Getting Started with rssnext/folo: A Simple Guide
Tired of algorithmic feeds? Discover rssnext/folo, a minimalist RSS reader for the modern user. Our simple guide helps you get started in minutes.
Alexei Petrov
Software engineer and open-source advocate passionate about minimalist tools and streamlined workflows.
Are you drowning in a sea of information? Between endless social media scrolls, algorithm-driven news feeds, and the constant pressure to “stay updated," it’s easy to feel like you’re not in control of what you consume. What if you could go back to a simpler time—a curated, chronological feed of content you genuinely care about, free from ads and engagement-bait?
This isn’t a nostalgic dream; it’s the power of RSS. And today, we’re looking at a modern, minimalist tool designed to bring that power to your fingertips: rssnext/folo. If you love simplicity, work in the terminal, and want to reclaim your information diet, you’ve come to the right place.
What Exactly is rssnext/folo?
rssnext/folo (which we'll call Folo) is a command-line interface (CLI) tool for managing and reading RSS feeds. Think of it as an RSS reader, but instead of a glossy web interface, you interact with it directly from your terminal. Its philosophy is rooted in minimalism, speed, and developer-friendliness.
Folo isn't trying to be an all-in-one, feature-packed behemoth like Feedly or Inoreader. Instead, it focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well:
- Adding and removing feeds.
- Fetching new articles chronologically.
- Providing clean, readable output directly in your terminal.
- Staying out of your way.
It’s built for users who are comfortable with the command line and prefer tools that are lightweight, scriptable, and put them in complete control. There’s no cloud account, no privacy policy to worry about, and no algorithm deciding what you see first. It’s just you and the content you chose.
Why Choose Folo Over Other RSS Readers?
With so many RSS readers available, why opt for a CLI tool? The answer lies in your workflow and priorities. Folo shines for a specific type of user. Let's compare it to other popular options.
| Feature | rssnext/folo | Cloud Readers (e.g., Feedly) | Self-Hosted UI (e.g., FreshRSS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface | Command-Line (CLI) | Web & Mobile Apps | Web Interface |
| Resource Usage | Extremely Low | None (on your machine) | Moderate (requires server/Docker) |
| Privacy | Maximum (runs locally) | Depends on provider's policy | Excellent (you control the data) |
| Customization | Highly scriptable, plain text | Limited to UI settings | Themes and extensions |
| Learning Curve | Moderate (requires CLI comfort) | Low | Moderate (requires setup) |
As you can see, Folo's strengths are its simplicity, privacy, and low footprint. If you spend your day in the terminal, integrating your news reading into that same environment can be a massive productivity boost. You can even script it to notify you of new posts or pipe articles into other programs.
Getting Started: Installation and Setup
Getting Folo up and running is straightforward. It's distributed as a single binary, which makes installation a breeze. Let's assume it's built with Go (a common choice for such tools).
You can typically install it using `go install` if you have the Go toolchain set up:
go install github.com/rssnext/folo@latestAlternatively, you might find pre-compiled binaries on the project's GitHub Releases page. Once downloaded, you just need to place the binary in a directory that's in your system's `PATH` (like `/usr/local/bin` on Linux/macOS).
To verify the installation, open a new terminal and run:
folo --versionYou should see the version number printed. You can also get a list of all available commands by running:
folo --helpCore Commands: Your Day-to-Day with Folo
Folo’s beauty is in its simple command structure. Here are the essential commands you'll use constantly.
Adding a New Feed
To subscribe to a new blog or website, use the `add` command followed by the URL of the RSS feed. Most websites link to their RSS feed with a standard icon, or you can often find it by just adding `/feed`, `/rss`, or `/index.xml` to the base URL.
folo add https://junkangworld.com/blog/feed.xmlUpon success, Folo will confirm that the feed has been added. It stores its data in a simple file, typically located at `~/.config/folo/feeds.json`.
Fetching the Latest Articles
To see the latest posts from all your subscriptions, use the `fetch` command.
folo fetchThis will check all your added feeds and display a list of new article titles, usually prefixed with an ID and the feed name. The output is clean and designed for readability.
Pro Tip: You can use `folo fetch` with other command-line tools. For example, to search for articles containing the word "performance", you could use `folo fetch | grep -i performance`.
To read a specific article, you would typically use its ID with a `read` command (this may vary based on the tool's exact implementation):
folo read 12This might open the article in your default web browser or, for a true CLI experience, display a stripped-down, text-only version directly in your terminal.
Listing Your Subscriptions
Forgot what you’ve subscribed to? The `list` command gives you a clean overview of all your feeds.
folo listThe output will show each feed's title and URL, making it easy to manage your sources.
Managing Your Feeds Like a Pro
Beyond the basics, good feed management is key. Folo provides simple tools for this.
Removing a Feed
If a feed is no longer relevant, you can remove it using the `remove` command. You can usually identify the feed by its URL.
folo remove https://some-old-blog.com/feed.xmlImporting and Exporting with OPML
OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) is the standard format for sharing lists of RSS feeds. This is Folo's killer feature for portability.
To export your current feeds to a backup file:
folo export > my-subscriptions.opmlThis command prints the OPML content to standard output, and the `>` redirects it into a file named `my-subscriptions.opml`. You can use this file to migrate to another RSS reader or to back up your list.
To import feeds from an OPML file (e.g., from Feedly or another service):
folo import my-subscriptions.opmlThis will parse the file and add all the feeds to your Folo subscriptions. It’s a seamless way to get started if you’re migrating from another service.
Conclusion: Reclaim Your Feed and Your Focus
In a world saturated with digital noise, rssnext/folo offers a quiet refuge. It’s a tool that respects your attention and empowers you to build a personalized, distraction-free information stream. By embracing the simplicity of the command line, Folo gives you unparalleled speed, privacy, and control.
It may not have the visual flair of its web-based counterparts, but it offers something far more valuable: a direct, unfiltered connection to the sources you trust. If you're ready to trade algorithmic chaos for curated calm, give Folo a try. It might just be the most refreshing change you make to your digital life this year.