If you frequently work in the terminal, there’s a good chance you’ve dealt with long file lists, extensive command histories, or massive Git repositories. That’s where fzf, the fuzzy finder for your command line, shines. It’s fast, flexible, and remarkably powerful once integrated into your daily workflow in your VPS.

This article will walk you through installing fzf on Linux, configuring it, and using it in practical, productivity-boosting scenarios.

What Is fzf?

fzf is a general-purpose fuzzy finder written in Go. It allows you to interactively filter lists—such as filenames, command history, processes, or Git branches—using fuzzy search logic. That means you don’t have to type the full name of the item you’re looking for—just a few memorable characters will do.

For example, to find a file called application_config_backup.txt, typing acb may be enough to bring it up instantly.

Why Use fzf ?

Here are some key reasons to add fzf to your terminal toolbox:

  • 🚀 Blazing fast search across massive datasets
  • 🧠 Smart fuzzy matching with minimal keystrokes
  • 🧩 Easy integration with other CLI tools (e.g., find, rg, git)
  • 🧰 Out-of-the-box keybindings for Bash, Zsh, and Fish
  • 🔧 Highly customizable behavior and appearance

Installing fzf on Linux

1. Installing via Package Manager

On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install fzf

On Arch Linux / Manjaro:

sudo pacman -S fzf

On Fedora:

sudo dnf install fzf

2. Installing from GitHub (Recommended for Latest Features)

git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/junegunn/fzf.git ~/.fzf
~/.fzf/install

The installer script will ask if you want to enable useful shell extensions (keybindings and autocompletion) — say yes to get the most out of fzf. After installation, restart your shell or source the updated profile.

Core Use Cases of fzf

1. File Finder

fzf

Run it in a directory, and you’ll instantly get an interactive list of all files and directories. Start typing to filter them in real time.

2. Integrate with find

find . -type f | fzf

3. Use with rg (ripgrep)

rg --files | fzf

4. Search Through Command History

history | fzf

5. Git Integration

git log --oneline | fzf

You can also checkout branches like this:

git checkout $(git branch | fzf)

Custom Keybindings & Shortcuts

During the install process, if you opted in for keybindings, you can do things like:

  • Ctrl-T: Paste the selected file path(s) at the cursor position
  • Ctrl-R: Search and execute from command history
  • Alt-C: Change directory interactively
  • These shortcuts can significantly reduce the time spent on file navigation or recalling commands.

Customizing fzf

You can tweak fzf appearance and behavior using environment variables in your .bashrc or .zshrc file:

export FZF_DEFAULT_OPTS="
--height 40%
--layout=reverse
--border
--preview 'bat --style=numbers --color=always --line-range :500 {}'
"

This enables a beautiful, paginated interface with preview support using bat.

Powerful Integrations

You can pair fzf with tools like:

  • tmux: open selections in new panes/windows

  • fd or rg: for faster file discovery

  • nnn, lf, or ranger: terminal file managers

fzf is not limited to plain usage—its real power emerges when piped and composed with other Unix tools.