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ls-go is a Go-based directory-listing command that makes colored output its default and adds options for symlinks, sorting, filtering, recursion, and optional icons. Its project says it works on Linux, macOS, and Windows; colored output requires an xterm-256-color terminal. You can install it through Go, Homebrew, Snap, or a precompiled release binary.

What is ls-go?

The project describes ls-go as “A more colorful, user-friendly implementation of ls written in Go.” It is a command-line program for displaying directory contents, with semantic colors intended to make file types and other details easier to distinguish without first configuring conventional ls color rules. See the official ls-go repository for its documentation and current instructions.

The repository says ls-go should work on Linux, macOS, and Windows. That is the project’s compatibility claim, not a result of independent testing across those systems.

What can ls-go display?

Beyond colored names, the project documents options for tailoring what appears and how entries are arranged:

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  • Show symlink target paths and indicate broken links.
  • Traverse directories recursively.
  • Sort entries and apply filters.
  • Use a light-background mode when the terminal theme calls for it.
  • Request long-form details such as file size, modification date, owner, group, and permissions.
  • Display emoji or Nerd Font glyphs as optional icons.

The available options make ls-go more than a colorizer, but the project’s central distinction is its colorful default presentation. The documentation does not establish performance comparisons with other listing tools.

What does ls-go need for colors and icons?

Colored output

The README says colored output requires a terminal with xterm-256-color support. If colors do not appear as expected, check the terminal emulator’s color capability and configuration.

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Nerd Font icons

Icons are optional. Enable Nerd Font glyphs with --nerd-font or its short form, -n, and install and select a Nerd Font in your terminal emulator. Without a compatible font selected, glyphs may not render as intended. Nerd Fonts provides font downloads and installation guidance for multiple platforms.

How do you install ls-go?

The repository lists four installation routes. Package and release availability can change, so consult the project’s current instructions before relying on a particular route or platform-specific package.

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  1. Go: Run go install github.com/acarl005/ls-go@latest. This route requires a Go installation and places the executable according to Go’s install configuration.
  2. Homebrew: Run brew install acarl005/homebrew-formulas/ls-go where Homebrew is available.
  3. Snap: Run sudo snap install ls-go on a system configured to use Snap.
  4. Precompiled binary: Choose a suitable build from the ls-go releases page.

After installing, use the command in a terminal as you would a directory-listing utility. If the shell cannot find it, check that the executable’s install location is on your PATH.

Why can ls-go fail on a directory?

The project documents a failure when a directory lacks executable permission. Its explanation is that ls-go needs file metadata to select colors, and directory execute permission is needed to access metadata for the directory’s contents. If you control the directory, review its permissions and grant only the access appropriate for your situation.

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The README also notes that standard /bin/ls can fail in this situation when used with metadata-oriented options; it does not say that every plain ls listing fails. The behavior depends on the permissions and the requested operation.

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How does ls-go compare with other ls alternatives?

Other projects provide different combinations of display features. Their project descriptions establish alternatives, not a controlled performance comparison.

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Tool Project-described focus
ls-go Go implementation centered on semantic colored output, with symlink display, recursive traversal, sorting, filters, optional icons, and long-form metadata.
eza Describes itself as a modern ls alternative with colors and additional filesystem and Git-related features. See the eza project.
lsd Describes itself as a rewrite with colors, icons, tree view, and additional formatting options. See the lsd project.

Choose by the behavior you need: ls-go’s documented color-first approach, another tool’s additional filesystem or Git features, or a particular icon and layout workflow. ls-go’s README credits athityakumar/colorls and monsterkodi/color-ls as inspirations, adapted for Go with modifications; Color LS describes itself as a Ruby script that colorizes ls output with color and icons.

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