Blink Shell, Build & Code 4+

**What’s New in 18.1.0**

This release introduces some exciting updates to Blink Shell, including a new File Provider system, bookmark support, and several important fixes. Here’s what’s new:

### **File Provider Replicated Extension**
The File Provider has been completely upgraded and is now the default option, automatically replacing the old integration. This new system significantly improves file management and expands what you can do with remote file systems:
- **Files.app integration**: Access remote file systems directly from Files.app with improved progress control and automatic syncing to keep local and remote replicas consistent.
- **Shell commands support**: With kernel-level integration, commands like `ls`, `cd`, `find`, and `vim` now work seamlessly with remote locations, making shell workflows feel as natural as working locally.
- **Enhanced app compatibility**: Use remote file systems in other apps without requiring additional APIs.
- **Storage Management** - The new provider also offloads storage management for downloaded files to the system, so the Blink app won't grow the storage used in your device, even when working with remote files.
- **New capabilities**: Automatic syncing and re-downloads, support for **Veracrypt encryption**, better support for **symbolic links**, and **shortcut integrations**.

Special thanks to pindab0ter, mhoran, abeth, 2xsaiko, aberrant, rrgeorge and those who left very useful feedback on TestFlight.

### **Bookmarks**
Bookmarks bring a more flexible way to navigate remote and local file systems:
- **Quick access**: Bookmark Blink folders or file locations exposed by other apps. These symlinked directories behave like local directories within the shell.
- **Replacing link-files**: Bookmarks streamline workflows by replacing the old `link-files` command with a simpler and more reliable approach.
- **Easy to set up**: Add bookmarks via **Settings > Bookmarks**, select a location in Files.app, and give the symlink a name. Navigate to your bookmarks directly from the shell.

### **General Improvements and Fixes**
- **Custom key support**: Added support for `Function keys`, `Home`, `End`, `PgUp`, and `PgDown`, along with combinations like `Alt-Home` and `Alt-End` to better match your workflows. Thanks to namatoj and Karl.
- **SFTP validation**: Validate SFTP connections directly in **Host > Files.app configuration**, making setup and troubleshooting more straightforward.
- **ProxyJump fixes**: Fixed an issue where SSH sessions would require to use Ctrl-C before going back to the shell.
- **Settings fixes**: Fixed issues where the Cmd key could get stuck or the software keyboard would appear unexpectedly when returning to the app.
- **Pragmata Pro 830**: Shipping the latest version again (thanks to chipp for the heads up)

For more details or a complete list of changes, check out `whatsnew` in the app and the changes to our Documentation. If you have questions, join us in our Discord or GitHub Discussions. Enjoy the new features, and as always, thank you to everyone who helped make this release possible!