaces ls. Reads filesystem + optional git repo state + file metadata. Parses LS_COLORS for theming. Uses Unicode width for correct alignment.

## Self-Hosting

CLI tool.

## Key Features

- Drop-in ls replacement
- Git integration
- Nerd Font icons
- Tree view
- Color scheme support
- Accurate Unicode width
- Actively maintained (unlike archived exa)
- Cross-platform

## Comparison

| Tool | Git | Icons | Tree | Maintained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eza | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| exa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Archived |
| lsd | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ls (GNU) | No | No | Partial | Yes |
| tree | No | Partial | Yes | Yes |

## FAQ

**Q: eza vs lsd?**
A: Both are great. eza is closer to the standard ls usage and long-format output; lsd has a flashier default look. Personal preference.

**Q: Icons show as garbled characters?**
A: Install a Nerd Font (like JetBrainsMono Nerd Font or FiraCode NF) and enable it in your terminal.

**Q: Can it fully replace ls?**
A: 90% compatible, but do not replace the ls used by system scripts (POSIX requirement). Use a shell alias or PATH override that only affects interactive shells.

## Sources

- Docs: https://eza.rocks
- GitHub: https://github.com/eza-community/eza
- License: EUPL 1.2

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/eza-modern-colorful-replacement-ls-d3b64cc3
Author: Script Depot