Loop manages windows on macOS, according to its repository description.
Open source
24 alternativeslf
lf manages files from a terminal, according to its repository description.
About lf
lf (as in "list files") is a terminal file manager written in Go, inspired by ranger. It runs on Linux, macOS, BSDs, and Windows and is distributed as a single binary without runtime dependencies.
It uses asynchronous IO operations to avoid UI locking, supports server/client architecture with remote commands for multiple instances, and is extended and configured with shell commands with customizable vi and readline keybindings. It does not include tabs or windows, a built-in pager/editor, or built-in file-operation commands, and expects use of a window manager or multiplexer, separate pager/editor, and shell tools.
Key features
- Terminal file management inspired by ranger
- Runs on Linux, macOS, BSDs, and Windows
- Single binary without runtime dependencies
- Asynchronous IO operations to avoid UI locking
- Server/client architecture with remote commands for multiple instances
- Customizable keybindings with vi and readline defaults
Best for: People who work in a terminal and want a keyboard-driven file manager that relies on shell tools.
Good for
- Single binary without runtime dependencies
- Cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, BSDs, and Windows
- Server/client architecture for managing multiple instances
Watch out for
- No tabs or windows; expects window manager or terminal multiplexer
- No built-in pager or editor; requires separate pager or editor
- No built-in file-operation commands; relies on shell tools such as mkdir and chmod
lf at a glance
- Website
- github.com/gokcehan/lf
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Linux & Mac Apps
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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lf FAQ
How is lf installed?
Through community-maintained packages, pre-built binaries from releases, or by building from source, which requires Go.
How do I start and learn lf?
The lf command starts it in the current directory; lf -help shows command line options and lf -doc shows documentation, with shell and editor integration examples in the etc directory.
Does lf include tabs or a built-in editor?
No. Tabs or windows, pager/editor, and file-operation commands are left to a window manager or multiplexer, pager/editor of choice, and shell tools.
Is something wrong or out of date?
Tell us and an editor will check it.
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