lean vs pure zsh prompt comparison

Lean evolved from Pure to offer a single-line interface with right-side layout, while Pure uses two lines. Lean is more minimal by default, hiding info until needed, whereas Pure always shows more details like full git status. Choose Lean if you prefer a cleaner, space-efficient prompt, but Pure if you want constant visibility of multi-line context.

how to install lean prompt without zgen

You can install Lean via Prezto by cloning the contrib repository and setting the theme to 'lean' in .zpreztorc, as described in the README. Alternatively, manually source the script in your .zshrc, but ensure PROMPT_SUBST is enabled for proper functionality.

how to change colors in lean prompt

Set the PROMPT_LEAN_COLOR1 and PROMPT_LEAN_COLOR2 variables in your .zshrc or .zshenv to customize prompt colors. For example, use hex codes or ZSH color names to match your terminal theme, as highlighted in the Configurable Colors section.

does lean prompt always show git status

No, Lean shows git info only when in a git repository and if PROMPT_LEAN_VCS is not set to 0. It displays truncated branch names and dirty status dynamically to avoid clutter, aligning with its minimalist philosophy.

how to disable path shortening in lean

Set PROMPT_LEAN_PWD to 0 in your configuration to disable path display altogether, or adjust PROMPT_LEAN_ABBR_METHOD if you prefer a different shortening style. This allows fine-grained control over how directories are shown.

lean prompt right side not showing up

Ensure PROMPT_SUBST is enabled in ZSH, as required in the Installation notes. Also, check that you haven't set PROMPT_LEAN_RIGHT incorrectly or disabled features like VCS or PWD via their respective variables.

Open-Awesome

lean

Apache-2.0Shell

A minimal, one-line ZSH prompt that shows only essential information and stays out of your way.

GitHub

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What is lean?

Lean is a minimal, one-line ZSH prompt that evolved from the 'pure' prompt to offer a cleaner, single-line interface. It displays only essential information like the current directory, git status, and background jobs, utilizing the right side of the terminal to keep the left prompt sparse. The goal is to reduce visual clutter while providing context when needed.

Target Audience

ZSH users who prefer a minimalist terminal experience, especially those transitioning from multi-line prompts like 'pure' or seeking a configurable, unobtrusive prompt.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Lean for its balance of minimalism and functionality—it stays out of the way by default but reveals key details (like git dirty status or SSH indicators) precisely when they're relevant, all in a single line.

Overview

Pretty, minimal, one-line, fast ZSH prompt

Use Cases

Best For

ZSH users who want a cleaner alternative to two-line prompts like 'pure'
Terminal enthusiasts seeking a highly configurable and minimal prompt
Developers working in git repositories who need quick branch and dirty status visibility
Users who frequently SSH into remote servers and want clear host indicators
Tmux users who disable the status bar and need a visual tmux indicator
Anyone preferring a sparse terminal interface that maximizes screen real estate

Not Ideal For

Users who prefer always-visible, detailed multi-line prompts with constant information display
Developers working in mixed-shell environments where ZSH is not the primary shell
Teams seeking out-of-the-box prompts with extensive pre-styled themes and no configuration

Pros & Cons

Pros

Minimalist Sparse Design

Starts with only '%' and '~', revealing contextual info like git status or SSH indicators only when needed, keeping the terminal uncluttered as shown in the lean.gif example.

Efficient Space Usage

Utilizes the right side of the terminal for details like path and git info, leaving the left prompt clean for commands, which maximizes screen real estate.

Smart Git Integration

Shows truncated branch names and dirty status configurable via PROMPT_LEAN_VCS, providing essential version control info without visual overload.

Highly Configurable Options

Allows customization of colors with PROMPT_LEAN_COLOR1/2, path shortening methods, and toggles for features like Vim mode or tmux indicators.

Cons

ZSH-Only Dependency

Requires ZSH with PROMPT_SUBST set, limiting compatibility in environments using Bash or other shells, as noted in the Installation section.

Manual Configuration Overhead

Users must edit files like .zshrc to set variables and rely on plugin managers like zgen or prezto for installation, adding setup complexity.

Information Truncation Defaults

Branch names are truncated to 20 characters and paths shortened by default, which might obscure critical details for some workflows without customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

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