# bfs

Fast find.

Source: [Console review](<https://console.dev/tools/bfs>)

Website: [https://tavianator.com/2023/bfs\_3.0.html](<https://tavianator.com/2023/bfs_3.0.html>)

Profile updated: 2026-10-11

Category: [Terminal utilities](<https://console.dev/tools/categories/terminal-terminal-utilities>)

## Supported tech stack

Research checked: 2026-10-11

### Runs on

- FreeBSD (Operating system)
- Linux (Operating system)
- OpenBSD (Operating system)
- macOS (Operating system)

Source: [Research source](<https://github.com/tavianator/bfs>)

Documented compatibility; coverage may be incomplete. Written in describes implementation, not user-project language support.

Filesystem search tool provides Linux, macOS, FreeBSD and OpenBSD packages.

## Console’s review — 2023-08-10

Reviewed: 2023-08-10

Author: [David Mytton](<https://console.dev/about#david-mytton>)

Citation: [This review](<https://console.dev/tools/bfs#review_4bfe5fa0e00ef9920975988cb5872a4d40c61fd4a4ab14361e07c85db0d32050>)

### What we like

Works on the assumption that the file you’re looking for is probably higher up the directory tree, so optimizes the index for breadth rather than depth = faster results. Compatible with the find command, but with easier to remember arguments. Has better errors and suggests corrections. Packages available for most OSs.

### Tradeoffs

Built for \\\*nix systems - you could try building it on Windows through WSL.

This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2023-08-10. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date.

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