pmenu is a lightweight, terminal-based menu written in Python that lets you choose from text items supplied by a shell pipeline, positional arguments, or a command that updates as you type. It can help with tasks such as selecting a file, navigating Markdown headings in Vim, or choosing a VirtualBox machine. The project documents Python 3.3 or later as a requirement: pmenu on GitHub.
What is pmenu?
pmenu is a dynamic terminal menu inspired by dmenu. It is designed to take a list of text entries and let you filter, move through, and select an item using the keyboard. Its optional most-recently-used (MRU) ordering can prioritize items selected before.
Because it works with ordinary shell input and output, pmenu can be inserted into scripts and editor workflows rather than used only as a standalone launcher. The project describes it as a Python script without dependencies and lists Python 3.3+ as its requirement; check the README for the current project details at the official repository.
How does pmenu get menu items?
The README documents three ways to provide entries: pipe newline-separated text into pmenu, pass entries as positional arguments, or combine the two. This makes the menu useful anywhere a command can produce a list of choices.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose from a pipeline
For example, a shell command can send filenames or other values into pmenu for selection. The project documentation demonstrates lists from commands such as ls or find. The selected item is output, so a surrounding shell command or script can use it.
Supply arguments directly
Positional arguments are another way to define choices when the list is already known or built by a script. The README also allows combining positional entries with piped input.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Regenerate choices while typing
The -c or --command option reruns a shell command to populate the menu on every keystroke, substituting the current input for {}. This supports menus whose candidate list is generated dynamically rather than fixed before pmenu opens.
Two other documented options customize the interaction: -p or --prompt sets the prompt text, while -n or --name supplies the cache filename used for recently used items. Consult the README for invocation details and examples.
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.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- 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.
What can you use pmenu for?
The project README gives examples that show how the text-in, text-out model can fit different tasks:
- Pick a file: feed filenames from a command such as
findinto pmenu, then use the selected path in a shell workflow. - Navigate in Vim: select a file to edit, or choose a Markdown heading and jump to it using Vim functions and mappings.
- Look up a dictionary entry: build a selection-and-lookup workflow with commands such as
curlordict. - Choose a VirtualBox machine: present available virtual machines as menu entries and start the selected one.
- Enter a subdirectory: select a directory from a generated list and use it in a shell workflow.
These are examples documented by the project, not independent compatibility or performance tests. The README also describes pmenu-run, a separate example application launcher: it builds a menu from system *.desktop files and launches the selected application in the current terminal or detached from it, depending on the application type. The project calls it “an example of an application launcher built with pmenu similar to dmenu_run, gmrun and bashrun.”
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
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What keyboard controls does pmenu support?
The documented controls let you edit the query, navigate results, complete an item, select it, or exit without a selection:
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Quit without selecting | Escape, Ctrl-C, Ctrl-G, or Ctrl-[ |
| Complete the selected item | Tab or Ctrl-I |
| Select and output the item | Enter, Ctrl-J, or Ctrl-M |
| Move through items | Up/Down or Ctrl-P/Ctrl-N |
| Delete a character | Backspace or Ctrl-H |
| Clear the input | Ctrl-U |
| Delete the previous word | Ctrl-W |
These bindings are listed in the project’s README.
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.
How do you install pmenu?
- Check the requirement. The README specifies Python 3.3 or later.
- Copy the script. Copy
pmenuinto a directory on yourPATH. Copypmenu-runas well if you want to use the documented launcher example. - Use the Arch Linux package if appropriate. The project points Arch users to an AUR package; consult the README for that link and package details.
The project states that pmenu is released under the GNU General Public License version 3. Installation instructions, license information, and the Arch package reference are in the official repository README.
How does pmenu compare with dmenu, fzf, or rofi?
The right comparison depends on what you need. pmenu is a terminal-oriented text selector that accepts shell-generated entries. The project’s own alternatives list groups other tools across terminal selectors, graphical launchers, and editor navigation; it names fzf, fzy, peco, percol, and rofi among menu or selector options, and dmenu_run and gmrun among launcher options. For Vim-focused navigation, it also lists CtrlP and LeaderF.
Those names are the project’s alternatives, not a measured head-to-head comparison. The README provides no benchmark results or comparative feature evaluation, so it does not establish which tool is faster or better overall. Compare the environment you use (terminal, graphical/X11 launcher, or editor), the input and output workflow you need, and relevant platform or language support. See the alternatives list in the project README.
What is known about pmenu’s current version and support?
The repository page displays a latest-commit area and a commit count, but that information does not establish a current release version or an explicit maintenance or support commitment. The reviewed project material therefore does not support describing pmenu as actively maintained or naming a latest version. Check the repository directly for current status: https://github.com/joeld/p-menu.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
