What is Ncdu?

ncdu, short for NCurses Disk Usage, is a command-line disk usage analyzer utility. It provides a visual representation of disk usage in a specified directory or file system. Developed using the NCurses library, ncdu offers an interactive and text-based interface, making it well-suited for use in terminal environments.

Key Features:

Interactive Visual Interface:

ncdu presents a visual interface in the terminal that allows users to navigate through directories and view disk usage information in real-time. The interface is interactive and responsive.
Directory Navigation:

Users can navigate through directories using arrow keys or keyboard shortcuts, exploring the hierarchy of files and subdirectories.
Space Usage Overview:

ncdu displays a hierarchical view of space usage, providing information about the size of directories and files. Users can quickly identify which items consume the most disk space.
File Deletion and Interaction:

Within the ncdu interface, users can interactively manage files and directories. This includes deleting files or directories directly from the ncdu interface, facilitating disk cleanup.
Sorting and Filtering:

ncdu allows users to sort the displayed items based on different criteria, such as size or last modification time. Filtering options enable users to focus on specific types of files or directories.
Exporting Reports:

Users can export disk usage reports generated by ncdu for further analysis or archival purposes. Reports can be saved in a file for future reference.
Lightweight and Efficient:

ncdu is designed to be lightweight and efficient, providing a fast and responsive experience even for large file systems. It's suitable for use on both local machines and remote servers.
Command-Line Options:

ncdu offers various command-line options for customization, allowing users to specify the directory to analyze, control the level of detail in the report, and more.
Cross-Platform Compatibility:

ncdu is cross-platform and can be used on various Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS. It is available as a package in many Linux distributions and can be easily installed.
Open Source and Community-Driven:

ncdu is an open-source project, and its development involves contributions from the community. This fosters ongoing improvements, bug fixes, and compatibility with different environments.
ncdu is particularly useful for system administrators, developers, and users who need a quick and efficient way to assess disk usage, identify large files, and manage storage space on the command line.

Official Links