Path Finder (originally SNAX) is a Macintosh file browser developed by Cocoatech.[1][2] First released in 2001 simultaneously with the public release of Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah),[3] it replicates or integrates most of the features of the Finder, but introduces additional functionality similar to that found in Windows's File Explorer, the defunct Norton Commander, and other third-party file browsers developed for a variety of platforms.
 Path Finder's current logo | |
| Developer(s) | Cocoatech |
|---|---|
| Operating system | macOS |
| Type | File browser |
| License | Shareware |
| Website | cocoatech |
Features edit
Primarily a navigational file manager, Path Finder also features support for configuration as a correct orthodox, or spatial file manager. Most operations can take place in a single window, although more windows or tabs can be opened. The interface can further be customized by enabling or disabling various panels and/or their corresponding functionality.[1][2]
Some of Path Finder's features not found in the Finder include its namesake persistent breadcrumb navigation, shelf (called Drop Stack), transparent archive file browsing, manipulating hidden files, root access, full ACL GUI, batch operations, folder comparison and synchronization, terminal emulator, hex editor, active process viewer, and application launcher.[1][2][4] Path Finder can optionally use the same ↵ Return keyboard shortcut to open folders as Windows Explorer, instead of the default ⌘ Cmd+O.[5] It also supports an optional dual-pane UI.[1]
Several features were first present in Cocoatech's Path Finder, an later adopted in Apple's Finder, including tabs[5] (added in OS X Mavericks[6]) and an option to keep folders above files.[5]
Reception edit
In his 2005 review of Mac OS X Tiger, Ars Technica columnist John Siracusa commented that Path Finder "absolutely embarrasses the Mac OS X Finder", and called Path Finder 4 "the Final Cut Pro of file management" and a "file browsing tour de force".[7]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d Granneman, Scott (2011-01-11). Mac OS X Snow Leopard for Power Users: Advanced Capabilities and Techniques. Apress. pp. 76–82. ISBN 978-1-4302-3031-1.
- ^ a b c Griffiths, Rob (2003). Mac OS X Hints: Jaguar Edition. "O'Reilly Media, Inc.". pp. 332–333. ISBN 978-0-596-00451-4.
- ^ "Interview: Steve Gehrman of Path Finder/CocoaTech". 25 June 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-27.
- ^ "Path Finder file browser adds undo, superuser mode". Macworld. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
- ^ a b c Rose, Scott (April 2008). "Finder Alternative". MacLife. p. 85.
- ^ Siracusa, John (2013-10-22). "OS X 10.9 Mavericks: The Ars Technica Review". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
- ^ Siracusa, John (2005-04-28). "Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
External links edit
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