The command-line interface (CLI) is a powerful tool that lets users interact with their systems in an efficient, streamlined way. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or just someone who loves optimizing workflows, CLI tools can significantly enhance your productivity.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 amazing CLI tools that you won’t be able to live without. These tools will help you navigate directories, manage files, automate tasks, and much more!
1. tldr – Simplified Man Pages
What is tldr?
tldr is a user-friendly alternative to the traditional man pages. It provides concise and practical examples of command-line usage, making it easier to understand without wading through dense documentation.
Why You’ll Love It
- Provides quick, simple explanations.
- Great for beginners and advanced users alike.
- Saves time compared to reading full documentation.
Installation:
npm install -g tldr2. fzf – Fuzzy Finder for the Terminal
What is fzf?
fzf is a powerful fuzzy search tool that lets you quickly navigate through files, command history, and more with just a few keystrokes.
Why You’ll Love It
- Blazing-fast searching.
- Works seamlessly with other command-line tools.
- Highly customizable.
Installation:
brew install fzf # macOS
sudo apt install fzf # Ubuntu
3. bat – A Better Cat Command
What is bat?
bat is a replacement for the cat command, featuring syntax highlighting, line numbers, and Git integration.
Why You’ll Love It
- Makes reading files in the terminal easier.
- Syntax highlighting for various programming languages.
- Displays non-printable characters.
Installation:
brew install bat # macOS
sudo apt install bat # Ubuntu4. exa – A Modern Alternative to ls
What is exa?
exa enhances the traditional ls command with improved formatting, colors, and additional metadata display.
Why You’ll Love It
- Shows file permissions and Git statuses.
- Colorful and visually appealing output.
- Supports tree views.
Installation:
brew install exa # macOS
sudo apt install exa # Ubuntu5. ripgrep – Lightning-Fast Search
What is ripgrep?
ripgrep (rg) is a blazing-fast search tool that outperforms grep in speed and usability.
Why You’ll Love It
- Recursively searches directories with ease.
- Ignores files in
.gitignoreautomatically. - Multi-threaded for high-speed performance.
Installation:
brew install ripgrep # macOS
sudo apt install ripgrep # Ubuntu6. htop – Interactive Process Viewer
What is htop?
htop is a user-friendly alternative to top, offering an interactive and colorful display of system processes.
Why You’ll Love It
- Provides real-time CPU and memory usage.
- Allows you to kill processes with ease.
- Customizable display options.
Installation:
brew install htop # macOS
sudo apt install htop # Ubuntu
7. ncdu – Disk Usage Analyzer
What is ncdu?
ncdu is a fast and interactive disk usage analyzer that helps you identify which files and directories are taking up the most space.
Why You’ll Love It
- Displays disk usage in an easy-to-navigate interface.
- Helps clean up unnecessary files.
- Faster than the traditional
ducommand.
Installation:
brew install ncdu # macOS
sudo apt install ncdu # Ubuntu
Conclusion
CLI tools can revolutionize how you interact with your system, boosting efficiency and productivity. From tldr for quick command references to ncdu for managing disk space, these seven amazing CLI tools will enhance your workflow and make your time in the terminal more enjoyable. If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the perfect time to integrate them into your daily routine!
FAQs
1. Can I use these CLI tools on Windows?
Yes! Many of these tools are available on Windows through WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) or standalone installations.
2. Are these CLI tools beginner-friendly?
Absolutely! While some tools have advanced features, most are straightforward and improve usability compared to traditional commands.
3. Do I need to be a developer to use these tools?
Not at all! These tools are beneficial for anyone who frequently uses the command line, regardless of their technical background.
4. How do I update these CLI tools?
Most tools can be updated using package managers like brew, apt, or npm. Simply run brew upgrade <tool> or sudo apt upgrade <tool>.
5. Are there alternatives to these CLI tools?
Yes! While these tools are highly recommended, alternatives exist. For example, ag is another fast search tool similar to ripgrep, and glances is another alternative to htop for system monitoring.
