A keyboard-driven terminal file manager written in Rust

sb is a fast, single-binary TUI built on ratatui + crossterm — focused on snappy local navigation with optional integrations for previews, archives, search, remote mounts, and lightweight Git workflows.

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$ cargo install shell-buddy
Shell Buddy terminal file manager listing
What sets sb apart

Built for people who live in the terminal

Every workflow stays a keystroke away — no leaving the file manager.

G

In-TUI Git workflow

Diff preview → status review → commit → push → optional tag, all without leaving the file manager.

Tab

Inline path filters

Type ^prefix, suffix$, or ~contains right in the path bar to live-filter the listing.

I

One-key integration installs

See which optional tools are missing and install them via Homebrew — straight from the TUI.

p

Age encryption

Protect or decrypt .age files in-place with a single keypress.

^n

Per-file notes

Attach notes to any file, stored in a hidden .sb file per directory.

i / E

tmux-aware splits

i opens a shell + preview pane; E opens a shell + editor pane.

^e

Clipboard edit

Open the current system clipboard contents in $EDITOR for quick manipulation.

-l

CLI list / tree modes

sb -l, sb -t, sb -l2 produce consistent column output; sb <file> opens with the best viewer.

Ready to make the terminal your file manager?

$ cargo install shell-buddy