electric-list-directory

A lightweight “electric” popup directory browser for Emacs.

Features

• Popup buffer: *Electric Directory* (reused every time).
• Header line shows the current directory (abbreviated).
• RET on a file opens it and exits; RET on a directory drills into it. Works with both column layouts (-C/-x/-m) and long listings (-l).
• d deletes the file/dir at point (with prompt) and refreshes in place.
• ~ deletes backup/autosave files (*~ and #*#) and refreshes.
• Backspace (DEL) goes up one directory.
• SPC or q quits and restores your previous window layout.
• With a prefix argument (C-u), run plain list-directory.

Switches

The popup preserves your layout flags but sanitizes only -d/--directory and -F/--classify so filename parsing remains stable. Use a prefix argument (C-u) when invoking to be prompted for switches.

Key bindings (inside Electric Directory)

• RET — visit file (exit) / enter directory (stay)
• SPC — quit (same as q)
• q — quit
• DEL — up one directory
• n / p — next / previous line
• d — delete file or directory at point (prompts; refreshes)
• ~ — delete backup & autosave files in current dir (prompts; refreshes)
• Scrolling: C-v and M-v still work as usual

Installation

From MELPA (once available)

M-x package-install RET electric-list-directory RET

Using use-package:

(use-package electric-list-directory
  :ensure t
  :bind ("C-x C-d" . electric-list-directory))  ; Replaces default `list-directory`

Manual / local checkout

If the file is in your load-path (e.g., ~/.e/):

(autoload 'electric-list-directory "electric-list-directory"
  "Browse DIRNAME in an electric directory buffer." t)
;; Bind to C-x C-d (Note: this replaces the default `list-directory` binding):
(global-set-key (kbd "C-x C-d") #'electric-list-directory)

Usage

M-x electric-list-directory

• Invoke with a prefix arg (C-u) to get the built-in list-directory and a prompt for switches.

Changelog

• 1.4 — Fix visiting behavior: RET on a file now opens it and stays in that buffer (the popup is closed). Only q/SPC restore the previous window layout. RET on a directory still drills in.
• 1.3 — RET now works with column layouts (-C/-x/-m) and long listings (-l); sanitize only -d/--directory and -F/--classify; docstrings wrapped and key names quoted for package-lint; README updated.
• 1.2 — Space quits (SPC behaves like q); docstrings cleaned; Emacs 26.1+ compatibility.
• 1.1 — Header line with current dir; drill-in on directories; delete helpers.