SpaceSniffer
SpaceSniffer is a freeware computer disk space analyser from Uderzo Software for Microsoft Windows platforms. It uses a treemap to visualise disk usage.
Developer(s) | Uderzo Software |
---|---|
Initial release | April 18, 2009 |
Stable release | 1.3.0.2
/ October 2, 2016 |
Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
Size | 1.6 MiB |
Available in | English |
Type | Disc space analyser |
License | Freeware |
Website | www.uderzo.it |
History
Developed by Uderzo Software (run by Umberto Uderzo) in Italy, SpaceSniffer was first released in 2009.[1]
Features
SpaceSniffer comes in a single edition that runs on the Windows operating platform (from Windows 2000).[2] The executable file can be simply copied without requiring any other installation process.[3]
It is free for all uses, but donations are suggested.[2] No source code is available.
Notable features include:
- A treemap represents how disk capacity is allocated.[4]
- Filters (based on file name, age, size, etc.) enable the user to focus the visualisation on files and folders of interest.[4]
- User-chosen colours can be associated to different file types.[5]
- NTFS Alternate Data Streams are supported.[5]
- commandline usage (non-graphical, console usage)
Reception
The application has been reviewed favourably by editors and users.[3][5] PCWorld concluded its review by pronouncing it a “recommended download”[2] and Freewaregenius.com called it “a very well made program that is simple, intuitive, elegant, and very useful”.[4]
Reviewers and users have noted that the treemap presentation “can be a bit overwhelming at times” or “cluttered and more complex than necessary” but concluded that it was “effective”.[3]
Similar programs
- For Windows WinDirStat, SequoiaView
- For KDE: KDirStat, which inspired WinDirStat[6][7]
- For GTK: GdMap
- For Mac OS X: Disk Inventory X[8]
References
- Lee Matthews (2009-04-23). "Space Sniffer is a drive space analyzer with a dash of eye candy". Download Squad. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- Ian Harac (2011-01-31). "SpaceSniffer (editorial review)". PCWorld. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- "SpaceSniffer (CNET editors' review)". CNET/Download.com. 2010-01-04. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- "SpaceSniffer: explore a "treemap" representation of your file and folder sizes". freewaregenius.com. 2009-04-24. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- "SpaceSniffer — analyze disk space usage". SnapFiles. 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- Bernhard. "Background and history". WinDirStat website. Retrieved 1 Apr 2015.
- "KDirStat". Retrieved 1 Apr 2015.
- "Disk Inventory X". Retrieved 1 Apr 2015.
The layout algorithm is based on KDirStat. The idea to develop this program came to me when a fellow of mine showed me his creation WinDirStat.