Upgrade Your ls Command to eza

In the world of terminal commands, the ls command is a staple, but it can be a bit dull. If you're looking to add some pizzazz to your terminal, the eza command is here to save the day. In this blog, I'll show you how to install and use eza to transform your terminal experience from mundane to magnificent.

What is eza?

eza is a modern replacement for the ls command. It offers a more colourful and informative output, making it easier to navigate and understand your file system at a glance. With features like icons, tree views, and more detailed information, eza is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their terminal usage.

Installation

To get started, you'll need to install eza. The installation process varies depending on your operating system. For macOS users, the simplest method is using Homebrew:

brew install eza

For other systems, head over to eza.rocks for detailed installation instructions.

Basic Usage

Once installed, you can start using eza just like you would with ls. Here’s a basic example:

eza

Out of the box, you'll notice the difference in colour coding, which helps distinguish between different file types.

Advanced Features

eza shines with its additional options. Here are some commands to get the most out of eza:

Tree View

eza --tree

This command displays files and folders in a tree structure, making it easier to see the hierarchy of your directories.

Single Line View

eza --oneline

For a concise view, this command lists files in a single line format.

Detailed View

eza --long

This provides a detailed view of files, including additional information such as file permissions, owner, and modification dates.

Hidden Files

eza --long --all

To see hidden files, combine the --long and --all options.

Icons

eza -l -a --icons

To make it easier, you can simply write down *-l *for --long instead. Similarly, -a instead of --all. Adding --icons displays icons next to file names, adding a visual touch.

Group Directories First

For those, who have some kind of OCD, like me and would like to see first all the directories and then files, eza got you covered as well.

eza -l -a --icons --group-directories-first

This command sorts directories before files, providing a cleaner look.

Creating an Alias

Typing long commands every time can be tedious. To streamline your workflow, you can create an alias in your .zshrc file:

Open your .zshrc file:

nano ~/.zshrc

Add the following alias at the end:

alias l='eza -l -a --icons --group-directories-first'

Save and exit by , then source the .zshrc file:

source ~/.zshrc

Now, simply typing I and it will execute your customized eza command.

Conclusion

By upgrading from ls to eza, you add a layer of functionality and aesthetics to your terminal that makes file navigation more enjoyable. With features like tree views, icons, and detailed information, eza is a powerful tool for any command-line enthusiast.

Upgrade Your ls to eza

Head over to eza.rocks for more information and start transforming your terminal today!

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