vdir

vdir is a command-line tool that is available in many Unix-like operating systems. It is used to display directory content in a long format, providing detailed information about files and directories within a specified directory or the current directory if no directory argument is provided.

When invoked, the vdir command displays the following information about each file or directory: the file permissions, number of hard links, owner, group, file size, timestamp of last modification, and the name of the file or directory. It also displays a total count at the end, indicating the number of files and directories.

vdir can be customized to include additional information using command-line options. These options allow users to display file or directory size in a human-readable format, sort the output based on different criteria such as modification time or file size, and display the content as a comma-separated list.

By default, vdir displays the content of a directory in a column-oriented format, with each entry taking up a separate line. However, it can also be used with other command-line tools such as grep to filter and manipulate the output.

vdir is often used by system administrators or power users who need a quick overview of the files and directories within a specific location. It provides a concise yet detailed output that can aid in managing and organizing files effectively.

The command is similar to the well-known ls command but has some subtle differences in behavior. vdir is typically included as a symbolic link to the ls command, preserving compatibility with scripts or commands that rely on ls.

Overall, vdir is a versatile command-line tool that allows users to view directory content in a clear and informative manner, making it useful for tasks such as file management, analysis, and troubleshooting.