Can I have OS X print out a text file with the contents of a folder?

[SebZen]

This is my first Mac and on my PC I would occasionally email myself a simple list consisting of what programs I have installed so that next time I format (or if something goes wrong) I would know what I had installed.

Problem is, with this Mac I have too many quality software to type out by hand so I'm wondering if there is a program or a function built in to OS X (maybe terminal command even, but I'd prefer something visual) to list the contents of a folder and save it to a text file?

I just want it to scan my Applications folder pretty much

 

[dukebound85]

do this

open terminal

type

ls /applications

copy the results in a txt file and youre set

 

[dmmcintyre3]

open terminal (search with spotlight) and type:

ls (directory[you can just drag the folder in])

 

[SebZen]

Of course! Forgot about it from my days experimenting with Linux

ls /applications > apps.txt

did it