NERDTree is the best file explorer for vim so far.
NERDTree configuration in .vimrc
" NerdTree
" define open/close shortcut
map <C-n> :NERDTreeToggle<CR>
" open a NERDTree automatically when vim starts up if no files were specified
autocmd StdinReadPre * let s:std_in=1
autocmd VimEnter * if argc() == 0 && !exists("s:std_in") | NERDTree | endif
" close NERDTree when all files closed:
autocmd bufenter * if (winnr("$") == 1 && exists("b:NERDTreeType") && b:NERDTreeType == "primary") | q | endif
Keyboard shortcut list
Frequently Used Keys
?: open/close shortcut key list P: back to root O: expand all nodes recursively X: close all child nodes recursively C-w < (or >): resize window width
All keys
C: make current folder the root; t: Open selected node/bookmark in a new tab T: Same as 't' but keep the focus on the current tab ?: Toogle Help C-n C-n: Toogle focus between files and NERDTree /: find a file, like plane text file
I: toogle show/hide hiden files
?: toggle quick help;
o: toggle fold/unfold;
O: unfold to leaf;
x: fold parent;
u: make root up 1 level;
r: refresh current dir;
m: show menu(about dir manipulation): mkdir/rm/move
cd: change working dir to current selected dir;
F: toggle show/hide files;
B: toggle bookmark table;
q: close NERDTree window;
A: Max/Restore NERDTree window;
P: goto the root;
p: goto the parent;
Bookmark is persistent. So you can reopen it after you leaving vim.
:Bookmark