🚀 File management reimagined

File Operations as Code

Stop clicking through dialogs. Start editing file operations like text. Review changes before they happen. Apply with confidence.

No accidental deletions
Batch operations
Editor integration
Install noil See it in action
noil demo

The noil Workflow

Three simple steps to fearless file management

1

Preview & Tag

Generate tags for your files. Each file gets a unique short identifier.

$ noil .
a : /etc/nginx
d : /tmp/old.txt
x : /var/logs
2

Edit Operations

Edit operations in your $EDITOR. Use tags to reference files.

$ noil edit .
COPY   a : /tmp/nginx-backup
MOVE   d : /tmp/new.txt
DELETE x : /var/logs
3

Apply Changes

Confirm and execute. Nothing happens until you explicitly apply.

$ cat operations.noil | noil apply
Apply changes? [y/N]
✓ All operations completed

Perfect for Real Work

From simple renames to complex reorganizations

Project Reorganization

Restructure entire projects with confidence. Move hundreds of files, create new directories, and clean up old ones—all in one reviewed operation.

# Reorganize project structure
a         : src/ui
d         : src/lib/utils
z         : .env.backup
p         : ./dist-old
MOVE a    : src/ui
MOVE d    : src/lib/utils
COPY z    : .env.backup
DELETE p  : ./dist-old

Backup Management

Create sophisticated backup strategies. Copy critical files, archive old versions, and maintain clean working directories with scripted precision.

# Weekly backup routine
db        : /var/backups/database
logs      : /var/log/app
COPY db   : /backup/db-$(date)
MOVE logs : /archive/logs/

Batch Renaming

Rename multiple files with patterns and logic. Perfect for organizing downloads, photos, or any collection of files that need systematic naming.

# Rename photo collection
1a        : IMG_001.jpg
2b        : IMG_002.jpg
MOVE 1a   : vacation-001.jpg
MOVE 2b   : vacation-002.jpg

Safe Cleanup

Clean up directories with confidence. Preview what will be deleted, ensure important files are backed up, then execute the cleanup safely.

# Clean development artifacts
nm        : node_modules
tmp       : /tmp/build-cache
DELETE nm : node_modules
DELETE tmp: /tmp/build-cache

Why Developers Love noil

Powerful features that make file management a joy

Preview First

See exactly what will happen before any file is touched. No more "oops" moments.

Editor Freedom

Use vim, emacs, VS Code, or any editor. If it can edit text, it works with noil.

Batch Power

Handle hundreds of operations at once. Perfect for large-scale reorganizations.

Safe by Design

Nothing happens without explicit confirmation. Your files are safe from accidents.

CLI Native

Built for the terminal. Fast, scriptable, and plays well with pipes and redirects.

Lightning Fast

Written in Rust for maximum performance. Handle thousands of files instantly.

Start Using noil Now

One command to transform how you manage files

Quick Install

cargo install noil

Build from Source

# Clone and build
git clone https://git.kjuulh.io/kjuulh/noil.git
cd noil && cargo install --path .

Your First Operation

# Create a noil file
echo "ADD : new.txt" > operations.noil
# Preview what will happen
noil operations.noil
# Apply the changes
cat operations.noil | noil apply

Ready to Take Control?

Join developers who've discovered the power of treating file operations as code.

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Built with ❤️ in Rust • MIT Licensed • Contributions Welcome