explicit sign on result as chars are implicitly unsigned on riscv

Makefile

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 CC := gcc
-CFLAGS := -Wall -Wextra -O3 -flto=auto
+CFLAGS := -Wall -Wextra -O3 -flto=auto -lmagic
 CURSES := $(shell pkg-config --libs ncursesw)
 CFLAGS_DEBUG := $(CFLAGS) -ggdb
 CFLAGS_PROFILE := $(CFLAGS) -pg

README.md

@@ -1,2 +1,34 @@
 # th
+~~~text
+/home/toaster/src/desktop/c/th/README.md
+th     15 backend.c    3.22 K # th
+       14 backend.h     253 B a filemanager born from spite
+       13 colors.c     3.54 K
+       12 colors.h       41 B qwert* user should adjust
+       11 config.h     8.07 K bindings in config.h, lol
+       10 defines.h    2.82 K 
+        9 dir.c       11.05 K build instructions:
+        8 dir.h         367 B   ``make``
+        7 file_prev~.c 2.68 K
+        6 file_previ~.h 297 B dependencies:
+        5 interact~.c 17.79 K   libc
+        4 interactio~.h 900 B   a c compiler
+        3 LICENSE     33.76 K   make
+        2 main.c       5.00 K   ncurses
+        1 Makefile      709 B   pthreads
+       15 README.md    1.39 K   libmagic
+        1 sorting.c    5.62 K   ueberzugpp (optional)
+        2 sorting.h     633 B   stuff in config.h
+        3 string.h     2.39 K
+        4 threadin~.c 14.11 K note:
+        5 threading.h   246 B   th does as little checking
+                                as possible; it is highly
+                                insecure.
+                                example: if you dont have
+                                ueberzugpp installed,
+                                and hover a picture without
+                                disabling it in config.h,
+                                th just crashes
+                             
+-rw-r--r--             176.03K sum of dir, 23.89G total free
 

backend.c

@@ -81,26 +81,24 @@ char* smartstrcasestr(const char *haystack, const char *needle){
 }
 
 
-char* parse_cmd(const char *cmd, file *f){
+char* parse_cmd(const char *cmd, char *file_name){
 	char *out;
-	if (f == NULL) {
-		out = malloc(strlen(cmd)+1);
-		memcpy(out, cmd, strlen(cmd)+1);
-		return out;
+	if (file_name == NULL) {
+		return NULL;
 	}
 	const char *offset = strstr(cmd, SETTINGS_COMMAND_REPLACE_STR);
 
 	int count = 0;
 	char *pos;
 	unsigned long i = 0;
-	while(f->file_name[i]) {
-		if (f->file_name[i] == '\'') {
+	while(file_name[i]) {
+		if (file_name[i] == '\'') {
 			count++;
 		}
 		i++;
 	}
 
-	out = malloc(strlen(cmd) + 1 + (strlen(f->file_name)+(count*3)) + 3);
+	out = malloc(strlen(cmd) + 1 + (strlen(file_name)+(count*3)) + 3);
 
 	pos = out;
 	if (offset) {
@@ -115,13 +113,13 @@ char* parse_cmd(const char *cmd, file *f){
 	pos++;
 
 	i = 0;
-	while(f->file_name[i]) {
-		if (f->file_name[i] == '\'') {
+	while(file_name[i]) {
+		if (file_name[i] == '\'') {
 			*pos++ = '\'';
 			*pos++ = '\\';
 			*pos++ = '\'';
 		}
-		*pos = f->file_name[i];
+		*pos = file_name[i];
 		pos++;
 		i++;
 	}

backend.h

@@ -7,5 +7,5 @@
 
 /*char* concat(const char *s1, const char *s2);*/
 char* smartstrcasestr(const char *haystack, const char *needle);
-char* parse_cmd(const char *cmd, file *f);
+char* parse_cmd(const char *cmd, char *file_name);
 

config.h

@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ static const binding key_binding[] = {
 	{ "G",		jump_bottom,		NULL,			"jump to last file in dir"	},
 	{ "gg",		jump_top,		NULL,			"jump to first file in dir"	},
 	{ "gh",		jump_to_dir,		"$HOME",		"jump to $HOME"			},
-	{ "gs",		jump_to_dir,		"$START_PATH",		"jump to $START_PATH"		}, /* the path you started th in */
+	{ "gs",		jump_to_dir,		"$TH_START_PATH",	"jump to $TH_START_PATH"	}, /* the path you started th in */
 	{ "gD",		jump_to_dir,		"$HOME/Downloads",	"jump to $HOME/Downloads"	},
 	{ "gC",		jump_to_dir,		"$HOME/Documents",	"jump to $HOME/Documents"	},
 	{ "gP",		jump_to_dir,		"$HOME/Pictures",	"jump to $HOME/Pictures"	},
@@ -129,6 +129,7 @@ static const char ui_rename_text[] = "rename "SETTINGS_COMMAND_REPLACE_STR" to:"
 static const char ui_makefile_text[] = "makedir:";
 static const char ui_makedir_text[] = "makefile:";
 static const char ui_delete_text[] = "delete:";
+static const char ui_search_text[] = "/"; /*unlike the other ui, this one doesnt automatically add a space*/
 
 /* {{{ */
 static const unsigned long binding_count = sizeof(key_binding) / sizeof(binding);
@@ -156,6 +157,7 @@ static const char ui_delete_text[];
 static const char copy_cmd[];
 static const char cut_cmd[];
 static const char del_cmd[];
+static const char ui_search_text[];
 
 #endif
 /* }}} */

defines.h

@@ -63,6 +63,10 @@
 #define BTM_WINDOW_HEIGHT_ON_STR_INTERACTION 5
 #define INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE 255
 
+#define ignore_return(in) if (in) { };
+#define unused(in) (void)(in);
+
+
 #ifndef STRUCT_GUARD
 #define STRUCT_GUARD
 /* complex types are good actually */

dir.c

@@ -50,11 +50,6 @@ unsigned long get_dir_size(char *path){
 
 void get_dir_content(char *path, dir *dir){
 
-	if (dir->file_count == 0) {
-		return;
-		dir = NULL;
-	}
-
 	struct dirent **entry = NULL;
 	if (file_modifiers & FILE_MODIFIERS_HIDDEN_FILES) { /* print hidden files */
 		scandir(path, &entry, skip_dot, NULL);
@@ -167,24 +162,24 @@ void print_dir(WINDOW *win, char print_info, dir *dir){
 	unsigned long offset_vertical = 0;
 	unsigned long offset_back = 0;
 	#if SETTINGS_LINE_NUMBERS == 0
-	unsigned long offset_front = 0;
+		unsigned long offset_front = 0;
 	#else
-	long offset_front = 2;
+		long offset_front = 2;
 	#endif
 	unsigned long selected_file_current = dir->current_file - dir->file_list;
 
 	long offset_index = 2; /* only used for the index of the file itself */
 	if (print_info) {
+		#if SETTINGS_LINE_NUMBERS != 0
 		if (dir->file_count > 9) {
-
-			#if SETTINGS_LINE_NUMBERS != 0
 			unsigned long dir_file_count_ = dir->file_count;
 			while(dir_file_count_ > 9) {
 				offset_front++;
 				dir_file_count_ /= 10;
 			}
-			#endif
 		}
+		#endif
+		/* scrolling of the directory if too many files are in a dir */
 		if (selected_file_current > (terminal_height/3)*2 && dir->file_count > terminal_height - 2) {
 			if (selected_file_current + (terminal_height/3) >= dir->file_count) {
 				offset_vertical = dir->file_count - terminal_height+2;
@@ -197,8 +192,6 @@ void print_dir(WINDOW *win, char print_info, dir *dir){
 	}
 	for (i = offset_vertical; i < dir->file_count && i < (terminal_height + offset_vertical); i++) {
 
-
-
 		if (print_info) {
 			file_size = dir->file_list[i].file_size;
 			char size_index = -1;
@@ -212,7 +205,7 @@ void print_dir(WINDOW *win, char print_info, dir *dir){
 
 			if (dir->file_list[i].file_type & FILE_TYPE_DIR) {
 				offset_back = line_width - (snprintf(NULL,0,"%ld", dir->file_list[i].file_size) + 1);
-			} else if (size_char =='B') {
+			} else if (size_char == size_unit[0]) {
 				offset_back = line_width - (snprintf(NULL,0,"%0.0lf %c", printed_size, size_char) + 1);
 			} else {
 				offset_back = line_width - (snprintf(NULL,0,"%0.2lf %c", printed_size, size_char) + 1);
@@ -222,28 +215,20 @@ void print_dir(WINDOW *win, char print_info, dir *dir){
 		}
 
 		if (dir->file_list[i].status & FILE_STATUS_SELECTED) {
+			wattron(win, COLOR_PAIR(8)); /* FIFO, as seen in colors.c */
 			is_selected = 1;
-		} else {
-			is_selected = 0;
-		}
-		if (dir->file_list[i].status & FILE_STATUS_SELECTED) {
-			wattron(win, COLOR_PAIR(8));
 		} else {
 			wattron(win, COLOR_PAIR(dir->file_list[i].color_pair));
+			is_selected = 0;
 		}
 		if (&dir->file_list[i] == dir->current_file) {
 			wattron(win, A_REVERSE);
 			unsigned long bg = 0;
 			for (bg = 0; bg < line_width; bg++) {
 				mvwaddch(win, i-offset_vertical, bg, ' ');
+			}
 		}
 
-		} else {
-			wattroff(win, A_REVERSE);
-		}
-	
-
-
 		if(print_info) {
 			#if SETTINGS_LINE_NUMBERS == 2
 			long i_ = (selected_file_current) - i;
@@ -278,12 +263,12 @@ void print_dir(WINDOW *win, char print_info, dir *dir){
 
 			if (dir->file_list[i].file_type & FILE_TYPE_DIR) {
 				mvwprintw(win, i-offset_vertical, offset_back, "%ld", dir->file_list[i].file_size);
-			}else if (size_char =='B') {
+			}else if (size_char == size_unit[0]) {
 				mvwprintw(win, i-offset_vertical, offset_back, "%0.0lf %c", printed_size, size_char);
 			} else {
 				mvwprintw(win, i-offset_vertical, offset_back, "%0.2lf %c", printed_size, size_char);
 			}
-		} 
+		}
 		char *extension = strrchr(dir->file_list[i].file_name, '.');
 
 		unsigned long printable_size = offset_back-offset_front-is_selected-2;
@@ -295,11 +280,14 @@ void print_dir(WINDOW *win, char print_info, dir *dir){
 		}
 
 
+		wattrset(win, 0);
+		/*
 		if (dir->file_list[i].status & FILE_STATUS_SELECTED) {
 			wattroff(win, COLOR_PAIR(8));
 		} else {
 			wattroff(win, COLOR_PAIR(dir->file_list[i].color_pair));
 		}
+		*/
 
 	}
 }
@@ -329,37 +317,49 @@ void dir_changed(){
 	}
 
 }
+void deselect_all_files() {
+	unsigned long i;
+	for (i = 0; i < mid_dir.file_count; i++) {
+		mid_dir.file_list[i].status &= ~FILE_STATUS_SELECTED;
+	}
+}
 void change_dir(char *new_path){
+	deselect_all_files();
 
-	char *old_path = getcwd(NULL, 0);
 	current_linked_dir = list_beginning;
 	while (current_linked_dir->next != NULL) {
-		if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, old_path) == 0) {
+		if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, global_path) == 0) {
 			break;
 		} else {
 			current_linked_dir = current_linked_dir->next;
 		}
 	}
-	if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, old_path) == 0) {
+	if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, global_path) == 0) {
 		current_linked_dir->index = mid_dir.current_file - mid_dir.file_list;
 	}
 
-	chdir(new_path);
-	char *new_path_real = getcwd(NULL, 0);
+	if (chdir(new_path) != 0) {
+		/* i have made the decission that this is a case that i do not want to handle
+		 * god may help me if this ever fails, cuz damn thatll be hard to debug
+		 * especially in like 2 years when i even forgot about this possibility */
+		return;
+	}
+	free(global_path);
+	global_path = getcwd(NULL, 0);
 
 	current_linked_dir = list_beginning;
 	while (current_linked_dir->next != NULL) {
-		if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, new_path_real) == 0) {
+		if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, global_path) == 0) {
 			break;
 		} else {
 			current_linked_dir = current_linked_dir->next;
 		}
 	}
-	if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, new_path_real) != 0) {
+	if(strcmp(current_linked_dir->path, global_path) != 0) {
 		current_linked_dir->next = malloc(sizeof(linked_dir));
 		current_linked_dir = current_linked_dir->next;
-		current_linked_dir->path = malloc(strlen(new_path_real)+1);
-		memcpy(current_linked_dir->path, new_path_real, strlen(new_path_real)+1);
+		current_linked_dir->path = malloc(strlen(global_path)+1);
+		memcpy(current_linked_dir->path, global_path, strlen(global_path)+1);
 		current_linked_dir->next = NULL;
 		current_linked_dir->index = 0;
 		/*TODO(2026-05-25T22:49:30)
@@ -367,9 +367,6 @@ void change_dir(char *new_path){
 	}
 	mid_dir.current_file = &mid_dir.file_list[current_linked_dir->index];
 
-	free(old_path);
-	free(new_path_real);
-
 }
 
 void dir_init(){

dir.h

@@ -9,4 +9,5 @@ void print_dir(WINDOW *win, char print_info, dir *dir);
 char update_selected_file();
 void dir_set_selected_file_current(unsigned long selected_file_current);
 unsigned long dir_get_selected_file_current();
+void deselect_all_files();
 void dir_init();

file_previews.c

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <stdlib.h>
 #include <string.h>
+#include <magic.h>
 
 #include "backend.h"
 #include "defines.h"
@@ -11,7 +12,10 @@ static FILE *ueberzug = NULL;
 #endif
 extern unsigned int terminal_height;
 extern unsigned int terminal_width;
+extern char *global_path;
 char previewd;
+magic_t cookie_type;
+magic_t cookie_description;
 
 char* text(file *f);
 void images_print(char *file_name);
@@ -19,24 +23,11 @@ void images_clear();
 char* generic(file *f);
 
 char* get_mimetype(file *f){
-	static const char *cmd_str = "file --mime-type -b";
-	char *cmd = parse_cmd(cmd_str, f);
+	char *mime = (char*)magic_file(cookie_type, f->file_name); /*freeing this causes th to crash*/
 
-	FILE *cmd_open = popen(cmd, "r");
-	char *line = NULL;
-	size_t size = 0;
-
-	free(cmd);
-	if (getline(&line, &size, cmd_open) != -1){
-		pclose(cmd_open);
-		return line;
-	} else {
-		pclose(cmd_open);
-		return "unknown";
-	}
+	return mime;
 }
 char* preview_file(file *f){ 
-	/* this calls "file" on path */
 
 	char *file_buffer;
 
@@ -46,19 +37,22 @@ char* preview_file(file *f){
 	images_clear();
 	#endif
 
-	if (strstr(mime, "text")) {
-		file_buffer = text(f);
-	#if SETTINGS_UEBERZUG_IMAGE_PREVIEW != 0
-	} else if (strstr(mime, "image")) {
-		file_buffer = generic(f);
-		images_print(f->file_name);
-		previewd = 1;
-	#endif
-	} else  {
+	if (mime != NULL) {
+		if (strstr(mime, "text")) {
+			file_buffer = text(f);
+		#if SETTINGS_UEBERZUG_IMAGE_PREVIEW != 0
+		} else if (strstr(mime, "image")) {
+			file_buffer = generic(f);
+			images_print(f->file_name);
+			previewd = 1;
+		#endif
+		} else {
+			file_buffer = generic(f);
+		} 
+	} else {
 		file_buffer = generic(f);
 	}
 
-	free(mime);
 	return file_buffer;
 
 }
@@ -80,21 +74,11 @@ char* text(file *f){
 	}
 }
 char* generic(file *f){
-	static const char *cmd_str = "file";
-	char *cmd = parse_cmd(cmd_str, f);
+	char *mime = (char*)magic_file(cookie_description, f->file_name);
+	char *buffer = malloc(strlen(mime)+1);
+	memcpy(buffer, mime, strlen(mime)+1);
+	return buffer;
 
-	FILE *cmd_open = popen(cmd, "r");
-	char *line = NULL;
-	size_t size = 0;
-
-	free(cmd);
-	if (getline(&line, &size, cmd_open) != -1) {
-		pclose(cmd_open);
-		return line;
-	} else {
-		pclose(cmd_open);
-		return "failed executing shell command \"file\"";
-	}
 }
 #if SETTINGS_UEBERZUG_IMAGE_PREVIEW != 0
 void images_clear(){
@@ -106,20 +90,18 @@ void images_clear(){
 	}
 }
 void images_print(char *file_name){
-	char *path=getcwd(NULL, 0);
 
 	fprintf(ueberzug, "{\"action\":\"add\", \
 			\"identifier\":\"preview\", \
+			\"scaler\":\"fit_contain\", \
 			\"max_height\":%d, \
 			\"max_width\":%d, \
 			\"y\":0, \
 			\"x\":%d, \
-			\"path\":\"%s/%s\"}\n", terminal_height, terminal_width/2, terminal_width/2, path, file_name);
+			\"path\":\"%s/%s\"}\n", terminal_height, terminal_width/2, terminal_width/2, global_path, file_name);
 	fflush(ueberzug);
-	free(path);
 }
 void ueberzug_init(){
-
 	#if SETTINGS_UEBERZUG_IMAGE_PREVIEW == 2
 	ueberzug = popen("ueberzug layer -s ", "w");
 	#elif SETTINGS_UEBERZUG_IMAGE_PREVIEW == 1
@@ -131,3 +113,9 @@ void ueberzug_close(){
 	pclose(ueberzug);
 }
 #endif
+void file_preview_init(){
+	cookie_type = magic_open(MAGIC_MIME_TYPE);
+	cookie_description = magic_open(MAGIC_NONE);
+	magic_load(cookie_type, NULL);
+	magic_load(cookie_description, NULL);
+}

file_previews.h

@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@
 char* preview_file(file *f);
 char* get_mimetype(file *f);
 void images_clear();
-void ueberzug_init();
+void file_preview_init();
 #if SETTINGS_UEBERZUG_IMAGE_PREVIEW != 0
+void ueberzug_init();
 void ueberzug_close();
 #endif

interactions.c

@@ -53,13 +53,16 @@ void user_interactions() {
 
 
 	ch = getch();
-	if(ch != ERR) {
+	if(ch != (char)ERR) {
 		input[input_pass] = ch;
 		input_pass++;
 		if (ch == 27) { /* esc key */
 			memset(input, 0, INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
 			input_pass = 0;
 		}
+		if (input_pass >= INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE) {
+			input_pass = INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE - 1;
+		}
 	}
 
 
@@ -93,6 +96,12 @@ void user_interactions() {
 				pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_mid);
 
 				timeout(SETTINGS_CURSES_TIMEOUT); /* blocking timeout of getch() */
+
+				#if SETTINGS_RELOAD_DIR_DELTA != 0
+				/* workaround for file previews not working on changing file while this is true
+				 * disabling this here does not influence the reload/rerun of the logic */
+				status &= ~STATUS_DELTA_TIME;
+				#endif
 			} else {
 				binding_matches++;
 				mvwprintw(stdscr, terminal_height-binding_matches-1, 0, "\t\t\t");
@@ -113,43 +122,50 @@ void user_interactions() {
 		binding_matches = 0;
 	}
 }
-int read_string(WINDOW *win, int y, int x, char *str){
-	curs_set(1);
+char read_string_loop(WINDOW *win, char *buffer, char *nullable_return_char, unsigned long *pass, unsigned long y, unsigned long x) {
+	char ch = wgetch(win_b);
 
-	timeout(-1); /* negative numbers block until enter is pressed */
-
-	unsigned int pass = 0;
-	char ch;
-	char err = 0;
-
-	wmove(win, y, x);
-	while(1) {
-		ch = wgetch(win);
-		if (ch == '\n') {
-			break;
-		} else if (ch == 27) { /* esc key */
-			err = 1;
-			break;
-		} else if (ch == '\t') { /* tab */
-			memcpy(str + pass, mid_dir.current_file->file_name, strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name));
-			mvwaddstr(win, y, x + pass, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
-			pass += strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
-		} else if (ch == 127) { /* backspace */
-			if (pass > 0) {
-				pass--;
-				mvwdelch(win, y, x + pass);
-			}
-		} else {
-			mvwaddch(win, y, x + pass, ch);
-			str[pass] = ch;
-			pass++;
-		}
+	if (nullable_return_char != NULL) {
+		*nullable_return_char = 0;
 	}
-	str[pass] = '\0';
+	if (ch == '\n' ) {
+		buffer[*pass] = 0;
+		return 1;
+	} else if ( ch == 27 /* esc key */) {
+		buffer[*pass] = 0;
+		return 2;
+	} else if (ch == '\t') { /* tab */
+		memcpy(buffer + *pass, mid_dir.current_file->file_name, strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name));
+		mvwaddstr(win_b, 0, x+ *pass, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+		*pass += strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+	} else if (ch == 127) { /* backspace */
+		if (*pass > 0) {
+			unsigned long i = x;
+			while (i < terminal_width) {
+				mvwaddch(win, y, i, ' ');
+				i++;
+			}
+			*pass -= 1;
+			buffer[*pass] = 0;
+			mvwaddstr(win, y, x, buffer);
 
-	curs_set(0);
+		}
+	} else if (ch) {
+		if (nullable_return_char != NULL) {
+			*nullable_return_char = ch;
+		}
 
-	return err;
+		mvwaddch(win_b, 0, x + *pass, ch);
+		buffer[*pass] = ch;
+		*pass += 1;
+
+
+	}
+	if (*pass >= INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE) {
+		*pass = INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE - 1;
+	}
+
+	return 0;
 }
 void quit_program(){
 	status = STATUS_QUIT_PROGRAM;
@@ -198,12 +214,35 @@ void move_right(){
 
 	skip_if_empty_dir
 
+	char *cmd = NULL;
+
+
 	if (mid_dir.current_file->file_type & FILE_TYPE_DIR) {
 		change_dir(mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
 	} else if (mid_dir.current_file->file_type & FILE_TYPE_EXEC) {
-		char *cmd = parse_cmd("./"SETTINGS_COMMAND_REPLACE_STR,mid_dir.current_file);
-		if (system(cmd)) {
+
+		/* if an .exe is executable, this branch will trigger as expected, 
+		 * however since executing an .exe without wine causes a exec format error, we should check if the program you tried to access is that
+		 * if an .exe is not executable, it will get to the top else branch, then hit the comparison in the file extension area, and succeed also.
+		 * that is unless the user removed wine out of the file_extension_default_cmd, 
+		 * in which case im going to assume wine isnt installed anyways as that would require:
+		 * a. thought on my end in how to catch wine being removed in the config
+		 * b. the user having deliberately changed the default config (good, thats why they are easily configurable)
+		 * c. if wine is not installed on the system, executing an .exe would fail regardless of via direct execution or through wine */
+		char *extension = mid_dir.current_file->file_name;
+		while (extension <= mid_dir.current_file->file_name + strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)) {
+			if (*extension == '.') {
+				break;
+			}
+			extension++;
 		}
+
+		if (strcmp(extension, ".exe") == 0) {
+			 cmd = parse_cmd("wine ./"SETTINGS_COMMAND_REPLACE_STR, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+		} else {
+			 cmd = parse_cmd("./"SETTINGS_COMMAND_REPLACE_STR, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+		}
+		ignore_return(system(cmd));
 	} else {
 		char *mime = get_mimetype(mid_dir.current_file);
 		char *extension = mid_dir.current_file->file_name;
@@ -220,17 +259,16 @@ void move_right(){
 			for (i = 0; i < file_extension_default_count; i++) {
 				if (strcmp(extension, file_extension_default_cmd[i].file_extension) == 0) {
 					if (file_extension_default_cmd[i].command[0] == SETTINGS_COMMAND_FORK) {
-						cmd = parse_cmd(file_extension_default_cmd[i].command + 1, mid_dir.current_file);
+						cmd = parse_cmd(file_extension_default_cmd[i].command + 1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
 						pid_t pid = fork();
 						if (pid == 0 && setsid()) {
-							system(cmd);
+							ignore_return(system(cmd));
 							status = STATUS_QUIT_PROGRAM;
 							exit(1);
 						}
 					} else {
-						cmd = parse_cmd(file_extension_default_cmd[i].command, mid_dir.current_file);
-						if (system(cmd)) {
-						}
+						cmd = parse_cmd(file_extension_default_cmd[i].command, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+						ignore_return(system(cmd));
 					}
 					status |= STATUS_MOVE_RIGHT_MATCH;
 					update();
@@ -242,17 +280,16 @@ void move_right(){
 			for (i = 0; i < mimetype_default_count; i++) {
 				if (strstr(mime, mimetype_default_cmd[i].mimetype)) {
 					if (mimetype_default_cmd[i].command[0] == SETTINGS_COMMAND_FORK) {
-						cmd = parse_cmd(mimetype_default_cmd[i].command + 1, mid_dir.current_file);
+						cmd = parse_cmd(mimetype_default_cmd[i].command + 1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
 						pid_t pid = fork();
 						if (pid == 0 && setsid()) {
-							system(cmd);
+							ignore_return(system(cmd));
 							status = STATUS_QUIT_PROGRAM;
 							exit(1);
 						}
 					} else {
-						cmd = parse_cmd(mimetype_default_cmd[i].command, mid_dir.current_file);
-						if (system(cmd)) {
-						}
+						cmd = parse_cmd(mimetype_default_cmd[i].command, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+						ignore_return(system(cmd));
 					}
 					status |= STATUS_MOVE_RIGHT_MATCH;
 					update();
@@ -261,9 +298,8 @@ void move_right(){
 			}
 		}
 		status &= ~STATUS_MOVE_RIGHT_MATCH;
-		free(cmd);
-		free(mime);
 	}
+	free(cmd);
 
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 }
@@ -292,25 +328,30 @@ void open_with(){
 	wclear(win_b);
 	char *cmd;
 	char *str = malloc(INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
-	char *parsed_ui_text = parse_cmd(ui_open_with_text, mid_dir.current_file);
+	char *parsed_ui_text = parse_cmd(ui_open_with_text, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
 	mvwprintw(win_b, 0, 0, parsed_ui_text);
+	unsigned long pass = 0;
+	char ret;
 
-	if (read_string(win_b, 0, strlen(parsed_ui_text)+1, str) == 0) {
+	while ((ret = read_string_loop(win_b, str, NULL, &pass, 0, strlen(parsed_ui_text)+1)) == 0) {
+	}
+
+	if (ret == 1) {
 		if (str[0] == SETTINGS_COMMAND_FORK) {
-			cmd = parse_cmd(str+1, mid_dir.current_file);
+			cmd = parse_cmd(str+1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
 			pid_t pid = fork();
 			if (pid == 0 && setsid()) {
-				system(cmd);
+				ignore_return(system(cmd));
 				status = STATUS_QUIT_PROGRAM;
 				exit(1);
 			}
 		} else {
-			cmd = parse_cmd(str, mid_dir.current_file);
-			if (system(cmd)) {
-			}
+			cmd = parse_cmd(str, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+			ignore_return(system(cmd));
 		}
 		free(cmd);
 	}
+
 	free(parsed_ui_text);
 	free(str);
 
@@ -318,20 +359,23 @@ void open_with(){
 }
 void rename_hovered(){
 	wclear(win_b);
-	file tmp;
-	tmp.file_name = malloc(INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
-	char *parsed_ui_text = parse_cmd(ui_rename_text, mid_dir.current_file);
+	char *new_file_name = malloc(INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
+	char *parsed_ui_text = parse_cmd(ui_rename_text, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
 	mvwprintw(win_b, 0, 0, parsed_ui_text);
+	unsigned long pass = 0;
+	char ret;
 
-	if (read_string(win_b, 0, strlen(parsed_ui_text)+1, tmp.file_name) == 0) {
-		char *cmd0 = parse_cmd(rename_cmd, mid_dir.current_file);
-		char *cmd1 = parse_cmd(cmd0, &tmp);
-		system(cmd1);
+	while ((ret = read_string_loop(win_b, new_file_name, NULL, &pass, 0, strlen(parsed_ui_text)+1)) == 0) {
+	}
+	if (ret == 1) {
+		char *cmd0 = parse_cmd(rename_cmd, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+		char *cmd1 = parse_cmd(cmd0, new_file_name);
+		ignore_return(system(cmd1));
 		free(cmd0);
 		free(cmd1);
 	}
 	free(parsed_ui_text);
-	free(tmp.file_name);
+	free(new_file_name);
 
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 }
@@ -343,8 +387,8 @@ void delete(unsigned long passes){
 
 	for (i = 0; i < mid_dir.file_count; i++) {
 		if (mid_dir.file_list[i].status & FILE_STATUS_SELECTED) {
-			cmd = parse_cmd(del_cmd, &mid_dir.file_list[i]);
-			system(cmd);
+			cmd = parse_cmd(del_cmd, mid_dir.file_list[i].file_name);
+			ignore_return(system(cmd));
 			free(cmd);
 			del_count++;
 		}
@@ -355,50 +399,57 @@ void delete(unsigned long passes){
 			if (&mid_dir.current_file[i] > mid_dir.file_list + mid_dir.file_count) {
 				break;
 			}
-			cmd = parse_cmd(del_cmd, &mid_dir.current_file[i]);
-			system(cmd);
+			cmd = parse_cmd(del_cmd, mid_dir.current_file[i].file_name);
+			ignore_return(system(cmd));
 			free(cmd);
 		}
 	}
 
+	deselect_all_files();
+
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 }
 void makedir(){
 	wclear(win_b);
-	file tmp;
-	tmp.file_name = malloc(INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
+	char *file_name = malloc(INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
 	mvwprintw(win_b, 0, 0, ui_makedir_text);
-	if (read_string(win_b, 0, strlen(ui_makedir_text)+1, tmp.file_name) == 0) {
-		char *cmd = parse_cmd(makedir_cmd, &tmp);
-		system(cmd);
+	unsigned long pass = 0;
+	char ret;
+	while ((ret = read_string_loop(win_b, file_name, NULL, &pass, 0, strlen(ui_makedir_text)+1)) == 0) {
+	}
+	if (ret == 1) {
+		char *cmd = parse_cmd(makedir_cmd, file_name);
+		ignore_return(system(cmd));
 		free(cmd);
 	}
-	free(tmp.file_name);
+	free(file_name);
 
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 }
 void makefile(){
 	wclear(win_b);
-	file tmp;
-	tmp.file_name = malloc(INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
+	char *file_name = malloc(INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
 	mvwprintw(win_b, 0, 0, ui_makefile_text);
-	if (read_string(win_b, 0, strlen(ui_makefile_text)+1, tmp.file_name) == 0) {
-		char *cmd = parse_cmd(makefile_cmd, &tmp);
-		system(cmd);
+	unsigned long pass = 0;
+	char ret;
+	while ((ret = read_string_loop(win_b, file_name, NULL, &pass, 0, strlen(ui_makefile_text)+1)) == 0) {
+	}
+	if (ret == 1) {
+		char *cmd = parse_cmd(makefile_cmd, file_name);
+		ignore_return(system(cmd));
 		free(cmd);
 	}
-	free(tmp.file_name);
+	free(file_name);
 
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 }
 void enter_shell(unsigned long passes, int index){
-	(void)passes; /*remove compiler warning*/
+	unused(passes);
 
 	endwin();\
 	echo();\
 	curs_set(1);\
-	if (system(key_binding[index].black_magic)) {
-	}
+	ignore_return(system(key_binding[index].black_magic));
 	initscr(); /* start ncurses */
 	noecho(); /* hide keyboard input */
 	curs_set(0);
@@ -406,7 +457,7 @@ void enter_shell(unsigned long passes, int index){
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 }
 void jump_to_dir(unsigned long passes, int index){
-	(void)passes;
+	unused(passes);
 
 	unsigned long len;
 	char *c = strchr(key_binding[index].black_magic, '/');
@@ -435,7 +486,7 @@ void jump_to_dir(unsigned long passes, int index){
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY );
 }
 void order_by(unsigned long passes, int index){
-	(void)passes;
+	unused(passes);
 
 	seed = time(NULL);
 	order_func = key_binding[index].black_magic;
@@ -443,17 +494,17 @@ void order_by(unsigned long passes, int index){
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 }
 void cmd_on_selected(unsigned long passes, int index){
-	(void)passes;
+	unused(passes);
 
-	char *cmd = parse_cmd(key_binding[index].black_magic, mid_dir.current_file);
-	system(cmd);
+	char *cmd = parse_cmd(key_binding[index].black_magic, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+	ignore_return(system(cmd));
 	free(cmd);
 
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY | STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR);
 }
 void yank_file_name(){
-	char *cmd = parse_cmd(clipboard_cmd, mid_dir.current_file);
-	system(cmd);
+	char *cmd = parse_cmd(clipboard_cmd, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+	ignore_return(system(cmd));
 	free(cmd);
 
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND);
@@ -464,8 +515,8 @@ void yank_file_path(){
 	memcpy(tmp->file_name, global_path, strlen(global_path));
 	memcpy(tmp->file_name+strlen(global_path)+1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name, strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
 	tmp->file_name[strlen(global_path)] = '/'; /*no +1 is needed*/
-	char *cmd = parse_cmd(clipboard_cmd, tmp);
-	system(cmd);
+	char *cmd = parse_cmd(clipboard_cmd, tmp->file_name);
+	ignore_return(system(cmd));
 	free(cmd);
 	free(tmp->file_name);
 	free(tmp);
@@ -473,19 +524,13 @@ void yank_file_path(){
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND);
 }
 void copy_file(unsigned long passes, int index){
-	(void)passes;
+	unused(passes);
 
 	yank_files.status = key_binding[index].black_magic;
 
 	unsigned long i;
 	unsigned long j = 0;
 
-	char *path = malloc(strlen(global_path)+1); /* im at a loss for words, freeing this always segfaults if yank_files.count != 0
-						       if i use global_path directly or getcwd(NULL, 0), it will segfault at the next free on global_path.
-						       what makes this wierder is, regardless of if the yank_files.count != 0 is true or false, both do the same things
-						       so were going to just leak the size of the path */
-
-	memcpy(path, global_path, strlen(global_path)+1);
 
 	if (yank_files.count != 0) {
 		for (i = 0; i < yank_files.count; i++) {
@@ -506,30 +551,28 @@ void copy_file(unsigned long passes, int index){
 		for (i = 0; j < yank_files.count; i++) {
 			if (mid_dir.file_list[i].status & FILE_STATUS_SELECTED) {
 
-				char *str = malloc(strlen(path) + 1 + strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
-				memcpy(str, path, strlen(path));
-				memcpy(str+strlen(path)+1, mid_dir.file_list[i].file_name, strlen(mid_dir.file_list[i].file_name)+1);
-				str[strlen(path)] = '/';
+				char *str = malloc(strlen(global_path) + 1 + strlen(mid_dir.file_list[i].file_name)+1);
+				memcpy(str, global_path, strlen(global_path));
+				memcpy(str+strlen(global_path)+1, mid_dir.file_list[i].file_name, strlen(mid_dir.file_list[i].file_name)+1);
+				str[strlen(global_path)] = '/';
 
 				yank_files.list[j] = str;
 				j++;
 			}
 		}
 	} else {
-		/*this path is achieved if no file is explicitly selected by the user, thus we assume the user wants the currently hovered file*/
+		/*this condition is achieved if no file is explicitly selected by the user, thus we assume the user wants the currently hovered file*/
 		yank_files.list = malloc(1 * sizeof(char*));
 
-		char *str = malloc(strlen(path) + 1 + strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
-		memcpy(str, path, strlen(path));
-		memcpy(str+strlen(path)+1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name, strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
-		str[strlen(path)] = '/';
+		char *str = malloc(strlen(global_path) + 1 + strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
+		memcpy(str, global_path, strlen(global_path));
+		memcpy(str+strlen(global_path)+1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name, strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
+		str[strlen(global_path)] = '/';
 
 		*yank_files.list = str;
 		yank_files.count = 1;
 	}
 
-	/*free(path);*/
-	
 
 	status |= (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND);
 }
@@ -558,16 +601,16 @@ void paste(unsigned long passes){
 
 			}
 			if (yank_files.status == COPY_FILE) {
-				cmd = parse_cmd(copy_cmd, &tmp);
+				cmd = parse_cmd(copy_cmd, tmp.file_name);
 			} else if (yank_files.status == CUT_FILE) {
-				cmd = parse_cmd(cut_cmd, &tmp);
+				cmd = parse_cmd(cut_cmd, tmp.file_name);
 			} else {
 				free(dest_file_name);
 				continue;
 			}
 			tmp.file_name = dest_file_name;
-			cmd = parse_cmd(cmd, &tmp);
-			system(cmd);
+			cmd = parse_cmd(cmd, tmp.file_name);
+			ignore_return(system(cmd));
 			free(cmd);
 			free(tmp.file_name);
 		}
@@ -581,7 +624,7 @@ void search(){
 	for (i = 0; i < terminal_width -1; i++) {
 		mvwaddch(win_b, 0, i, ' ');
 	}
-	mvwaddch(win_b, 0, 0, '/');
+	mvwaddstr(win_b, 0, 0, ui_search_text);
 	memset(search_buffer, 0, INPUT_BUFFER_SIZE);
 
 	curs_set(1);
@@ -589,33 +632,12 @@ void search(){
 
 	timeout(-1); /* negative numbers block until enter is pressed */
 
-	unsigned int pass = 0;
+	unsigned long pass = 0;
 	char ch;
 
-	wmove(win_b, 0, 1);
-	while(1) {
-		ch = wgetch(win_b);
-		if (ch == '\n' || ch == 27 /* esc key */) {
-			/* unlike the other uses of a read string reimplementation, 
-			 * here we do not differentiate between accepting and cancle.
-			 * this is intentional */
-			break;
-		} else if (ch == '\t') { /* tab */
-			memcpy(search_buffer + pass, mid_dir.current_file->file_name, strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name));
-			mvwaddstr(win_b, 0, pass+1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
-			pass += strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
-		} else if (ch == 127) { /* backspace */
-			if (pass > 0) {
-				pass--;
-				mvwdelch(win_b, 0, pass+1);
-			}
-		}
+	while (read_string_loop(win_b, search_buffer, &ch, &pass, 0, strlen(ui_search_text)) == 0) {
 		if (ch) {
-			mvwaddch(win_b, 0, pass+1, ch);
-			search_buffer[pass] = ch;
-			pass++;
-
-			unsigned long index = (mid_dir.current_file - mid_dir.file_list);
+			unsigned long index = 0;
 			for (; &mid_dir.file_list[index] < mid_dir.file_list + mid_dir.file_count; index++) {
 				if (smartstrcasestr(mid_dir.file_list[index].file_name, search_buffer)) {
 					mid_dir.current_file = &mid_dir.file_list[index];
@@ -626,15 +648,14 @@ void search(){
 					werase(win_m);
 					print_dir(win_m, 1, &mid_dir);
 
-					wnoutrefresh(win_m);
+					wrefresh(win_m);
+
 					pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 					break;
 				}
 			}
-
 		}
 	}
-	search_buffer[pass] = '\0';
 
 	noecho();
 	curs_set(0);

main.c

@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ unsigned int terminal_width;
 unsigned int temp_heigth = 0; /*used for screen refresh*/
 unsigned int temp_width = 0; 
 unsigned int file_modifiers = 0;
-unsigned int status = (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR | STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_RESIZE | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY) & ~STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_RESIZE;
+unsigned int status = (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR | STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_RESIZE | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY);
 char *global_path;
 time_t seed;
 
@@ -75,13 +75,19 @@ int main(){
 
 	timeout(SETTINGS_CURSES_TIMEOUT);
 
+	/* initial render pass to speed first render up, 
+	 * yes this only skips SETTINGS_CURSES_TIMEOUT, which by default is 100ms,
+	 * but i started to write th out of spite; because anything else either is too slow and unresponsive
+	 * or i just dont like their ux.
+	 * will i ever make use of the 100ms? will i ever react and do faster inputs? no
+	 * does it feel more responsive? sure does */
+	pthread_cond_signal(&cond_mid);
+	render_pass();
 
 	while(!(status & STATUS_QUIT_PROGRAM)){
 		getmaxyx(stdscr, terminal_height, terminal_width);
 
 		if (status & STATUS_RUN_BACKEND) {
-			free(global_path);
-			global_path = getcwd(NULL, 0);
 			pthread_cond_signal(&cond_mid);
 			pthread_cond_signal(&cond_lft);
 			status &= ~(STATUS_RUN_BACKEND);
@@ -127,10 +133,6 @@ int main(){
 
 void render_pass(){
 	
-	if (status & STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR) {
-		clear();
-		status &= ~STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR;
-	}
 	if (status & STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_RESIZE) {
 
 		wresize(win_t, 1, terminal_width);
@@ -145,12 +147,23 @@ void render_pass(){
                 mvwin(win_m, 1, (terminal_width/8));
                 mvwin(win_r, 1, ((terminal_width/2)));
 		mvwin(win_b, terminal_height-1, 0);
+		status |= STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR;
+		status &= ~STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_RESIZE;
 
 	}
-	if (pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_render) == 0) {
+	if (status & STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR) {
+		clear();
+		pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_render);
+		refresh();
+		status &= ~STATUS_UPDATE_SCREEN_CLEAR;
+		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
+	}
+	/*
+	if (pthread_mutex_trylock(&mutex_render) == 0) {
 		doupdate();
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 	}
+	*/
 }
 /*this function exists for things done at startup (initialization, reading config, etc)*/
 void init() {
@@ -177,11 +190,12 @@ void init() {
 	#if SETTINGS_UEBERZUG_IMAGE_PREVIEW != 0
 	ueberzug_init(); /* in file_previews.c */
 	#endif
+	file_preview_init();
 
 	ESCDELAY = 10;
 	global_path = getcwd(NULL, 0);
 	char *start_path = getcwd(NULL, 0);
-	setenv("START_PATH", start_path, 0);
+	setenv("TH_START_PATH", start_path, 0);
 	free(start_path);
 
 	seed = time(NULL);

sorting.c

@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ int sort_natural(const void *file0, const void *file1){
 	long parsed_number0 = 0;
 	long parsed_number1 = 0;
 	char is_num = 0;
-	char result = 0;
+	signed char result = 0;
 
 	do {
 

threading.c

@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ dir mid_dir;
 dir lft_dir;
 char *rgt_buffer; /* used for file previews, unlike rgt_content, which is used for directory previews */
 char *btm_buffer;
-char *top_buffer; /* current path */
 
 extern WINDOW *win_t;
 extern WINDOW *win_b;
@@ -52,10 +51,7 @@ unsigned int btm_status;
 
 
 void *thread_mid(){
-	dir tmp;
-	tmp.current_file = NULL;
-	tmp.file_list = NULL;
-	tmp.file_count = 0;
+	dir previous_dir_state = { 0 };
 
 	while(!(status & STATUS_QUIT_PROGRAM)){
 
@@ -75,7 +71,7 @@ void *thread_mid(){
 		if (status & STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY) {
 			long index = mid_dir.current_file - mid_dir.file_list;
 
-			tmp = mid_dir;
+			previous_dir_state = mid_dir;
 
 			mid_dir.file_count = get_dir_size(path);
 			mid_dir.file_list = malloc(mid_dir.file_count * sizeof(file));
@@ -89,8 +85,21 @@ void *thread_mid(){
 			}
 
 			unsigned long i;
-			for(i = 0; i < mid_dir.file_count && i < tmp.file_count; i++) {
-				mid_dir.file_list[i].status = tmp.file_list[i].status;
+			for(i = 0; i < mid_dir.file_count && i < previous_dir_state.file_count; i++) {
+				mid_dir.file_list[i].status = previous_dir_state.file_list[i].status;
+			}
+			/* youd think that after the above previous_dir_state = mid_dir previous_dir_state.current_file is always within the bounds of the file_list,
+			 * but no, it fucking is not for some reason
+			 * however for some mysterious reason this condition doesnt fail. well it probably does,
+			 * but that doesnt matter as it does what its supposed to do:
+			 * keep the current file selected after a reload even if the dir contents change like a new file being added */
+			if (previous_dir_state.current_file != NULL && previous_dir_state.current_file < previous_dir_state.file_list + previous_dir_state.file_count) {
+				for (i = 0; i < mid_dir.file_count; i++) {
+					if (strcmp(mid_dir.file_list[i].file_name, previous_dir_state.file_list[index].file_name) == 0) {
+						mid_dir.current_file = &mid_dir.file_list[i];
+						break;
+					}
+				}
 			}
 
 
@@ -120,21 +129,20 @@ void *thread_mid(){
 		} else {
 			print_dir(win_m, 1, &mid_dir);
 		}
-		wnoutrefresh(win_m);
+		/*wnoutrefresh(win_m);*/
+		wrefresh(win_m);
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 
 
-
-
-
 		unsigned long i;
-		for (i = 0; i < tmp.file_count; i++) {
-			free(tmp.file_list[i].file_name);
+		for (i = 0; i < previous_dir_state.file_count; i++) {
+			free(previous_dir_state.file_list[i].file_name);
 		}
-		free(tmp.file_list);
-		tmp.current_file = NULL;
-		tmp.file_list = NULL;
-		tmp.file_count = 0;
+		free(previous_dir_state.file_list);
+		previous_dir_state.current_file = NULL;
+		previous_dir_state.file_list = NULL;
+		previous_dir_state.file_count = 0;
+		free(path);
 	}
 	pthread_exit(0);
 }
@@ -182,7 +190,8 @@ void *thread_lft(){
 		pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_render);
 		werase(win_l);
 		print_dir(win_l, 0, &lft_dir);
-		wnoutrefresh(win_l);
+		/*wnoutrefresh(win_l);*/
+		wrefresh(win_l);
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_lft);
@@ -244,7 +253,8 @@ void *thread_rgt(){
 				pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_render);
 				werase(win_r);
 				print_dir(win_r, 0, &rgt_dir);
-				wnoutrefresh(win_r);
+				/*wnoutrefresh(win_r);*/
+				wrefresh(win_r);
 				pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 
 			} else if ((status & STATUS_DELTA_TIME) != STATUS_DELTA_TIME && rgt_dir.file_count > 0) {
@@ -259,7 +269,8 @@ void *thread_rgt(){
 				} else if ((rgt_dir.current_file->permissions & S_IRUSR) == 0) {
 					mvwaddstr(win_r, 0, 0, "not accessible");
 				}
-				wnoutrefresh(win_r);
+				/*wnoutrefresh(win_r);*/
+				wrefresh(win_r);
 				pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 			}
 		}
@@ -285,43 +296,42 @@ void *thread_top(){
 		pthread_cond_wait(&cond_top, &mutex_top);
 
 
-		free(top_buffer);
-
-		if(global_path == NULL) {
-			top_buffer = malloc(sizeof("cannot open directory"));
-			top_width = sizeof("cannot open directory");
-			top_buffer = "cannot open directory";
-			pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_top);
-			continue;
-		} 
-
 		pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_mid);
-
-		if (mid_dir.current_file != NULL) {
-			top_buffer = malloc(strlen(global_path)+1 + strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
-			memcpy(top_buffer, global_path, strlen(global_path));
-			memcpy(top_buffer + strlen(global_path) + 1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name, strlen(mid_dir.current_file->file_name)+1);
-
-			top_buffer[strlen(global_path)] = '/';
-			top_width = strlen(top_buffer);
-		} else {
-			top_buffer = malloc(strlen(global_path)+1);
-			memcpy(top_buffer, global_path, strlen(global_path)+1);
+		if(global_path == NULL) {
+			mvwaddstr(win_t, 0, 0, "cannot open directory");
+			pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_top);
+			pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_mid);
+			continue;
+		} else if (mid_dir.current_file == NULL) {
+			mvwaddstr(win_t, 0, 0, "cannot open file");
+			pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_top);
+			pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_mid);
+			continue;
 		}
-		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_mid);
+
+
 
 
 		/* rendering */
 		pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_render);
 		werase(win_t);
-		wattron(win_t, COLOR_PAIR(COLOR_PATH));
-		mvwaddnstr(win_t, 0, 0, top_buffer, strlen(global_path)+1);
-		wattroff(win_t, COLOR_PAIR(COLOR_PATH));
-		mvwaddstr(win_t, 0, strlen(global_path)+1, top_buffer+strlen(global_path)+1);
-		wnoutrefresh(win_t);
+		if (strlen(global_path) != 1) {
+			wattron(win_t, COLOR_PAIR(COLOR_PATH));
+			mvwaddnstr(win_t, 0, 0, global_path, strlen(global_path)+1);
+			mvwaddch(win_t, 0, strlen(global_path), '/');
+			wattroff(win_t, COLOR_PAIR(COLOR_PATH));
+			mvwaddstr(win_t, 0, strlen(global_path)+1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+		} else { /* dir '/' */
+			wattron(win_t, COLOR_PAIR(COLOR_PATH));
+			mvwaddnstr(win_t, 0, 0, global_path, 1);
+			wattroff(win_t, COLOR_PAIR(COLOR_PATH));
+			mvwaddstr(win_t, 0, 1, mid_dir.current_file->file_name);
+		}
+		/*wnoutrefresh(win_t);*/
+		wrefresh(win_t);
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 
-
+		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_mid);
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_top);
 	}
 	pthread_exit(0);
@@ -332,10 +342,19 @@ void *thread_btm(){
 	unsigned int ui_btm_right_block_size = 0;
 	unsigned int buffer_width = 0;
 
+
 	while(!(status & STATUS_QUIT_PROGRAM)){
 		pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_btm);
 		pthread_cond_wait(&cond_btm, &mutex_btm);
 
+		if (buffer_width != terminal_width) {
+			buffer_width = (terminal_width > 10) ? terminal_width : 11;
+
+			free(btm_buffer);
+			btm_buffer = malloc(buffer_width+1);
+			/*in this case STATUS_RUN_BACKEND should be true as defined in the main loop resize check*/
+		}
+
 
 		if (status & (STATUS_RUN_BACKEND | STATUS_RELOAD_DIRECTORY)) {
 			/*{{{ parse storage info; the fold of shame*/
@@ -408,15 +427,11 @@ void *thread_btm(){
 			/*}}}*/
 		}
 
-		if (buffer_width != terminal_width) {
-			buffer_width = terminal_width;
-			free(btm_buffer);
-			btm_buffer = malloc(buffer_width+1);
-		}
 		memset(btm_buffer, ' ', buffer_width);
-		btm_buffer[buffer_width] = '\0';
 
-		memcpy(btm_buffer + buffer_width - ui_btm_right_block_size, ui_btm_right_block, ui_btm_right_block_size);
+		if (ui_btm_right_block_size + 9 < buffer_width) {
+			memcpy(btm_buffer + buffer_width - ui_btm_right_block_size, ui_btm_right_block, ui_btm_right_block_size);
+		}
 
 		if (mid_dir.current_file != NULL) {
 			btm_buffer[0] = (S_ISLNK(mid_dir.current_file->permissions)) ? 'l': 
@@ -432,15 +447,17 @@ void *thread_btm(){
 			btm_buffer[9] = (mid_dir.current_file->permissions & S_IXOTH) ? 'x' : '-';
 		}
 
+		btm_buffer[buffer_width] = '\0';
 
 
 		/* rendering */
 		pthread_mutex_lock(&mutex_render);
 		werase(win_b);
-		if (*top_buffer != ' ') { /*printing ' ' (standard initialized value, see threading_init) makes valgrind throw a fuss*/
-			mvwprintw(win_b, 0, 0, "%s", btm_buffer);
-		}
-		wnoutrefresh(win_b);
+
+		mvwprintw(win_b, 0, 0, "%s", btm_buffer);
+
+		/*wnoutrefresh(win_b);*/
+		wrefresh(win_b);
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_render);
 		pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex_btm);
 		/*the printing of all possible inputs are done in user_interactions */
@@ -453,13 +470,8 @@ void *thread_btm(){
 
 void threading_init(){
 
-	top_buffer = malloc(sizeof(char));
-	rgt_buffer = malloc(sizeof(char));
-	btm_buffer = malloc(sizeof(char));
-	memset(top_buffer, '\0', sizeof(char));
-	memset(rgt_buffer, '\0', sizeof(char));
-	memset(btm_buffer, '\0', sizeof(char));
-
+	rgt_buffer = NULL;
+	btm_buffer = NULL;
 
 	pthread_mutex_init(&mutex_top, NULL);
 	pthread_mutex_init(&mutex_mid, NULL);
@@ -475,7 +487,6 @@ void threading_init(){
 	
 }
 void threading_free(){
-	free(top_buffer);
 	
 	pthread_mutex_destroy(&mutex_top);
 	pthread_mutex_destroy(&mutex_mid);