📁 File Explorer

File Explorer is a simple, fast, and user‑friendly file management application designed to make navigating, organizing, and manipulating files intuitive for all users. It combines a clean graphical interface with a powerful built‑in Command Line Interface (CLI) for users who prefer keyboard‑driven workflows.

Features

🗂 Graphical Interface

• Navigation: Browse directories using a tree view and list view.
• File Operations: Perform essential actions such as:
  • Change Directory (cd)
  • Copy files and directories (copy)
  • Move files and directories (move)
  • Delete files and directories (delete)
• Clipboard Support: Cut, copy, and paste files and folders.
• Context Menu: Right‑click menus for quick access to common actions.
• History Tracking: Move backward and forward through previously visited directories.
• File Type Icons: Visual indicators for different file types.
• Status Bar: Real‑time feedback on operations and system status.

💻 Integrated Command Line Interface (CLI)

For users who enjoy the speed and precision of typed commands, the built‑in CLI provides:

• Fast directory navigation (cd)
• File and folder operations (copy, move, delete, rename)
• Text file creation (text, txt)
• Search and result cycling (find, findnext)
• Contextual path handling (type a path to open it)
• Quoting rules for paths with spaces
• Helpful usage messages and error feedback
• A built‑in help command with full documentation

The CLI and GUI work together seamlessly, giving users the freedom to choose the workflow that suits them best.

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Table of Contents

• 🖥️ Command Line Interface (CLI)

  • Features Overview
  • Commands
    • cd — Change Directory
    • mkdir / make — Create Directory
    • copy — Copy Files or Folders
    • move — Move Files or Folders
    • delete — Delete Files or Folders
    • rename — Rename Files or Folders
    • text / txt — Create Text Files
    • open — Open Files or Folders
    • find / search — Search
    • findnext / searchnext — Next Search Result
    • help — Show Help
  • Quoting Rules
  • Contextual Navigation
  • Example Session

• 📦 MoveFileOrDirectory — Code Walkthrough

• ✏️ RenameFileOrDirectory — Code Walkthrough

• 📋 CopyDirectory — Code Walkthrough

• 🧬 Clones

• 📄 License

• ⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

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Command Line Interface

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is an integrated text‑based command system inside the File Explorer application. It allows users to navigate folders, manage files, and perform common operations quickly using typed commands.

The CLI is designed to be:

• Fast — no menus, no dialogs
• Predictable — clear rules and consistent behavior
• Beginner‑friendly — helpful messages and examples
• Powerful — supports navigation, search, file operations, and more

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🚀 Features Overview

✔ Navigation

• Change directories
• Open files directly
• Navigate to folders by typing their path
• Supports paths with spaces using quotes

✔ File & Folder Operations

• Create, copy, move, rename, and delete
• Works with both files and directories
• Handles quoted paths safely

✔ Search

• Search the current folder
• Cycle through results with findnext
• Highlights and selects results in the UI

✔ Contextual Behavior

If a command doesn’t match a known keyword, the CLI checks:

• Is it a folder? → Navigate to it
• Is it a file? → Open it
• Otherwise → “Unknown command”

This makes the CLI feel natural and forgiving.

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🧭 Commands

Below is the complete list of supported commands, including syntax, descriptions, and examples.

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📂 Change Directory — cd

Usage:

cd [directory]

Description:
Changes the current working directory.

Examples:

cd C:\
cd "C:\My Folder"

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📁 Create Directory — mkdir, make

Usage:

mkdir [directory_path]

Description:
Creates a new folder.

Examples:

mkdir C:\newfolder
make "C:\My New Folder"

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📄 Copy — copy

Usage:

copy [source] [destination]

Description:
Copies a file or folder to a destination directory.

Examples:

copy C:\folderA\file.txt C:\folderB
copy "C:\folder A" "C:\folder B"

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📦 Move — move

Usage:

move [source] [destination]

Description:
Moves a file or folder to a new location.

Examples:

move C:\folderA\file.txt C:\folderB\file.txt
move "C:\folder A\file.txt" "C:\folder B\renamed.txt"

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🗑 Delete — delete

Usage:

delete [file_or_directory]

Description:
Deletes a file or folder.

Examples:

delete C:\file.txt
delete "C:\My Folder"

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✏ Rename — rename

Usage:

rename [source_path] [new_name]

Important:
Paths containing spaces must be enclosed in quotes.

Examples:

rename "C:\folder\oldname.txt" "newname.txt"
rename "C:\folder\old name.txt" "new name.txt"

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📝 Create Text File — text, txt

Usage:

text [file_path]

Description:
Creates a new text file at the specified path and opens it.

Example:

text "C:\folder\example.txt"

If no file name is provided, the CLI creates a new file named:

New Text File.txt

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📂 Open — open

Usage:

open [file_or_directory]

Description:
Opens a file with its default application, or navigates into a folder.

If no path is provided, the command opens the currently selected file or folder in the File Explorer list.

Examples:

open C:\folder\file.txt
open "C:\My Folder"
open

Behavior:

• If the target is a file → opens it using the default program
• If the target is a folder → navigates into it
• If nothing is selected and no path is provided → shows usage help
• Supports quoted paths with spaces

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🔍 Search — find, search

Usage:

find [search_term]

Description:
Searches the current folder for files or folders containing the term.

Example:

find report

If results are found:

• The first result is automatically selected
• The status bar shows how many matches were found

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⏭ Next Search Result — findnext, searchnext

Usage:

findnext

Description:
Cycles to the next result from the previous search.
Wraps around when reaching the end.

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❌ Exit — exit, quit

Closes the application.

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❓ Help — help

Displays the full list of commands.

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🧠 Quoting Rules (Important)

Paths containing spaces must be enclosed in quotes:

"C:\My Folder"
"C:\Users\Joe\My File.txt"

This applies to:

• cd
• copy
• move
• rename
• delete
• text

The CLI will warn the user when quotes are required.

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🧭 Contextual Navigation

If the user enters something that is not a command:

• If it’s a folder path, the CLI navigates to it
• If it’s a file path, the CLI opens it
• Otherwise, the CLI shows an “Unknown command” message

This makes the CLI feel natural and forgiving.

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🖥 Example Session

> cd C:\Users\Joe
Navigated To: C:\Users\Joe

> copy "C:\Users\Joe\file.txt" "C:\Users\Joe\Documents"
Copied file: file.txt to: C:\Users\Joe\Documents

> find report
Found 3 result(s). Showing result 1. Type findnext to move to the next match.

> findnext
Showing result 2 of 3

> help
(Displays full help text)

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🎯 Summary

The File Explorer CLI provides:

• Fast directory navigation
• Powerful file operations
• Search with result cycling
• Intelligent path handling
• Clear feedback and usage messages
• Beginner‑friendly quoting rules
• Contextual file/folder opening

It’s a flexible, efficient alternative to the graphical interface — perfect for users who enjoy command‑driven workflows.

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RenameFileOrDirectory

This method renames either a file or a folder, following a clear set of safety rules. Each rule protects the user from mistakes and helps them understand what’s happening.

Below is the full code, then we’ll walk through it one step at a time.

    Private Sub RenameFileOrDirectory(sourcePath As String, newName As String)

        Dim newPath As String = Path.Combine(Path.GetDirectoryName(sourcePath), newName)

        ' Rule 1: Path must be absolute (start with C:\ or similar).
        ' Reject relative paths outright
        If Not Path.IsPathRooted(sourcePath) Then

            ShowStatus(IconDialog & " Rename failed: Path must be absolute. Example: C:\folder")

            Exit Sub

        End If

        ' Rule 2: Protected paths are never renamed.
        ' Check if the path is in the protected list
        If IsProtectedPathOrFolder(sourcePath) Then
            ' The path is protected; prevent rename

            ' Show user the directory so they can see it wasn't renamed.
            NavigateTo(sourcePath)

            ' Notify the user of the prevention so the user knows why it didn't rename.
            ShowStatus(IconProtect & "  Rename prevented for protected path or folder: " & sourcePath)

            Exit Sub

        End If

        Try

            ' Rule 3: If it’s a folder, rename the folder and show the new folder.
            ' If source is a directory
            If Directory.Exists(sourcePath) Then

                ' Rename directory
                Directory.Move(sourcePath, newPath)

                ' Navigate to the renamed directory
                NavigateTo(newPath)

                ShowStatus(IconSuccess & " Renamed Folder to: " & newName)

                ' Rule 4: If it’s a file, rename the file and show its folder.
                ' If source is a file
            ElseIf File.Exists(sourcePath) Then

                ' Rename file
                File.Move(sourcePath, newPath)

                ' Navigate to the directory of the renamed file
                NavigateTo(Path.GetDirectoryName(sourcePath))

                ShowStatus(IconSuccess & " Renamed File to: " & newName)

                ' Rule 5: If nothing exists at that path, explain the quoting rule for spaces.
            Else
                ' Path does not exist
                ShowStatus(IconError & " Renamed failed: No path. Paths with spaces must be enclosed in quotes. Example: rename ""[source_path]"" ""[new_name]"" e.g., rename ""C:\folder\old name.txt"" ""new name.txt""")

            End If

        Catch ex As Exception
            ' Rule 6: If anything goes wrong,show a status message.
            ShowStatus(IconError & " Rename failed: " & ex.Message)
            Debug.WriteLine("RenameFileOrDirectory Error: " & ex.Message)
        End Try

    End Sub

🔧 Method Signature

Private Sub RenameFileOrDirectory(sourcePath As String, newName As String)

• sourcePath — the full path to the file or folder you want to rename
• newName — just the new name (not a full path)

🧱 Step 1 — Build the new full path

Dim newPath As String = Path.Combine(Path.GetDirectoryName(sourcePath), newName)

• Extracts the folder that contains the item
• Combines it with the new name
• Example:
  • sourcePath = "C:\Stuff\Old.txt"
  • newName = "New.txt"
  • newPath = "C:\Stuff\New.txt"

🛑 Rule 1 — Path must be absolute

If Not Path.IsPathRooted(sourcePath) Then
    ShowStatus(IconDialog & " Rename failed: Path must be absolute. Example: C:\folder")
    Exit Sub
End If

Beginners often type relative paths like folder\file.txt.
This rule stops the rename and explains the correct format.

🔒 Rule 2 — Protected paths are never renamed

If IsProtectedPathOrFolder(sourcePath) Then
    NavigateTo(sourcePath)
    ShowStatus(IconProtect & "  Rename prevented for protected path or folder: " & sourcePath)
    Exit Sub
End If

Some paths should never be renamed (system folders, app folders, etc.).
This rule:

• Prevents the rename
• Shows the user the original folder
• Explains why the rename was blocked

This is excellent for learner clarity.

🧪 Try/Catch — Safe execution zone

Try
    ...
Catch ex As Exception
    ShowStatus(IconError & " Rename failed: " & ex.Message)
    Debug.WriteLine("RenameFileOrDirectory Error: " & ex.Message)
End Try

Anything inside the Try block that fails will be caught and explained.
Beginners get a friendly message instead of a crash.

📁 Rule 3 — If it’s a folder, rename the folder

If Directory.Exists(sourcePath) Then
    Directory.Move(sourcePath, newPath)
    NavigateTo(newPath)
    ShowStatus(IconSuccess & " Renamed Folder to: " & newName)

• Checks if the path points to a directory
• Renames it
• Shows the user the newly renamed folder

This reinforces the idea that folders are “containers” and have their own identity.

📄 Rule 4 — If it’s a file, rename the file

ElseIf File.Exists(sourcePath) Then
    File.Move(sourcePath, newPath)
    NavigateTo(Path.GetDirectoryName(sourcePath))
    ShowStatus(IconSuccess & " Renamed File to: " & newName)

• Checks if the path points to a file
• Renames it
• Shows the user the folder containing the renamed file

This keeps the UI consistent and predictable.

❓ Rule 5 — If nothing exists at that path, explain quoting rules

Else
    ShowStatus(IconError & " Renamed failed: No path. Paths with spaces must be enclosed in quotes. Example: rename ""[source_path]"" ""[new_name]"" e.g., rename ""C:\folder\old name.txt"" ""new name.txt""")
End If

Beginners often forget to quote paths with spaces.
This rule:

• Detects the missing path
• Explains the quoting rule
• Gives both a template and a real example

This is excellent pedagogy.

⚠️ Rule 6 — If anything goes wrong, show a clear error

Catch ex As Exception
    ShowStatus(IconError & " Rename failed: " & ex.Message)
    Debug.WriteLine("RenameFileOrDirectory Error: " & ex.Message)
End Try

• No crashes
• Clear feedback
• Debug info for you

This method teaches six important rules:

1. Paths must be absolute
2. Protected paths cannot be renamed
3. Folders are renamed and then shown
4. Files are renamed and their folder is shown
5. Missing paths trigger a helpful quoting explanation
6. Any error is caught and explained safely

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CopyDirectory

This method copies an entire directory — including all files and all subfolders — into a new destination. It uses recursion, meaning the method calls itself to handle deeper levels of folders.

Below is the full code, then we’ll walk through it one small step at a time.

    Private Sub CopyDirectory(sourceDir As String, destDir As String)

        Dim dirInfo As New DirectoryInfo(sourceDir)

        If Not dirInfo.Exists Then

            ShowStatus(IconError & "  Source directory not found: " & sourceDir)

            Exit Sub

        End If

        Try

            ShowStatus(IconCopy & "  Create destination directory:" & destDir)

            ' Create destination directory
            Directory.CreateDirectory(destDir)

            ShowStatus(IconCopy & "  Copying files to destination directory:" & destDir)

            ' Copy files
            For Each file In dirInfo.GetFiles()
                Dim targetFilePath = Path.Combine(destDir, file.Name)
                file.CopyTo(targetFilePath, overwrite:=True)
            Next

            ShowStatus(IconCopy & "  Copying subdirectories.")

            ' Copy subdirectories recursively
            For Each subDir In dirInfo.GetDirectories()
                Dim newDest = Path.Combine(destDir, subDir.Name)
                CopyDirectory(subDir.FullName, newDest)
            Next

            ' Refresh the view to show the copied directory
            NavigateTo(destDir)

            ShowStatus(IconSuccess & "  Copied into " & destDir)

        Catch ex As Exception
            ShowStatus(IconError & "  Copy failed: " & ex.Message)
            Debug.WriteLine("CopyDirectory Error: " & ex.Message)
        End Try

    End Sub

🔧 Method Definition

Private Sub CopyDirectory(sourceDir As String, destDir As String)

• sourceDir — the folder you want to copy
• destDir — where the copy should be created

Create a DirectoryInfo object for the source

Dim dirInfo As New DirectoryInfo(sourceDir)

• DirectoryInfo gives you access to:
  • the folder’s files
  • its subfolders
  • metadata
• It’s a convenient wrapper around a directory path.

Make sure the source directory exists

If Not dirInfo.Exists Then
    ShowStatus(IconError & "  Source directory not found: " & sourceDir)
    Exit Sub
End If

• If the folder doesn’t exist, we stop immediately.
• Beginners often mistype paths, so this prevents confusing errors.
• The user gets a clear, friendly message.

Start a Try/Catch block

Try

Everything inside this block is protected.
If anything goes wrong (permissions, locked files, etc.), the Catch block will handle it gracefully.

Tell the user we’re creating the destination directory

ShowStatus(IconCopy & "  Create destination directory:" & destDir)

This gives immediate feedback so the UI feels alive and responsive.

Create the destination directory

Directory.CreateDirectory(destDir)

• If the folder already exists, nothing bad happens.
• If it doesn’t exist, it is created.
• Either way, the destination is now ready.

Tell the user we’re copying files

ShowStatus(IconCopy & "  Copying files to destination directory:" & destDir)

This message helps user understand the sequence of operations.

Copy all files in the current directory

For Each file In dirInfo.GetFiles()
    Dim targetFilePath = Path.Combine(destDir, file.Name)
    file.CopyTo(targetFilePath, overwrite:=True)
Next

• GetFiles() returns all files directly inside the folder.
• Path.Combine builds the full destination path.
• CopyTo(..., overwrite:=True) ensures:
  • files are copied
  • existing files are replaced

This loop handles only the files — not subfolders.

Tell the user we’re copying subdirectories

ShowStatus(IconCopy & "  Copying subdirectories.")

This prepares the user for the next step: recursion.

Copy all subdirectories (recursively)

For Each subDir In dirInfo.GetDirectories()
    Dim newDest = Path.Combine(destDir, subDir.Name)
    CopyDirectory(subDir.FullName, newDest)
Next

This is the heart of the algorithm.

• GetDirectories() returns all subfolders.
• For each subfolder:
  • Build a new destination path
  • Call CopyDirectory again on that subfolder

This technique is called recursion — the function keeps calling itself until it reaches the deepest level of the folder tree.

Beginners often find this magical once they see it in action.

Refresh the UI to show the copied directory

NavigateTo(destDir)

This helps the user visually confirm the copy succeeded.

Show a success message

ShowStatus(IconSuccess & "  Copied into " & destDir)

Clear, friendly confirmation that the operation completed.

Handle any errors

Catch ex As Exception
    ShowStatus(IconError & "  Copy failed: " & ex.Message)
    Debug.WriteLine("CopyDirectory Error: " & ex.Message)
End Try

If anything goes wrong:

• The user gets a helpful message
• You get a debug log for troubleshooting

This keeps the app stable and user‑friendly.

This method shows:

• How to check whether a directory exists
• How to create directories safely
• How to copy files
• How to copy subfolders using recursion
• How to build paths correctly
• How to give user feedback
• How to handle errors without crashing

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🌳 Recursion Flow Diagram for CopyDirectory

This diagram shows exactly how the CopyDirectory routine walks the tree.

Imagine your folder structure looks like this:

SourceDir
├── FileA.txt
├── FileB.txt
├── Sub1
│   ├── FileC.txt
│   └── Sub1A
│       └── FileD.txt
└── Sub2
    └── FileE.txt

The method processes it in this exact order.

High‑Level Recursion Flow

CopyDirectory(SourceDir, DestDir)
│
├── Copy files in SourceDir
│
├── For each subdirectory:
│     ├── CopyDirectory(Sub1, DestDir/Sub1)
│     │     ├── Copy files in Sub1
│     │     ├── CopyDirectory(Sub1A, DestDir/Sub1/Sub1A)
│     │     │     ├── Copy files in Sub1A
│     │     │     └── (Sub1A has no more subfolders → return)
│     │     └── (Sub1 done → return)
│     │
│     └── CopyDirectory(Sub2, DestDir/Sub2)
│           ├── Copy files in Sub2
│           └── (Sub2 has no more subfolders → return)
│
└── All subdirectories processed → return to caller

Step‑By‑Step Call Stack Visualization

This shows how the call stack grows and shrinks as recursion happens.

Call 1: CopyDirectory(SourceDir)
    ├── copies files
    ├── enters Sub1 → Call 2

Call 2: CopyDirectory(Sub1)
    ├── copies files
    ├── enters Sub1A → Call 3

Call 3: CopyDirectory(Sub1A)
    ├── copies files
    └── no subfolders → return to Call 2

Back to Call 2:
    └── Sub1 done → return to Call 1

Back to Call 1:
    ├── enters Sub2 → Call 4

Call 4: CopyDirectory(Sub2)
    ├── copies files
    └── no subfolders → return to Call 1

Back to Call 1:
    └── all done → return to caller

Indented Tree Showing Recursion Depth

Each level of indentation = one level deeper in recursion.

CopyDirectory(SourceDir)
    CopyDirectory(Sub1)
        CopyDirectory(Sub1A)
    CopyDirectory(Sub2)

This is the simplest way to show the “shape” of recursion.

Narrative Version

1. Start at the root folder.
2. Copy its files.
3. For each subfolder:
   • Step into it
   • Treat it like a brand‑new root
   • Copy its files
   • Repeat the process for its subfolders
4. When a folder has no subfolders, return to the previous level.
5. Continue until you climb all the way back to the top.

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MoveFileOrDirectory

This walkthrough explains how the MoveFileOrDirectory routine works inside the file‑manager project. The goal of this method is to safely move files or directories while providing clear, user‑friendly feedback and preventing dangerous or confusing operations.

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🧭 Overview

MoveFileOrDirectory(source, destination) performs a safe move operation with:

• Input validation
• Protected‑path checks
• Self‑move and recursive‑move prevention
• Automatic creation of destination directories
• User‑visible navigation before and after the move
• Clear status messages for every outcome

This mirrors the project’s design philosophy:
Show → Confirm → Act → Show Result

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🧩 Full Method

Private Sub MoveFileOrDirectory(source As String, destination As String)
    Try
        ' Validate parameters
        If String.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(source) OrElse String.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(destination) Then
            ShowStatus(IconWarning & " Source or destination path is invalid.")
            Return
        End If

        ' If source and destination are the same, do nothing
        If String.Equals(source.TrimEnd("\"c), destination.TrimEnd("\"c), StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) Then
            ShowStatus(IconWarning & " Source and destination paths are the same. Move operation canceled.")
            Return
        End If

        ' Is source on the protected paths list?
        If IsProtectedPathOrFolder(source) Then
            ShowStatus(IconProtect & " Move operation prevented for protected path: " & source)
            Return
        End If

        ' Is destination on the protected paths list?
        If IsProtectedPathOrFolder(destination) Then
            ShowStatus(IconProtect & " Move operation prevented for protected path: " & destination)
            Return
        End If

        ' Prevent moving a directory into itself or its subdirectory
        If Directory.Exists(source) AndAlso
           (String.Equals(source.TrimEnd("\"c), destination.TrimEnd("\"c), StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) OrElse
            destination.StartsWith(source.TrimEnd("\"c) & "\", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)) Then
            ShowStatus(IconWarning & " Cannot move a directory into itself or its subdirectory.")
            Return
        End If

        ' Check if the source is a file
        If File.Exists(source) Then

            ' Check if the destination file already exists
            If Not File.Exists(destination) Then

                ' Navigate to the directory of the source file
                NavigateTo(Path.GetDirectoryName(source))

                ShowStatus(IconDialog & "  Moving file to: " & destination)

                ' Ensure destination directory exists
                Directory.CreateDirectory(Path.GetDirectoryName(destination))

                File.Move(source, destination)

                ' Navigate to the destination folder
                NavigateTo(Path.GetDirectoryName(destination))

                ShowStatus(IconSuccess & "  Moved file to: " & destination)

            Else
                ShowStatus(IconWarning & " Destination file already exists.")
            End If

        ElseIf Directory.Exists(source) Then

            ' Check if the destination directory already exists
            If Not Directory.Exists(destination) Then

                ' Navigate to the directory being moved so the user can see it
                NavigateTo(source)

                ShowStatus(IconDialog & "  Moving directory to: " & destination)

                ' Ensure destination parent exists
                Directory.CreateDirectory(Path.GetDirectoryName(destination))

                ' Perform the move
                Directory.Move(source, destination)

                ' Navigate to the new location FIRST
                NavigateTo(destination)

                ' Now refresh the tree roots
                InitTreeRoots()

                ShowStatus(IconSuccess & "  Moved directory to: " & destination)

            Else
                ShowStatus(IconWarning & " Destination directory already exists.")
            End If

        Else
            ShowStatus(IconWarning & "  Move failed: Source path not found. Paths with spaces must be enclosed in quotes. Example: move ""C:\folder A"" ""C:\folder B""")
        End If

    Catch ex As Exception
        ShowStatus(IconError & " Move failed: " & ex.Message)
        Debug.WriteLine("MoveFileOrDirectory Error: " & ex.Message)
    End Try
End Sub

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🧠 How It Works (Step‑By‑Step)

1. Input Validation

Rejects empty or whitespace paths to prevent confusing errors.

2. Same‑Path Check

If the source and destination resolve to the same location, the move is canceled.

3. Protected Path Safety

Both source and destination are checked against a protected‑paths list.
Protected paths cannot be moved.

4. Recursive Move Prevention

The method prevents moving a directory into:

• Itself
• One of its own subdirectories

This avoids catastrophic recursive behavior.

5. File Move Logic

If the source is a file:

• Navigate to the file’s directory
• Ensure the destination directory exists
• Move the file
• Navigate to the destination folder
• Show success

6. Directory Move Logic

If the source is a directory:

• Navigate into the directory being moved
• Ensure the destination parent exists
• Move the directory
• Navigate to the new location
• Refresh the tree
• Show success

7. Error Handling

Any exception results in:

• A user‑friendly status message
• A debug log entry

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🎯 Design Philosophy

This method is built around clarity, safety, and emotional transparency:

• The user always sees what is about to happen
• The user always sees the result
• Dangerous operations are prevented
• All actions are narrated through status messages
• The UI updates in a way that reinforces the mental model

This makes the file manager not just functional — but guiding.

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Keyboard Shortcuts

The File Explorer supports a set of convenient keyboard shortcuts to speed up navigation and file operations. These shortcuts mirror familiar behaviors from traditional file managers, making the interface fast and intuitive.

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🧭 Navigation

Shortcut	Action
Alt + ← (or Backspace)	Go back to the previous folder
Alt + →	Go forward to the next folder
Alt + ↑	Move up one level (parent directory)
Ctrl + L (or Alt + D, F4)	Focus/select the address bar
F11	Toggle full‑screen mode

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📁 File & Folder Operations

Shortcut	Action
F2	Rename the selected file or folder
Ctrl + Shift + N	Create a new folder
Ctrl + Shift + T	Create a new text file
Ctrl + O	Open the selected file or folder or start an open command
Ctrl + C	Copy selected items
Ctrl + V	Paste items
Ctrl + X	Cut selected items
Ctrl + A	Select all items
Ctrl + Shift + E	Expand the selected folder or drive
Ctrl + Shift + C	Collapse the selected folder or drive
Ctrl + D (or Delete)	Delete selected item to the Recycle Bin

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🔍 Searching & Viewing

Shortcut	Action
F3 (or Ctrl + F)	Start a search in the current folder
F5	Refresh the current folder view

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. You are free to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the software, with the inclusion of the copyright notice and permission notice in all copies or substantial portions of the software.

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Installation

To install and run the File Explorer application:

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/JoeLumbley/File-Explorer.git

2. Open the solution in Visual Studio.
3. Build the project and run it.

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Usage

• Launch the application to access your file system.
• Use the tree view on the left to navigate through folders.
• The list view on the right displays the contents of the selected directory.
• Use the text box to enter commands or navigate directly to a path.
• Right-click on files or folders for additional options.

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Acknowledgements

This project is inspired by traditional file explorers and aims to provide a simplified experience for managing files on Windows systems.

For more details, check the source code and documentation within the repository.

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Clones

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