How to install exa on Ubuntu?

On Ubuntu 20.10 and later, use `sudo apt install exa`. For older versions or manual installation, download binaries from GitHub releases or use Cargo with Rust installed.

Is exa still maintained or should I use something else?

exa is unmaintained; the README recommends using the fork eza instead for active development. If you need updates, switch to eza or stick with standard `ls`.

How to show Git status with exa?

Use the `--git` flag with `exa -l` to display Git status for tracked or ignored files. This integrates directly into the listing without extra commands.

exa vs ls: what are the main differences?

exa adds colors, icons, Git integration, tree views, and better defaults, but has different command-line options and is unmaintained. `ls` is standard, universally available, and more script-friendly.

How to use tree view in exa?

Run `exa --tree` to display directories recursively as a tree. Use `--level` to limit depth and `--icons` for visual enhancements.

Can exa display file sizes in human-readable format?

Yes, use `exa -l` for long view with default human-readable sizes, or `-b` for binary prefixes. The `--bytes` flag shows raw bytes if needed.

exa

MITRustv0.10.1

A modern, feature-rich replacement for the ls command with better defaults, colors, Git integration, and a single binary.

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24.4k stars658 forks0 contributors

What is exa?

exa is a modern, feature-rich replacement for the traditional `ls` command-line program used in Unix and Linux environments. It provides enhanced file and directory listings with color-coded output, Git integration, and better visual defaults to improve clarity and usability. The project is designed as a single binary that is small, fast, and offers more intuitive options for daily command-line tasks.

Target Audience

exa is targeted at developers, system administrators, and power users who frequently use the command line for file management and seek a more informative and aesthetically pleasing alternative to `ls`. It is particularly useful for those working with Git repositories, needing detailed metadata, or preferring customizable views like tree or grid layouts.

Value Proposition

Developers choose exa over traditional `ls` for its superior defaults, built-in Git status display, and rich feature set including icons, extended attributes, and flexible filtering. Its design prioritizes user-friendliness and visual organization, making it a practical upgrade for everyday file listing without sacrificing performance or simplicity.

Overview

A modern replacement for ‘ls’.

Use Cases

Best For

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Displaying Git status alongside file listings in a terminal

Viewing files with color-coded output and icons for better visual distinction

Listing directories recursively in tree or grid views for hierarchical navigation

Filtering and sorting files by metadata like size, modification time, or Git status

Accessing extended file details such as inodes, hard links, and timestamps

Managing file visibility with options for hidden files, glob patterns, and directory grouping

Not Ideal For

Scripts or tools that parse `ls` output directly and rely on its exact format
Users requiring active maintenance, security updates, or new features, as exa is unmaintained
Minimalist systems where the extra binary size or features of exa provide no benefit over standard `ls`
Environments where strict compatibility with traditional Unix tools is mandatory for interoperability

Pros & Cons

Pros

Enhanced Visual Clarity

Uses color coding and optional icons to distinguish file types and metadata, making output more readable than plain `ls`.

Built-in Git Integration

Shows Git status (tracked, ignored) directly in listings with the --git flag, eliminating the need for separate commands.

Flexible View Options

Supports grid, tree, and long formats with customizable sorting by fields like size, time, or Git status, per the options list.

Rich Metadata Display

Can show extended details like inodes, hard links, multiple timestamps (accessed, modified, created), and extended attributes.

Cons

Unmaintained Project

The README explicitly states exa is unmaintained and recommends using the fork eza, meaning no bug fixes or updates.

Non-Standard Options

Command-line options differ from `ls` (e.g., --grid instead of -C), requiring users to relearn flags and potentially breaking muscle memory.

Compilation Complexity

Building from source requires Rust and libgit2 for Git features, which can be cumbersome compared to installing standard system tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

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