Quick Tip

Master `ls` with `lsd` for Visually Richer Directory Listings

Challenge: The default `ls` command, while functional, can be a bit bland and lacks visual cues for file types and metadata. Discovering a more visually appealing and informative way to list directory contents can significantly improve terminal productivity.

The Solution: Install and use `lsd` (LSDeluxe) for a modern and visually enhanced `ls` experience.

# First, install lsd (package name may vary by distribution) # On Debian/Ubuntu: # sudo apt update && sudo apt install lsd # On RHEL/Fedora: # sudo dnf install lsd # Then, use it like ls lsd # Or with common flags lsd -lha 

Why it works: `lsd` is a reimplementation of `ls` with added features like color-coding for file types, icons, and git integration, making it easier to quickly scan and understand directory contents.

Pro-Tip: Create an alias in your shell’s configuration file (e.g., ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc) to use lsd as your default ls: alias ls='lsd'. Then, run source ~/.bashrc (or your relevant config file) to apply the change.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/10/2026