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Add to SafariWhen comparing PCManFM vs Vifm, the Slant community recommends PCManFM for most people. In the question“What are the best file managers for UNIX-like systems?” PCManFM is ranked 10th while Vifm is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose PCManFM is:
General use, and most operations, are snappy and responsive.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Lightweight
General use, and most operations, are snappy and responsive.
Pro Simple
PCManFM is a very lightweight and simple file manager.
Pro Can open folder as root
PCManFM can open different folders as root, this way you don't have to use the terminal to move around files for which you need root permission.
Pro Auto mounts drives
PCmanFM automatically detects and mounts available drives.
Pro Supports "quick-directory" typing
While in a PCManFM window, typing either a "~" or a "/" will automatically start typing into the location bar, allows for tab completion, and pressing Enter goes straight to the typed directory.
Pro More RAM is available for other processes, and the system uses less swap
Overall, the system becomes faster.
Pro Uses tabs instead of new windows
Tabs can practically be managed just as in a browser, so you don't end up with windows open all over your desktop. New tabs automatically start in the same location.
Pro Fastest starup
PCmanFM is the fastest GUI file manager to start.
Pro No back seat driver
Does not obstruct professional work by engrossing root warnings.
Pro Compact
Supports fast failure resolving in bulky configuration and log folders.
Pro Allows you to stay in the terminal
Since it runs in a terminal, it may live within ssh sessions, tmux/screen sessions, etc.
Pro Nice Themes for a terminal app
Vifm has a lot of good themes that you can easily grab from the main site and use with the :colorscheme command.
Pro Configurable
You can easily configure almost all aspects of vifm by just editing the dotfile which is pretty easy is you are comfortable with configuring apps.
Pro Great integration with vim
The vifm.vim plugin allows you to use vifm as a powerful filepicker for vim.
Pro Default key mappings will be comfortable to vim users
Vifm uses vim-esque key mappings. Makes for extremely efficient and---perhaps more importantly---intuitive interactions. The key mappings can be changed.
Pro Dual pane
The dual pane nature of vifm makes copy paste and moving files from one folder to another super easy.
Cons
Con Can't extend with scripts
Unlike Nautilus and Caja, this can't extend with scripts. If script extension is added it can become a really good FM.
Con Some operations are slow
Because it tries to be as lightweight as possible and tries to use very little RAM. This can unfortunately lead to it being slow sometimes.
Con Right-click option choice limitation
You can only choose one option in the right-click menu instead of being able to select multiple at once.
Con Uses a bit more RAM than thunar
Thunar uses less RAM but you pay in slower startup and stability.
Con Directory trees can be confusing
Starts you off in a directory tree that is your home folder as if that is the very top. (Just use a single tree as it actually is and expand appropriately).
Con Useless for non-vi users
Even to quit one has to use ":q".
Con Very high learning curve for newbies
Con Can only be used in terminal
Vifm lacks a standalone GUI option.
