Usage Guide

Learn how to use dir2's SQL-inspired commands for efficient file management

Getting Started

dir2 provides a unique approach to file system interaction by using SQL-like syntax. Instead of traditional navigation commands, you query your file system like a database.

Launching dir2

Inside the directory_2 folder run

cargo run

You'll see the dir2 prompt:

dir2>

Essential Commands

Try these basic commands to get familiar with dir2:

LC

List Commands - Shows all available commands in dir2

LD

List Directory - Lists all files and folders in the current directory

WD <directory_name>

Watch Directory - Change to a specific directory by name

CD drive

Change Drive - Navigate to a different drive

SELECT filename FROM path

Select File - Load a file into the current state for operations

VIEW STATE

View Current State - Shows the currently selected file (short: VS)

RUN STATE

Execute File - Runs the currently selected file (short: RS)

FIND EXACT filename

Find File - Search for a file across the entire system (short: FE)

FAV VIEW

View Favorites - Shows all saved favorite files with their index numbers

CLS

Clear Screen - Clears the terminal screen (short: /C)

SQL Mindset: Think of your file system as a database where directories are tables and files are records you can SELECT and manipulate.

Basic Concepts

Understanding these core concepts will help you master dir2's approach to file management.

Stateful File Management

dir2 maintains a current file state. When you SELECT a file, it becomes the active file for subsequent operations:

SELECT document.txt FROM C:\Users\Documents\

Now document.txt is loaded into the current state and ready for operations.

SQL-Like Syntax

Commands follow familiar SQL patterns:

  • SELECT: Choose files from directories
  • FROM: Specify the source directory
  • STATE: Current file in memory for operations

Path Formats

dir2 supports various path formats for Windows:

  • Absolute paths: C:\Users\Documents\
  • Relative paths: .\subfolder\
  • Home directory: ~\Documents\
  • Current directory: .

File Selection

The SELECT command is the cornerstone of dir2. It loads files into the current state for further operations.

Basic File Selection

SELECT filename.txt FROM C:\Path\To\Directory\

Checking Current State

After selecting a file, check what's currently loaded:

VIEW STATE

Or use the short form:

VS

Selection Examples

Select from Current Directory

SELECT script.py FROM .

Selects script.py from the current working directory

Select from Documents

SELECT report.pdf FROM C:\Users\Documents\

Selects report.pdf from your Documents folder

Select Executable

SELECT app.exe FROM C:\Program Files\MyApp\

Selects an executable file for later execution

View File Metadata

META STATE

View metadata of the currently selected file

State Management

Manage your current file state step by step:

Select a file:

SELECT config.ini FROM C:\App\

Check what's selected:

VIEW STATE

View file metadata:

META STATE

Clear the state when done:

DROP STATE
State Benefits: The state system allows you to work with one file at a time, reducing confusion and enabling focused file operations.

File Execution

Once you have a file selected in state, you can execute it using the RUN STATE command.

Basic Execution

Execute the currently selected file:

RUN STATE

Or use the short form:

RS

Execution Examples

Python Scripts

SELECT data_analysis.py FROM C:\Projects\ RUN STATE

This will execute: python data_analysis.py

Executable Files

SELECT notepad.exe FROM C:\Windows\System32\ RUN STATE

This will launch Notepad

Batch Files

SELECT deploy.bat FROM .\scripts\ RUN STATE

This will execute the batch file

Smart Execution: dir2 automatically determines the appropriate execution method based on file extension.

Favorites System

The favorites system allows you to save frequently used files for instant access using index numbers.

Adding to Favorites

Add the currently selected file to favorites:

FAV SET STATE

Using Favorites

View all favorites with their index numbers:

FAV VIEW

Execute a favorite by its index:

RUN FAV 1

Managing Favorites

View All Favorites

FAV VIEW

Display all saved favorites with index numbers

Remove Favorite

FAV RM 3

Remove favorite at index 3

Add Current File

FAV SET STATE

Add currently selected file to favorites

Run Favorite

RUN FAV 2

Execute favorite file at index 2

Favorites Workflow Example

Select and add a commonly used tool:

SELECT backup.py FROM C:\Scripts\
FAV SET STATE

View favorites list:

FAV VIEW

Later, run it directly by index:

RUN FAV 1

Common Workflows

Here are some typical workflows that demonstrate dir2's power and efficiency with clean, step-by-step patterns.

Pattern 1: Quick File Execution

SELECT app.exe FROM C:\Tools\

Select Application - Load an executable into state

RUN STATE

Execute Immediately - Run the selected application

Pattern 2: Save to Favorites

SELECT backup.py FROM C:\Scripts\

Select Script - Choose a frequently used script

FAV SET STATE

Add to Favorites - Save for quick access later

FAV VIEW

View Favorites List - See all saved favorites with index numbers

Pattern 3: Find and Execute

FIND EXACT deploy.bat

Find File - Search entire system for the file

SELECT deploy.bat FROM C:\Found\Path\

Select from Found Location - Load the discovered file

RUN STATE

Execute - Run the found and selected file

Pattern 4: Web Research

SEARCH GOOGLE "rust file management"

Google Search - Research topics in your browser

SEARCH CHATGPT "explain SQL syntax"

ChatGPT Query - Ask AI for explanations and help

Development Workflow Example

Navigate and explore:

LD
CD C:\Projects\MyApp\
SELECT build.py FROM .
FAV SET STATE
RUN STATE

Tips & Tricks

Master these tips to become more efficient with dir2.

Navigation and Exploration

  • Use LD frequently to see files in the current directory
  • Use WD <name> to change to a specific directory
  • Use CD to navigate between directories efficiently
  • Use LC to list all available commands anytime

State Management

  • Always check your current state with VIEW STATE or VS
  • Use META STATE to get file information before execution
  • Clear state with DROP STATE when switching tasks
  • Remember: only one file can be in state at a time

Favorites Efficiency

  • Add frequently used scripts to favorites with FAV SET STATE
  • Use FAV VIEW to see all your shortcuts
  • Run favorites by index: RUN FAV 1, RUN FAV 2, etc.
  • Remove unused favorites with FAV RM <index>

Search Strategies

Multi-Search Approach: Use file search for local files and web search for research - all from the same interface!
  • Use FE as a shortcut for FIND EXACT
  • Combine file search with web research: FE config.json then S G "config.json best practices"
  • Use specific search engines: Google for general search, DDG for privacy, ChatGPT for explanations
  • Web searches open in your browser while dir2 stays active

Command Shortcuts

Remember the Shortcuts: Most commands have short forms to speed up your workflow.
  • /C instead of CLS to clear screen
  • /E instead of EXIT to quit
  • VS instead of VIEW STATE
  • RS instead of RUN STATE
  • S G instead of SEARCH GOOGLE

Advanced Usage

Quick project workflow:

CD C:\Projects\NewProject\
LD
SELECT setup.py FROM .
FAV SET STATE

Development cycle:

RUN FAV 1
SELECT build.py FROM .
RUN STATE
SEARCH GOOGLE "deployment best practices"

Error Prevention

  • Use LD to verify file existence before selection
  • Check state with VS before running commands
  • Use full paths for files outside current directory
  • Test file execution outside dir2 if problems occur