Managing disk space on a Linux system is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring efficient resource allocation. One of the most effective tools for this task is ncdu, a disk usage analyzer that provides a detailed overview of where your disk space is being used. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to install ncdu and leverage its features to manage disk space effectively.Installation Steps:Before diving into usage, let’s start with the installation process. ncdu is available in the package repositories of most Linux distributions, making it easy to install with a few simple commands. Here’s how you can install it on popular distributions:Debian/Ubuntu:sudo apt update
sudo apt install ncduRed Hat/CentOS:sudo yum install epel-release # if EPEL repository is not enabled
sudo yum install ncduFedora:sudo dnf install ncduArch Linux:sudo pacman -S ncduOnce installed, you can verify the installation by running:ncdu –versionUsing NCDU to Analyze Disk UsageNow that ncdu is installed, let’s explore how to use it to analyze disk space usage:Launching NCDU:Simply open a terminal and type ncdu. It will start scanning the current directory and display disk usage statistics in a user-friendly interface.Navigating the Interface:Navigation: Use the arrow keys to navigate through directories.Sorting: Press s to change sorting methods (by size, file count, etc.).Deleting Files: If needed, you can delete files directly from ncdu by selecting them and pressing d.Information: Press i for detailed information about the selected directory or file.Scanning Specific Directories:To scan a specific directory, specify the path after the ncdu command:ncdu /path/to/directorySaving Reports:ncdu -o /path/to/save/report.txtCommand to get tree view attached belowncdu -rx /Wait for scanning gets complete. It will take 5 to 10 mins depending upon disk and data size.Optimizing Disk Space with NCDU: Installation and Usage Guide 2Conclusionncdu simplifies the task of monitoring disk space usage on Linux systems, offering both a comprehensive overview and detailed insights into where storage is being utilized. Whether you’re a system administrator managing server resources or a desktop user keeping tabs on personal storage, ncdu proves to be an invaluable tool. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it a must-have utility in your Linux toolkit.Next time you find yourself wondering where all your disk space has gone, remember to turn to ncdu for a clear and detailed answer!Happy disk space managing!Related Post navigation