github.com/MidnightCommander/mc ↗

About MidnightCommander/mc

GNU Midnight Commander is a text-mode file manager for Unix-like systems that provides a full-screen interface for managing files through the terminal. It can run on the OS console, in xterm, or over remote connections like SSH and telnet sessions. The project is a free implementation inspired by Norton Commander, combining that classic interface with modern features.

The tool includes an extensive virtual file system that lets users manipulate remote files through FTP and SFTP protocols, browse the contents of archives like tar, zip, and rpm files as if they were local directories, and even perform complex operations like viewing files within archives on remote servers. Additional features include a built-in text and hex editor, mouse support on most terminal emulators, command completion with Alt-Tab, subshell integration with bash and zsh, background file operations, and context-dependent actions for opening and viewing files. The interface uses Emacs-like key bindings throughout.

Written in C and released under the GNU General Public License v3, Midnight Commander targets system administrators and power users who need efficient file management in terminal environments. The project has been actively maintained with community involvement through mailing lists and issue tracking, and comprehensive documentation is available both online and within the application itself.