File Actions

The File Tree supports direct file and directory manipulation through a set of single-key actions. All file actions operate on the currently highlighted entry in the tree and are available in command mode when the File Tree has focus.

Action Summary

Add (a)

Pressing a opens an inline text input at the bottom of the File Tree pane. Type the name of the new file or directory to create.

Creating a file: Type a filename (e.g., utils.rs) and press Enter. The file is created as an empty file inside the directory that currently has focus. If the cursor is on a file, the new file is created in that file’s parent directory.

Creating a directory: Append a trailing / to the name (e.g., helpers/) and press Enter. The directory is created, and the tree refreshes to show it.

Press Esc to cancel without creating anything.

Delete (d)

Pressing d on a highlighted file or directory triggers a confirmation prompt:

Delete "filename"? (y/N)

The default is No – pressing Enter without typing y cancels the deletion. You must explicitly press y to confirm. This prevents accidental data loss from a stray keypress.

Deleting a directory removes it recursively, including all of its contents.

Rename (r)

Pressing r opens an inline text input pre-filled with the current name of the highlighted entry. Edit the name as needed and press Enter to confirm the rename.

The rename operates within the same directory – it changes the entry’s name but does not move it. To move a file to a different directory, use the Move action instead.

Press Esc to cancel without renaming.

Copy (c)

Copy is a two-step operation:

Step 1: Grab the Source

Press c on the entry you want to copy. The entry is marked as the copy source with a visual indicator: a solid border around the name rendered in magenta.

┃filename.rs┃

The solid-border magenta highlight persists as you navigate the tree, reminding you that a copy operation is in progress.

Step 2: Paste at Target

Navigate to the target directory and press Enter to paste. The source file (or directory) is copied into the target directory, preserving the original name. If a file with the same name already exists at the target, the operation fails with a status message.

Recursive directory copy is supported. Copying a directory duplicates its entire contents, including all subdirectories and files.

Cancelling

Press Esc at any point to cancel the copy operation. The source highlight is removed and the tree returns to normal.

Move (m)

Move works identically to Copy in its two-step flow, with two differences:

1. The visual indicator uses a dashed border in magenta instead of a solid border:

   ╎filename.rs╎
   

2. After pasting at the target, the original entry is removed from its source location. Move is effectively a copy-then-delete.

Step 1: Grab the Source

Press m on the entry you want to move. The dashed-border magenta highlight appears.

Step 2: Paste at Target

Navigate to the target directory and press Enter. The entry is moved to the new location.

Cancelling

Press Esc to cancel the move. The source highlight is removed and no filesystem changes occur.

Visual Summary

The distinct border styles make it possible to tell at a glance whether you are in a copy or move operation.

Error Handling

All file actions report errors via the status bar. Common error scenarios:

Failed operations leave the filesystem unchanged.