nnn is a keyboard-oriented file manager that runs in a terminal. It handles everyday file navigation and management, and adds optional modes for disk-usage analysis and file picking. Its core is intentionally small; plugins and other command-line utilities can extend it for workflows such as previews, searching, archive handling, or mounting.
What is nnn?
The nnn project describes nnn (also styled n³) as a “full-featured terminal file manager.” It is a text-based interface rather than a conventional graphical file browser, making it a natural fit for people who already work in a terminal and prefer keyboard navigation. The project lists Linux, macOS, BSD, Haiku, Cygwin, WSL, Raspberry Pi, and Termux on Android as supported environments; installation details and integration vary by platform. nnn project overview
What can you do with nnn?
Navigate and manage files
The built-in interface supports filtering and navigation, sorting, bookmarks, multiple contexts, and selecting files. Common operations include copying, moving, deleting, creating, and renaming files, as well as launching applications. The project also documents light and detail display modes and sessions for organizing a working session. nnn project overview
Pick files and analyze disk usage
File-picker mode can return selected paths to a shell workflow, and disk-usage mode helps inspect how storage is used. The basic-use-cases guide also describes using external search tools, selecting files from multiple locations, and mounting cloud storage with supporting utilities. These examples depend on the operating system and the tools installed alongside nnn; they are not guaranteed to work identically on every platform. nnn basic use cases
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#1 Best Overall
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Connect it to your shell
The project documents shell integration that can make the shell change to the last directory visited in nnn when the program exits. This can reduce the friction of using a terminal file manager as part of command-line work; the exact setup depends on the shell and installation method. nnn project overview
How do plugins extend nnn?
Plugins are executable scripts or binaries that users can invoke with configured hotkeys. The plugin system is language-agnostic, so tasks can be added without building every feature into the core program. The project’s plugin list includes workflows such as previews, mounting, searching, and additional file operations. nnn plugins
Rank #2
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A plugin is optional, and it may rely on programs beyond nnn itself. Check the requirements for the specific plugin and install its dependencies before assigning or using its hotkey. This separation lets a basic file-management setup remain distinct from a more customized one.
What does nnn need to run?
The usage documentation lists a wide-character curses library and libc as dependencies; readline is optional. The documentation also names utilities used for opening files and supporting optional integrations, including archive handling, remote mounts, trash, terminal locking, and copy/move progress. nnn usage documentation
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
In practice, distinguish the core program from conveniences layered on top of it. Basic navigation does not mean every optional opener, archive utility, mount tool, or plugin dependency is present. Consult the usage page for the requirements relevant to your platform and the features you plan to use.
How small and fast is nnn?
The project presents nnn as a small, low-configuration program and publishes approximate resource figures, not independent benchmark results. Its overview describes the binary as roughly 150 KiB; a separate feature description says it is typically around 100 KB and that resident memory is typically under 3.5 MB. Because the project gives two different approximate binary-size descriptions, treat these as general developer-published estimates rather than fixed measurements or a basis for comparing performance with another file manager. nnn project overview
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
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Is nnn a good fit for your workflow?
- Consider it if you are comfortable working in a terminal, want keyboard-driven file operations, or want to connect file selection and navigation to shell commands.
- Plan for setup if you want previews, cloud or remote mounts, archive support, trash integration, or other plugin-driven tasks; those features may depend on separate utilities.
- Look elsewhere if you need a conventional graphical file manager as your primary interface. nnn’s interface is terminal-based, even when used on a desktop system.
There is no single platform-independent setup implied by the project’s support list. Choose the installation and integrations that match your operating system, shell, and intended tasks rather than assuming every listed workflow is built into the core.
Which version is current?
A Debian Sources entry identifies the distribution package as nnn/5.3-1, but that is a Debian package version, not proof of the latest upstream release. Check the project’s release information for the current upstream version and your distribution’s package source for the version it provides. Debian Sources: nnn 5.3-1
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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