diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree.lua b/lua/nvim-tree.lua
index c4cdbcf74f0..449ac2b7eea 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 local log = require("nvim-tree.log")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
 local actions = require("nvim-tree.actions")
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
@@ -74,7 +73,8 @@ function M.change_root(path, bufnr)
 end
 
 function M.tab_enter()
-  if view.is_visible({ any_tabpage = true }) then
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+  if explorer and explorer.view:is_visible({ any_tabpage = true }) then
     local bufname = vim.api.nvim_buf_get_name(0)
 
     local ft
@@ -89,17 +89,15 @@ function M.tab_enter()
         return
       end
     end
-    view.open({ focus_tree = false })
+    explorer.view:open({ focus_tree = false })
 
-    local explorer = core.get_explorer()
-    if explorer then
-      explorer.renderer:draw()
-    end
+    explorer.renderer:draw()
   end
 end
 
 function M.open_on_directory()
-  local should_proceed = _config.hijack_directories.auto_open or view.is_visible()
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+  local should_proceed = _config.hijack_directories.auto_open or explorer and explorer.view:is_visible()
   if not should_proceed then
     return
   end
@@ -150,21 +148,6 @@ local function setup_autocommands(opts)
     vim.api.nvim_create_autocmd(name, vim.tbl_extend("force", default_opts, custom_opts))
   end
 
-  -- prevent new opened file from opening in the same window as nvim-tree
-  create_nvim_tree_autocmd("BufWipeout", {
-    pattern = "NvimTree_*",
-    callback = function()
-      if not utils.is_nvim_tree_buf(0) then
-        return
-      end
-      if opts.actions.open_file.eject then
-        view._prevent_buffer_override()
-      else
-        view.abandon_current_window()
-      end
-    end,
-  })
-
   if opts.tab.sync.open then
     create_nvim_tree_autocmd("TabEnter", { callback = vim.schedule_wrap(M.tab_enter) })
   end
@@ -226,17 +209,6 @@ local function setup_autocommands(opts)
     })
   end
 
-  if opts.view.float.enable and opts.view.float.quit_on_focus_loss then
-    create_nvim_tree_autocmd("WinLeave", {
-      pattern = "NvimTree_*",
-      callback = function()
-        if utils.is_nvim_tree_buf(0) then
-          view.close()
-        end
-      end,
-    })
-  end
-
   -- Handles event dispatch when tree is closed by `:q`
   create_nvim_tree_autocmd("WinClosed", {
     pattern = "*",
@@ -524,6 +496,7 @@ local DEFAULT_OPTS = { -- BEGIN_DEFAULT_OPTS
       dev = false,
       diagnostics = false,
       git = false,
+      lifecycle = true,
       profile = false,
       watcher = false,
     },
@@ -692,10 +665,10 @@ local function localise_default_opts()
 end
 
 function M.purge_all_state()
-  view.close_all_tabs()
-  view.abandon_all_windows()
   local explorer = core.get_explorer()
   if explorer then
+    explorer.view:close_all_tabs()
+    explorer.view:abandon_all_windows()
     require("nvim-tree.git").purge_state()
     explorer:destroy()
     core.reset_explorer()
@@ -748,7 +721,6 @@ function M.setup(conf)
   require("nvim-tree.explorer.watch").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.git").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.git.utils").setup(opts)
-  require("nvim-tree.view").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.lib").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.renderer.components").setup(opts)
   require("nvim-tree.buffers").setup(opts)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua
index 55e2f23d337..2ea494fd85c 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/finders/find-file.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 local log = require("nvim-tree.log")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 
@@ -14,7 +13,7 @@ local running = {}
 ---@param path string relative or absolute
 function M.fn(path)
   local explorer = core.get_explorer()
-  if not explorer or not view.is_visible() then
+  if not explorer or not explorer.view:is_visible() then
     return
   end
 
@@ -84,9 +83,9 @@ function M.fn(path)
     end)
     :iterate()
 
-  if found and view.is_visible() then
+  if found and explorer.view:is_visible() then
     explorer.renderer:draw()
-    view.set_cursor({ line, 0 })
+    explorer.view:set_cursor({ line, 0 })
   end
 
   running[path_real] = false
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua
index 3f3ed37c94d..a8c6e15e958 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/clipboard.lua
@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ local Clipboard = Class:extend()
 ---@protected
 ---@param args ClipboardArgs
 function Clipboard:new(args)
+  args.explorer:log_lifecycle("Clipboard:new")
+
   self.explorer = args.explorer
 
   self.data = {
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/remove-file.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/remove-file.lua
index 8a0f67cda3a..fd71ae6a376 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/remove-file.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/fs/remove-file.lua
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
 local events = require("nvim-tree.events")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local lib = require("nvim-tree.lib")
 local notify = require("nvim-tree.notify")
 
@@ -14,10 +13,12 @@ local M = {
 
 ---@param windows integer[]
 local function close_windows(windows)
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   -- Prevent from closing when the win count equals 1 or 2,
   -- where the win to remove could be the last opened.
   -- For details see #2503.
-  if view.View.float.enable and #vim.api.nvim_list_wins() < 3 then
+  if explorer and explorer.view.float.enable and #vim.api.nvim_list_wins() < 3 then
     return
   end
 
@@ -30,16 +31,17 @@ end
 
 ---@param absolute_path string
 local function clear_buffer(absolute_path)
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
   local bufs = vim.fn.getbufinfo({ bufloaded = 1, buflisted = 1 })
   for _, buf in pairs(bufs) do
     if buf.name == absolute_path then
       local tree_winnr = vim.api.nvim_get_current_win()
-      if buf.hidden == 0 and (#bufs > 1 or view.View.float.enable) then
+      if buf.hidden == 0 and (#bufs > 1 or explorer and explorer.view.float.enable) then
         vim.api.nvim_set_current_win(buf.windows[1])
         vim.cmd(":bn")
       end
       vim.api.nvim_buf_delete(buf.bufnr, { force = true })
-      if not view.View.float.quit_on_focus_loss then
+      if explorer and not explorer.view.float.quit_on_focus_loss then
         vim.api.nvim_set_current_win(tree_winnr)
       end
       if M.config.actions.remove_file.close_window then
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/item.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/item.lua
index 8aacaae3b56..599a8053027 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/item.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/item.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local diagnostics = require("nvim-tree.diagnostics")
 
@@ -67,9 +66,9 @@ local function move(explorer, where, what, skip_gitignored)
   end
 
   if nex then
-    view.set_cursor({ nex, 0 })
+    explorer.view:set_cursor({ nex, 0 })
   elseif vim.o.wrapscan and first then
-    view.set_cursor({ first, 0 })
+    explorer.view:set_cursor({ first, 0 })
   end
 end
 
@@ -189,13 +188,13 @@ local function move_prev_recursive(explorer, what, skip_gitignored)
 
       -- 4.3)
       if node_init.name == ".." then -- root node
-        view.set_cursor({ 1, 0 })    -- move to root node (position 1)
+        explorer.view:set_cursor({ 1, 0 })    -- move to root node (position 1)
       else
         local node_init_line = utils.find_node_line(node_init)
         if node_init_line < 0 then
           return
         end
-        view.set_cursor({ node_init_line, 0 })
+        explorer.view:set_cursor({ node_init_line, 0 })
       end
 
       -- 4.4)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua
index 32ca8398116..fab1a440a2f 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/moves/parent.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
 
 local DirectoryNode = require("nvim-tree.node.directory")
@@ -25,7 +24,7 @@ function M.fn(should_close)
     local parent = (node:get_parent_of_group() or node).parent
 
     if not parent or not parent.parent then
-      view.set_cursor({ 1, 0 })
+      node.explorer.view:set_cursor({ 1, 0 })
       return
     end
 
@@ -33,7 +32,7 @@ function M.fn(should_close)
       return n.absolute_path == parent.absolute_path
     end)
 
-    view.set_cursor({ line + 1, 0 })
+    node.explorer.view:set_cursor({ line + 1, 0 })
     if should_close then
       parent.open = false
       parent.explorer.renderer:draw()
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/node/open-file.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/node/open-file.lua
index 55885e3f7f4..99594520f11 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/node/open-file.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/node/open-file.lua
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 local lib = require("nvim-tree.lib")
 local notify = require("nvim-tree.notify")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
+local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 
 local M = {}
 
@@ -19,9 +19,10 @@ end
 ---Get all windows in the current tabpage that aren't NvimTree.
 ---@return table with valid win_ids
 local function usable_win_ids()
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
   local tabpage = vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
   local win_ids = vim.api.nvim_tabpage_list_wins(tabpage)
-  local tree_winid = view.get_winnr(tabpage)
+  local tree_winid = explorer and explorer.view:get_winnr(tabpage)
 
   return vim.tbl_filter(function(id)
     local bufid = vim.api.nvim_win_get_buf(id)
@@ -187,7 +188,10 @@ end
 
 local function open_file_in_tab(filename)
   if M.quit_on_open then
-    view.close()
+    local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.view:close()
+    end
   end
   if M.relative_path then
     filename = utils.path_relative(filename, vim.fn.getcwd())
@@ -197,7 +201,10 @@ end
 
 local function drop(filename)
   if M.quit_on_open then
-    view.close()
+    local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.view:close()
+    end
   end
   if M.relative_path then
     filename = utils.path_relative(filename, vim.fn.getcwd())
@@ -207,7 +214,10 @@ end
 
 local function tab_drop(filename)
   if M.quit_on_open then
-    view.close()
+    local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.view:close()
+    end
   end
   if M.relative_path then
     filename = utils.path_relative(filename, vim.fn.getcwd())
@@ -228,7 +238,10 @@ local function on_preview(buf_loaded)
       once = true,
     })
   end
-  view.focus()
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.view:focus()
+  end
 end
 
 local function get_target_winid(mode)
@@ -273,6 +286,8 @@ local function set_current_win_no_autocmd(winid, autocmd)
 end
 
 local function open_in_new_window(filename, mode)
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   if type(mode) ~= "string" then
     mode = ""
   end
@@ -295,7 +310,11 @@ local function open_in_new_window(filename, mode)
   end, vim.api.nvim_list_wins())
 
   local create_new_window = #win_ids == 1 -- This implies that the nvim-tree window is the only one
-  local new_window_side = (view.View.side == "right") and "aboveleft" or "belowright"
+
+  local new_window_side = "belowright"
+  if explorer and (explorer.view.side == "right") then
+    new_window_side = "aboveleft"
+  end
 
   -- Target is invalid: create new window
   if not vim.tbl_contains(win_ids, target_winid) then
@@ -327,7 +346,7 @@ local function open_in_new_window(filename, mode)
     end
   end
 
-  if (mode == "preview" or mode == "preview_no_picker") and view.View.float.enable then
+  if (mode == "preview" or mode == "preview_no_picker") and explorer and explorer.view.float.enable then
     -- ignore "WinLeave" autocmd on preview
     -- because the registered "WinLeave"
     -- will kill the floating window immediately
@@ -367,7 +386,12 @@ local function is_already_loaded(filename)
 end
 
 local function edit_in_current_buf(filename)
-  require("nvim-tree.view").abandon_current_window()
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.view:abandon_current_window()
+  end
+
   if M.relative_path then
     filename = utils.path_relative(filename, vim.fn.getcwd())
   end
@@ -378,6 +402,8 @@ end
 ---@param filename string
 ---@return nil
 function M.fn(mode, filename)
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   if type(mode) ~= "string" then
     mode = ""
   end
@@ -412,16 +438,16 @@ function M.fn(mode, filename)
     vim.bo.bufhidden = ""
   end
 
-  if M.resize_window then
-    view.resize()
+  if M.resize_window and explorer then
+    explorer.view:resize()
   end
 
   if mode == "preview" or mode == "preview_no_picker" then
     return on_preview(buf_loaded)
   end
 
-  if M.quit_on_open then
-    view.close()
+  if M.quit_on_open and explorer then
+    explorer.view:close()
   end
 end
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/find-file.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/find-file.lua
index 8a05bf6db45..73d1df3c75e 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/find-file.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/find-file.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local lib = require("nvim-tree.lib")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local finders_find_file = require("nvim-tree.actions.finders.find-file")
 
 local M = {}
@@ -41,11 +40,12 @@ function M.fn(opts)
     return
   end
 
-  if view.is_visible() then
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+  if explorer and explorer.view:is_visible() then
     -- focus
     if opts.focus then
       lib.set_target_win()
-      view.focus()
+      explorer.view:focus()
     end
   elseif opts.open then
     -- open
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/open.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/open.lua
index ff2da837b87..17e2c581a7b 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/open.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/open.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
+local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local lib = require("nvim-tree.lib")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local finders_find_file = require("nvim-tree.actions.finders.find-file")
 
 local M = {}
@@ -23,10 +23,12 @@ function M.fn(opts)
     opts.path = nil
   end
 
-  if view.is_visible() then
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
+  if explorer and explorer.view:is_visible() then
     -- focus
     lib.set_target_win()
-    view.focus()
+    explorer.view:focus()
   else
     -- open
     lib.open({
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/resize.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/resize.lua
index e8d4e950729..48f090887f7 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/resize.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/resize.lua
@@ -1,14 +1,19 @@
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
+local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 
 local M = {}
 
 ---Resize the tree, persisting the new size.
 ---@param opts ApiTreeResizeOpts|nil
 function M.fn(opts)
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+  if not explorer then
+    return
+  end
+
   if opts == nil then
     -- reset to config values
-    view.configure_width()
-    view.resize()
+    explorer.view:configure_width()
+    explorer.view:resize()
     return
   end
 
@@ -16,19 +21,19 @@ function M.fn(opts)
   local width_cfg = options.width
 
   if width_cfg ~= nil then
-    view.configure_width(width_cfg)
-    view.resize()
+    explorer.view:configure_width(width_cfg)
+    explorer.view:resize()
     return
   end
 
-  if not view.is_width_determined() then
+  if not explorer.view:is_width_determined() then
     -- {absolute} and {relative} do nothing when {width} is a function.
     return
   end
 
   local absolute = options.absolute
   if type(absolute) == "number" then
-    view.resize(absolute)
+    explorer.view:resize(absolute)
     return
   end
 
@@ -39,7 +44,7 @@ function M.fn(opts)
       relative_size = "+" .. relative_size
     end
 
-    view.resize(relative_size)
+    explorer.view:resize(relative_size)
     return
   end
 end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/toggle.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/toggle.lua
index 10aa978467e..fb976cfbe71 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/toggle.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/actions/tree/toggle.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
+local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local lib = require("nvim-tree.lib")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local finders_find_file = require("nvim-tree.actions.finders.find-file")
 
 local M = {}
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ local M = {}
 ---@param cwd boolean|nil legacy -> opts.path
 ---@param bang boolean|nil legacy -> opts.update_root
 function M.fn(opts, no_focus, cwd, bang)
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   -- legacy arguments
   if type(opts) == "boolean" then
     opts = {
@@ -40,9 +42,9 @@ function M.fn(opts, no_focus, cwd, bang)
     opts.path = nil
   end
 
-  if view.is_visible() then
+  if explorer and explorer.view:is_visible() then
     -- close
-    view.close()
+    explorer.view:close()
   else
     -- open
     lib.open({
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/api.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/api.lua
index 39fba07d52d..3f70df2c880 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/api.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/api.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
 local actions = require("nvim-tree.actions")
 local appearance_hi_test = require("nvim-tree.appearance.hi-test")
@@ -141,9 +140,9 @@ Api.tree.focus = Api.tree.open
 ---@field focus boolean|nil default true
 
 Api.tree.toggle = wrap(actions.tree.toggle.fn)
-Api.tree.close = wrap(view.close)
-Api.tree.close_in_this_tab = wrap(view.close_this_tab_only)
-Api.tree.close_in_all_tabs = wrap(view.close_all_tabs)
+Api.tree.close = wrap_explorer_member("view", "close")
+Api.tree.close_in_this_tab = wrap_explorer_member("view", "close_this_tab_only")
+Api.tree.close_in_all_tabs = wrap_explorer_member("view", "close_all_tabs")
 Api.tree.reload = wrap_explorer("reload_explorer")
 
 ---@class ApiTreeResizeOpts
@@ -202,12 +201,12 @@ Api.tree.is_tree_buf = wrap(utils.is_nvim_tree_buf)
 ---@field tabpage number|nil
 ---@field any_tabpage boolean|nil default false
 
-Api.tree.is_visible = wrap(view.is_visible)
+Api.tree.is_visible = wrap_explorer_member("view", "is_visible")
 
 ---@class ApiTreeWinIdOpts
 ---@field tabpage number|nil default nil
 
-Api.tree.winid = wrap(view.winid)
+Api.tree.winid = wrap_explorer_member("view", "winid")
 
 Api.fs.create = wrap_node_or_nil(actions.fs.create_file.fn)
 Api.fs.remove = wrap_node(actions.fs.remove_file.fn)
@@ -239,13 +238,17 @@ local function edit(mode, node, edit_opts)
   local path = file_link and file_link.link_to or node.absolute_path
   local cur_tabpage = vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
 
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   actions.node.open_file.fn(mode, path)
 
   edit_opts = edit_opts or {}
 
   local mode_unsupported_quit_on_open = mode == "drop" or mode == "tab_drop" or mode == "edit_in_place"
   if not mode_unsupported_quit_on_open and edit_opts.quit_on_open then
-    view.close(cur_tabpage)
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.view:close(cur_tabpage)
+    end
   end
 
   local mode_unsupported_focus = mode == "drop" or mode == "tab_drop" or mode == "edit_in_place"
@@ -255,7 +258,9 @@ local function edit(mode, node, edit_opts)
     if mode == "tabnew" then
       vim.cmd(":tabprev")
     end
-    view.focus()
+    if explorer then
+      explorer.view:focus()
+    end
   end
 end
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/commands.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/commands.lua
index bff880c14fd..88ac3e1e61e 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/commands.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/commands.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 local api = require("nvim-tree.api")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
+local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 
 local M = {}
 
@@ -111,7 +111,10 @@ local CMDS = {
       bar = true,
     },
     command = function(c)
-      view.resize(c.args)
+      local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+      if explorer then
+        explorer.view:resize(c.args)
+      end
     end,
   },
   {
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua
index 60d4a0a6f6a..fe9125e612d 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/core.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 local events = require("nvim-tree.events")
 local notify = require("nvim-tree.notify")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local log = require("nvim-tree.log")
 
 local M = {}
@@ -55,7 +54,7 @@ end
 ---@return integer
 function M.get_nodes_starting_line()
   local offset = 1
-  if view.is_root_folder_visible(M.get_cwd()) then
+  if TreeExplorer and TreeExplorer.view:is_root_folder_visible(M.get_cwd()) then
     offset = offset + 1
   end
   if TreeExplorer and TreeExplorer.live_filter.filter then
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua
index 76810d4a796..e6484caf23e 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/diagnostics.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local log = require("nvim-tree.log")
 
 local DirectoryNode = require("nvim-tree.node.directory")
@@ -182,10 +181,15 @@ function M.update_coc()
     end
     log.profile_end(profile)
 
-    local bufnr = view.get_bufnr()
+    local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
+    local bufnr
+    if explorer then
+      bufnr = explorer.view:get_bufnr()
+    end
+
     local should_draw = bufnr and vim.api.nvim_buf_is_valid(bufnr) and vim.api.nvim_buf_is_loaded(bufnr)
     if should_draw then
-      local explorer = core.get_explorer()
       if explorer then
         explorer.renderer:draw()
       end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/filters.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/filters.lua
index 62230687e40..c6640fb42ee 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/filters.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/filters.lua
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ local Filters = Class:extend()
 ---@protected
 ---@param args FiltersArgs
 function Filters:new(args)
+  args.explorer:log_lifecycle("Filters:new")
+
   self.explorer        = args.explorer
   self.ignore_list     = {}
   self.exclude_list    = self.explorer.opts.filters.exclude
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua
index 58972164afe..71b7b4e1780 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/init.lua
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local git = require("nvim-tree.git")
 local log = require("nvim-tree.log")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local node_factory = require("nvim-tree.node.factory")
 
 local DirectoryNode = require("nvim-tree.node.directory")
@@ -20,6 +19,7 @@ local LiveFilter = require("nvim-tree.explorer.live-filter")
 local Sorter = require("nvim-tree.explorer.sorter")
 local Clipboard = require("nvim-tree.actions.fs.clipboard")
 local Renderer = require("nvim-tree.renderer")
+local View = require("nvim-tree.explorer.view")
 
 local FILTER_REASON = require("nvim-tree.enum").FILTER_REASON
 
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ local config
 ---@field sorters Sorter
 ---@field marks Marks
 ---@field clipboard Clipboard
+---@field view View
 local Explorer = RootNode:extend()
 
 ---@class Explorer
@@ -55,6 +56,8 @@ function Explorer:new(args)
   self.uid_explorer = vim.loop.hrtime()
   self.augroup_id   = vim.api.nvim_create_augroup("NvimTree_Explorer_" .. self.uid_explorer, {})
 
+  self:log_lifecycle("Explorer:new")
+
   self.open         = true
   self.opts         = config
 
@@ -64,6 +67,7 @@ function Explorer:new(args)
   self.live_filter  = LiveFilter({ explorer = self })
   self.marks        = Marks({ explorer = self })
   self.clipboard    = Clipboard({ explorer = self })
+  self.view         = View({ explorer = self })
 
   self:create_autocmds()
 
@@ -71,7 +75,7 @@ function Explorer:new(args)
 end
 
 function Explorer:destroy()
-  log.line("dev", "Explorer:destroy")
+  self:log_lifecycle("Explorer:des")
 
   vim.api.nvim_del_augroup_by_id(self.augroup_id)
 
@@ -84,11 +88,23 @@ function Explorer:create_autocmds()
     group = self.augroup_id,
     callback = function()
       appearance.setup()
-      view.reset_winhl()
+      self.view:reset_winhl()
       self.renderer:draw()
     end,
   })
 
+  if self.opts.view.float.enable and self.opts.view.float.quit_on_focus_loss then
+    vim.api.nvim_create_autocmd("WinLeave", {
+      group = self.augroup_id,
+      pattern = "NvimTree_*",
+      callback = function()
+        if utils.is_nvim_tree_buf(0) then
+          self.view:close()
+        end
+      end,
+    })
+  end
+
   vim.api.nvim_create_autocmd("BufWritePost", {
     group = self.augroup_id,
     callback = function()
@@ -141,6 +157,22 @@ function Explorer:create_autocmds()
     end,
   })
 
+  -- prevent new opened file from opening in the same window as nvim-tree
+  vim.api.nvim_create_autocmd("BufWipeout", {
+    group = self.augroup_id,
+    pattern = "NvimTree_*",
+    callback = function()
+      if not utils.is_nvim_tree_buf(0) then
+        return
+      end
+      if self.opts.actions.open_file.eject then
+        self.view:prevent_buffer_override()
+      else
+        self.view:abandon_current_window()
+      end
+    end,
+  })
+
   vim.api.nvim_create_autocmd("BufEnter", {
     group = self.augroup_id,
     pattern = "NvimTree_*",
@@ -486,7 +518,7 @@ function Explorer:reload_explorer()
 
   local projects = git.reload_all_projects()
   self:refresh_nodes(projects)
-  if view.is_visible() then
+  if self.view:is_visible() then
     self.renderer:draw()
   end
   event_running = false
@@ -508,7 +540,7 @@ end
 ---nil on no explorer or invalid view win
 ---@return integer[]|nil
 function Explorer:get_cursor_position()
-  local winnr = view.get_winnr()
+  local winnr = self.view:get_winnr()
   if not winnr or not vim.api.nvim_win_is_valid(winnr) then
     return
   end
@@ -523,7 +555,7 @@ function Explorer:get_node_at_cursor()
     return
   end
 
-  if cursor[1] == 1 and view.is_root_folder_visible(core.get_cwd()) then
+  if cursor[1] == 1 and self.view:is_root_folder_visible(core.get_cwd()) then
     return self
   end
 
@@ -557,6 +589,12 @@ function Explorer:get_nodes()
   return self:clone()
 end
 
+---Log a lifecycle message with uid_explorer and absolute_path
+---@param msg string?
+function Explorer:log_lifecycle(msg)
+  log.line("lifecycle", "%-15s %d %s", msg, self.uid_explorer, self.absolute_path)
+end
+
 function Explorer:setup(opts)
   config = opts
 end
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua
index 62a7dd9ef64..704945e1dc3 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/live-filter.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
 
 local Class = require("nvim-tree.classic")
@@ -21,6 +20,8 @@ local LiveFilter = Class:extend()
 ---@protected
 ---@param args LiveFilterArgs
 function LiveFilter:new(args)
+  args.explorer:log_lifecycle("LiveFilter:new")
+
   self.explorer = args.explorer
   self.prefix = self.explorer.opts.live_filter.prefix
   self.always_show_folders = self.explorer.opts.live_filter.always_show_folders
@@ -56,14 +57,14 @@ local overlay_bufnr = 0
 local overlay_winnr = 0
 
 local function remove_overlay(self)
-  if view.View.float.enable and view.View.float.quit_on_focus_loss then
+  if self.explorer.view.float.enable and self.explorer.view.float.quit_on_focus_loss then
     -- return to normal nvim-tree float behaviour when filter window is closed
     vim.api.nvim_create_autocmd("WinLeave", {
       pattern = "NvimTree_*",
       group = vim.api.nvim_create_augroup("NvimTree", { clear = false }),
       callback = function()
         if utils.is_nvim_tree_buf(0) then
-          view.close()
+          self.explorer.view:close()
         end
       end,
     })
@@ -156,7 +157,7 @@ end
 
 ---@return integer
 local function calculate_overlay_win_width(self)
-  local wininfo = vim.fn.getwininfo(view.get_winnr())[1]
+  local wininfo = vim.fn.getwininfo(self.explorer.view:get_winnr())[1]
 
   if wininfo then
     return wininfo.width - wininfo.textoff - #self.prefix
@@ -166,7 +167,7 @@ local function calculate_overlay_win_width(self)
 end
 
 local function create_overlay(self)
-  if view.View.float.enable then
+  if self.explorer.view.float.enable then
     -- don't close nvim-tree float when focus is changed to filter window
     vim.api.nvim_clear_autocmds({
       event   = "WinLeave",
@@ -198,13 +199,13 @@ local function create_overlay(self)
 end
 
 function LiveFilter:start_filtering()
-  view.View.live_filter.prev_focused_node = self.explorer:get_node_at_cursor()
+  self.explorer.view.live_filter.prev_focused_node = self.explorer:get_node_at_cursor()
   self.filter = self.filter or ""
 
   self.explorer.renderer:draw()
   local row = require("nvim-tree.core").get_nodes_starting_line() - 1
   local col = #self.prefix > 0 and #self.prefix - 1 or 1
-  view.set_cursor({ row, col })
+  self.explorer.view:set_cursor({ row, col })
   -- needs scheduling to let the cursor move before initializing the window
   vim.schedule(function()
     return create_overlay(self)
@@ -213,7 +214,7 @@ end
 
 function LiveFilter:clear_filter()
   local node = self.explorer:get_node_at_cursor()
-  local last_node = view.View.live_filter.prev_focused_node
+  local last_node = self.explorer.view.live_filter.prev_focused_node
 
   self.filter = nil
   reset_filter(self)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/sorter.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/sorter.lua
index 799cfa481b1..3fd475e3f43 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/sorter.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/sorter.lua
@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@ local Sorter = Class:extend()
 ---@protected
 ---@param args SorterArgs
 function Sorter:new(args)
+  args.explorer:log_lifecycle("Sorter:new")
+
   self.explorer = args.explorer
 end
 
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/view.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/view.lua
similarity index 61%
rename from lua/nvim-tree/view.lua
rename to lua/nvim-tree/explorer/view.lua
index 4ce95bfb6f4..cbe4ebb84b4 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/view.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/explorer/view.lua
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
 local log = require("nvim-tree.log")
 local notify = require("nvim-tree.notify")
 
+local Class = require("nvim-tree.classic")
+
 ---@class OpenInWinOpts
 ---@field hijack_current_buf boolean|nil default true
 ---@field resize boolean|nil default true
@@ -14,28 +16,65 @@ local DEFAULT_MIN_WIDTH = 30
 local DEFAULT_MAX_WIDTH = -1
 local DEFAULT_PADDING = 1
 
+-- TODO global, rework for multiinstance explorer
+-- M.View retained for simpler change history
 M.View = {
-  adaptive_size        = false,
-  centralize_selection = false,
-  tabpages             = {},
-  cursors              = {},
-  hide_root_folder     = false,
-  live_filter          = {
-    prev_focused_node = nil,
-  },
-  winopts              = {
-    relativenumber = false,
-    number         = false,
+  tabpages = {}
+}
+
+---@class (exact) View: Class
+---@field live_filter table
+---@field side string
+---@field float table
+---@field private explorer Explorer
+---@field private adaptive_size boolean
+---@field private centralize_selection boolean
+---@field private cursors table<integer, integer[]> as per vim.api.nvim_win_get_cursor
+---@field private hide_root_folder boolean
+---@field private winopts table
+---@field private height integer
+---@field private preserve_window_proportions boolean
+---@field private initial_width integer
+---@field private width (fun():integer)|integer|string
+---@field private max_width integer
+---@field private padding integer
+local View = Class:extend()
+
+---@class View
+---@overload fun(args: ViewArgs): View
+
+---@class (exact) ViewArgs
+---@field explorer Explorer
+
+---@protected
+---@param args ViewArgs
+function View:new(args)
+  args.explorer:log_lifecycle("View:new")
+
+  self.explorer                    = args.explorer
+  self.adaptive_size               = false
+  self.centralize_selection        = self.explorer.opts.view.centralize_selection
+  self.cursors                     = {}
+  self.float                       = self.explorer.opts.view.float
+  self.height                      = self.explorer.opts.view.height
+  self.hide_root_folder            = self.explorer.opts.renderer.root_folder_label == false
+  self.preserve_window_proportions = self.explorer.opts.view.preserve_window_proportions
+  self.side                        = (self.explorer.opts.view.side == "right") and "right" or "left"
+  self.live_filter                 = { prev_focused_node = nil, }
+
+  self.winopts                     = {
+    relativenumber = self.explorer.opts.view.relativenumber,
+    number         = self.explorer.opts.view.number,
     list           = false,
     foldenable     = false,
     winfixwidth    = true,
     winfixheight   = true,
     spell          = false,
-    signcolumn     = "yes",
+    signcolumn     = self.explorer.opts.view.signcolumn,
     foldmethod     = "manual",
     foldcolumn     = "0",
     cursorcolumn   = false,
-    cursorline     = true,
+    cursorline     = self.explorer.opts.view.cursorline,
     cursorlineopt  = "both",
     colorcolumn    = "0",
     wrap           = false,
@@ -53,8 +92,11 @@ M.View = {
       "NormalFloat:NvimTreeNormalFloat",
       "FloatBorder:NvimTreeNormalFloatBorder",
     }, ","),
-  },
-}
+  }
+
+  self:configure_width(self.explorer.opts.view.width)
+  self.initial_width = self:get_width()
+end
 
 -- The initial state of a tab
 local tabinitial = {
@@ -64,6 +106,8 @@ local tabinitial = {
   winnr = nil,
 }
 
+-- TODO global, rework for multiinstance explorer
+---@type table<integer, integer>
 local BUFNR_PER_TAB = {}
 
 ---@type { name: string, value: any }[]
@@ -76,9 +120,10 @@ local BUFFER_OPTIONS = {
   { name = "swapfile",   value = false },
 }
 
+---@private
 ---@param bufnr integer
 ---@return boolean
-local function matches_bufnr(bufnr)
+function View:matches_bufnr(bufnr)
   for _, b in pairs(BUFNR_PER_TAB) do
     if b == bufnr then
       return true
@@ -87,39 +132,42 @@ local function matches_bufnr(bufnr)
   return false
 end
 
-local function wipe_rogue_buffer()
+---@private
+function View:wipe_rogue_buffer()
   for _, bufnr in ipairs(vim.api.nvim_list_bufs()) do
-    if not matches_bufnr(bufnr) and utils.is_nvim_tree_buf(bufnr) then
+    if not self:matches_bufnr(bufnr) and utils.is_nvim_tree_buf(bufnr) then
       pcall(vim.api.nvim_buf_delete, bufnr, { force = true })
     end
   end
 end
 
----@param bufnr integer|boolean|nil
-local function create_buffer(bufnr)
-  wipe_rogue_buffer()
+---@private
+---@param bufnr integer|false|nil
+function View:create_buffer(bufnr)
+  self:wipe_rogue_buffer()
 
   local tab = vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
   BUFNR_PER_TAB[tab] = bufnr or vim.api.nvim_create_buf(false, false)
-  vim.api.nvim_buf_set_name(M.get_bufnr(), "NvimTree_" .. tab)
+  vim.api.nvim_buf_set_name(self:get_bufnr(), "NvimTree_" .. tab)
 
-  bufnr = M.get_bufnr()
+  bufnr = self:get_bufnr()
   for _, option in ipairs(BUFFER_OPTIONS) do
     vim.api.nvim_set_option_value(option.name, option.value, { buf = bufnr })
   end
 
-  require("nvim-tree.keymap").on_attach(M.get_bufnr())
+  require("nvim-tree.keymap").on_attach(self:get_bufnr())
 
-  events._dispatch_tree_attached_post(M.get_bufnr())
+  events._dispatch_tree_attached_post(self:get_bufnr())
 end
 
+---@private
 ---@param size (fun():integer)|integer|string
 ---@return integer
-local function get_size(size)
+function View:get_size(size)
   if type(size) == "number" then
     return size
   elseif type(size) == "function" then
-    return get_size(size())
+    return self:get_size(size())
   end
   local size_as_number = tonumber(size:sub(0, -2))
   local percent_as_decimal = size_as_number / 100
@@ -128,11 +176,11 @@ end
 
 ---@param size (fun():integer)|integer|nil
 ---@return integer
-local function get_width(size)
+function View:get_width(size)
   if size then
-    return get_size(size)
+    return self:get_size(size)
   else
-    return get_size(M.View.width)
+    return self:get_size(self.width)
   end
 end
 
@@ -142,20 +190,22 @@ local move_tbl = {
 }
 
 -- setup_tabpage sets up the initial state of a tab
+---@private
 ---@param tabpage integer
-local function setup_tabpage(tabpage)
+function View:setup_tabpage(tabpage)
   local winnr = vim.api.nvim_get_current_win()
   M.View.tabpages[tabpage] = vim.tbl_extend("force", M.View.tabpages[tabpage] or tabinitial, { winnr = winnr })
 end
 
-local function set_window_options_and_buffer()
-  pcall(vim.api.nvim_command, "buffer " .. M.get_bufnr())
+---@private
+function View:set_window_options_and_buffer()
+  pcall(vim.api.nvim_command, "buffer " .. self:get_bufnr())
 
   if vim.fn.has("nvim-0.10") == 1 then
     local eventignore = vim.api.nvim_get_option_value("eventignore", {})
     vim.api.nvim_set_option_value("eventignore", "all", {})
 
-    for k, v in pairs(M.View.winopts) do
+    for k, v in pairs(self.winopts) do
       vim.api.nvim_set_option_value(k, v, { scope = "local" })
     end
 
@@ -166,7 +216,7 @@ local function set_window_options_and_buffer()
 
     -- #3009 vim.api.nvim_win_set_option does not set local scope without explicit winid.
     -- Revert to opt_local instead of propagating it through for just the 0.10 path.
-    for k, v in pairs(M.View.winopts) do
+    for k, v in pairs(self.winopts) do
       vim.opt_local[k] = v
     end
 
@@ -174,24 +224,26 @@ local function set_window_options_and_buffer()
   end
 end
 
+---@private
 ---@return table
-local function open_win_config()
-  if type(M.View.float.open_win_config) == "function" then
-    return M.View.float.open_win_config()
+function View:open_win_config()
+  if type(self.float.open_win_config) == "function" then
+    return self.float.open_win_config()
   else
-    return M.View.float.open_win_config
+    return self.float.open_win_config
   end
 end
 
-local function open_window()
-  if M.View.float.enable then
-    vim.api.nvim_open_win(0, true, open_win_config())
+---@private
+function View:open_window()
+  if self.float.enable then
+    vim.api.nvim_open_win(0, true, self:open_win_config())
   else
     vim.api.nvim_command("vsp")
-    M.reposition_window()
+    self:reposition_window()
   end
-  setup_tabpage(vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage())
-  set_window_options_and_buffer()
+  self:setup_tabpage(vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage())
+  self:set_window_options_and_buffer()
 end
 
 ---@param buf integer
@@ -225,21 +277,23 @@ local function switch_buf_if_last_buf()
   end
 end
 
--- save_tab_state saves any state that should be preserved across redraws.
+---save_tab_state saves any state that should be preserved across redraws.
+---@private
 ---@param tabnr integer
-local function save_tab_state(tabnr)
+function View:save_tab_state(tabnr)
   local tabpage = tabnr or vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
-  M.View.cursors[tabpage] = vim.api.nvim_win_get_cursor(M.get_winnr(tabpage) or 0)
+  self.cursors[tabpage] = vim.api.nvim_win_get_cursor(self:get_winnr(tabpage) or 0)
 end
 
+---@private
 ---@param tabpage integer
-local function close(tabpage)
-  if not M.is_visible({ tabpage = tabpage }) then
+function View:close_internal(tabpage)
+  if not self:is_visible({ tabpage = tabpage }) then
     return
   end
-  save_tab_state(tabpage)
+  self:save_tab_state(tabpage)
   switch_buf_if_last_buf()
-  local tree_win = M.get_winnr(tabpage)
+  local tree_win = self:get_winnr(tabpage)
   local current_win = vim.api.nvim_get_current_win()
   for _, win in pairs(vim.api.nvim_tabpage_list_wins(tabpage)) do
     if vim.api.nvim_win_get_config(win).relative == "" then
@@ -259,39 +313,39 @@ local function close(tabpage)
   end
 end
 
-function M.close_this_tab_only()
-  close(vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage())
+function View:close_this_tab_only()
+  self:close_internal(vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage())
 end
 
-function M.close_all_tabs()
+function View:close_all_tabs()
   for tabpage, _ in pairs(M.View.tabpages) do
-    close(tabpage)
+    self:close_internal(tabpage)
   end
 end
 
 ---@param tabpage integer|nil
-function M.close(tabpage)
-  if M.View.tab.sync.close then
-    M.close_all_tabs()
+function View:close(tabpage)
+  if self.explorer.opts.tab.sync.close then
+    self:close_all_tabs()
   elseif tabpage then
-    close(tabpage)
+    self:close_internal(tabpage)
   else
-    M.close_this_tab_only()
+    self:close_this_tab_only()
   end
 end
 
 ---@param options table|nil
-function M.open(options)
-  if M.is_visible() then
+function View:open(options)
+  if self:is_visible() then
     return
   end
 
   local profile = log.profile_start("view open")
 
   events._dispatch_on_tree_pre_open()
-  create_buffer()
-  open_window()
-  M.resize()
+  self:create_buffer()
+  self:open_window()
+  self:resize()
 
   local opts = options or { focus_tree = true }
   if not opts.focus_tree then
@@ -302,54 +356,55 @@ function M.open(options)
   log.profile_end(profile)
 end
 
-local function grow()
-  local starts_at = M.is_root_folder_visible(require("nvim-tree.core").get_cwd()) and 1 or 0
-  local lines = vim.api.nvim_buf_get_lines(M.get_bufnr(), starts_at, -1, false)
+---@private
+function View:grow()
+  local starts_at = self:is_root_folder_visible(require("nvim-tree.core").get_cwd()) and 1 or 0
+  local lines = vim.api.nvim_buf_get_lines(self:get_bufnr(), starts_at, -1, false)
   -- number of columns of right-padding to indicate end of path
-  local padding = get_size(M.View.padding)
+  local padding = self:get_size(self.padding)
 
   -- account for sign/number columns etc.
-  local wininfo = vim.fn.getwininfo(M.get_winnr())
+  local wininfo = vim.fn.getwininfo(self:get_winnr())
   if type(wininfo) == "table" and type(wininfo[1]) == "table" then
     padding = padding + wininfo[1].textoff
   end
 
-  local resizing_width = M.View.initial_width - padding
+  local resizing_width = self.initial_width - padding
   local max_width
 
   -- maybe bound max
-  if M.View.max_width == -1 then
+  if self.max_width == -1 then
     max_width = -1
   else
-    max_width = get_width(M.View.max_width) - padding
+    max_width = self:get_width(self.max_width) - padding
   end
 
   local ns_id = vim.api.nvim_get_namespaces()["NvimTreeExtmarks"]
   for line_nr, l in pairs(lines) do
     local count = vim.fn.strchars(l)
     -- also add space for right-aligned icons
-    local extmarks = vim.api.nvim_buf_get_extmarks(M.get_bufnr(), ns_id, { line_nr, 0 }, { line_nr, -1 }, { details = true })
+    local extmarks = vim.api.nvim_buf_get_extmarks(self:get_bufnr(), ns_id, { line_nr, 0 }, { line_nr, -1 }, { details = true })
     count = count + utils.extmarks_length(extmarks)
     if resizing_width < count then
       resizing_width = count
     end
-    if M.View.adaptive_size and max_width >= 0 and resizing_width >= max_width then
+    if self.adaptive_size and max_width >= 0 and resizing_width >= max_width then
       resizing_width = max_width
       break
     end
   end
-  M.resize(resizing_width + padding)
+  self:resize(resizing_width + padding)
 end
 
-function M.grow_from_content()
-  if M.View.adaptive_size then
-    grow()
+function View:grow_from_content()
+  if self.adaptive_size then
+    self:grow()
   end
 end
 
 ---@param size string|number|nil
-function M.resize(size)
-  if M.View.float.enable and not M.View.adaptive_size then
+function View:resize(size)
+  if self.float.enable and not self.adaptive_size then
     -- if the floating windows's adaptive size is not desired, then the
     -- float size should be defined in view.float.open_win_config
     return
@@ -361,7 +416,7 @@ function M.resize(size)
     size = tonumber(size)
 
     if first_char == "+" or first_char == "-" then
-      size = M.View.width + size
+      size = self.width + size
     end
   end
 
@@ -370,21 +425,21 @@ function M.resize(size)
   end
 
   if size then
-    M.View.width = size
-    M.View.height = size
+    self.width = size
+    self.height = size
   end
 
-  if not M.is_visible() then
+  if not self:is_visible() then
     return
   end
 
-  local winnr = M.get_winnr() or 0
+  local winnr = self:get_winnr() or 0
 
-  local new_size = get_width()
+  local new_size = self:get_width()
 
   if new_size ~= vim.api.nvim_win_get_width(winnr) then
     vim.api.nvim_win_set_width(winnr, new_size)
-    if not M.View.preserve_window_proportions then
+    if not self.preserve_window_proportions then
       vim.cmd(":wincmd =")
     end
   end
@@ -392,37 +447,39 @@ function M.resize(size)
   events._dispatch_on_tree_resize(new_size)
 end
 
-function M.reposition_window()
-  local move_to = move_tbl[M.View.side]
+---@private
+function View:reposition_window()
+  local move_to = move_tbl[self.side]
   vim.api.nvim_command("wincmd " .. move_to)
-  M.resize()
+  self:resize()
 end
 
-local function set_current_win()
+---@private
+function View:set_current_win()
   local current_tab = vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
   M.View.tabpages[current_tab].winnr = vim.api.nvim_get_current_win()
 end
 
 ---Open the tree in the a window
 ---@param opts OpenInWinOpts|nil
-function M.open_in_win(opts)
+function View:open_in_win(opts)
   opts = opts or { hijack_current_buf = true, resize = true }
   events._dispatch_on_tree_pre_open()
   if opts.winid and vim.api.nvim_win_is_valid(opts.winid) then
     vim.api.nvim_set_current_win(opts.winid)
   end
-  create_buffer(opts.hijack_current_buf and vim.api.nvim_get_current_buf())
-  setup_tabpage(vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage())
-  set_current_win()
-  set_window_options_and_buffer()
+  self:create_buffer(opts.hijack_current_buf and vim.api.nvim_get_current_buf())
+  self:setup_tabpage(vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage())
+  self:set_current_win()
+  self:set_window_options_and_buffer()
   if opts.resize then
-    M.reposition_window()
-    M.resize()
+    self:reposition_window()
+    self:resize()
   end
   events._dispatch_on_tree_open()
 end
 
-function M.abandon_current_window()
+function View:abandon_current_window()
   local tab = vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
   BUFNR_PER_TAB[tab] = nil
   if M.View.tabpages[tab] then
@@ -430,7 +487,7 @@ function M.abandon_current_window()
   end
 end
 
-function M.abandon_all_windows()
+function View:abandon_all_windows()
   for tab, _ in pairs(vim.api.nvim_list_tabpages()) do
     BUFNR_PER_TAB[tab] = nil
     if M.View.tabpages[tab] then
@@ -441,7 +498,7 @@ end
 
 ---@param opts table|nil
 ---@return boolean
-function M.is_visible(opts)
+function View:is_visible(opts)
   if opts and opts.tabpage then
     if M.View.tabpages[opts.tabpage] == nil then
       return false
@@ -459,27 +516,27 @@ function M.is_visible(opts)
     return false
   end
 
-  return M.get_winnr() ~= nil and vim.api.nvim_win_is_valid(M.get_winnr() or 0)
+  return self:get_winnr() ~= nil and vim.api.nvim_win_is_valid(self:get_winnr() or 0)
 end
 
 ---@param opts table|nil
-function M.set_cursor(opts)
-  if M.is_visible() then
-    pcall(vim.api.nvim_win_set_cursor, M.get_winnr(), opts)
+function View:set_cursor(opts)
+  if self:is_visible() then
+    pcall(vim.api.nvim_win_set_cursor, self:get_winnr(), opts)
   end
 end
 
 ---@param winnr number|nil
 ---@param open_if_closed boolean|nil
-function M.focus(winnr, open_if_closed)
-  local wnr = winnr or M.get_winnr()
+function View:focus(winnr, open_if_closed)
+  local wnr = winnr or self:get_winnr()
 
   if vim.api.nvim_win_get_tabpage(wnr or 0) ~= vim.api.nvim_win_get_tabpage(0) then
-    M.close()
-    M.open()
-    wnr = M.get_winnr()
-  elseif open_if_closed and not M.is_visible() then
-    M.open()
+    self:close()
+    self:open()
+    wnr = self:get_winnr()
+  elseif open_if_closed and not self:is_visible() then
+    self:open()
   end
 
   if wnr then
@@ -490,28 +547,28 @@ end
 --- Retrieve the winid of the open tree.
 ---@param opts ApiTreeWinIdOpts|nil
 ---@return number|nil winid unlike get_winnr(), this returns nil if the nvim-tree window is not visible
-function M.winid(opts)
+function View:winid(opts)
   local tabpage = opts and opts.tabpage
   if tabpage == 0 then
     tabpage = vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
   end
-  if M.is_visible({ tabpage = tabpage }) then
-    return M.get_winnr(tabpage)
+  if self:is_visible({ tabpage = tabpage }) then
+    return self:get_winnr(tabpage)
   else
     return nil
   end
 end
 
 --- Restores the state of a NvimTree window if it was initialized before.
-function M.restore_tab_state()
+function View:restore_tab_state()
   local tabpage = vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
-  M.set_cursor(M.View.cursors[tabpage])
+  self:set_cursor(self.cursors[tabpage])
 end
 
 --- Returns the window number for nvim-tree within the tabpage specified
 ---@param tabpage number|nil (optional) the number of the chosen tabpage. Defaults to current tabpage.
 ---@return number|nil
-function M.get_winnr(tabpage)
+function View:get_winnr(tabpage)
   tabpage = tabpage or vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()
   local tabinfo = M.View.tabpages[tabpage]
   if tabinfo and tabinfo.winnr and vim.api.nvim_win_is_valid(tabinfo.winnr) then
@@ -521,13 +578,13 @@ end
 
 --- Returns the current nvim tree bufnr
 ---@return number
-function M.get_bufnr()
+function View:get_bufnr()
   return BUFNR_PER_TAB[vim.api.nvim_get_current_tabpage()]
 end
 
-function M._prevent_buffer_override()
-  local view_winnr = M.get_winnr()
-  local view_bufnr = M.get_bufnr()
+function View:prevent_buffer_override()
+  local view_winnr = self:get_winnr()
+  local view_bufnr = self:get_bufnr()
 
   -- need to schedule to let the new buffer populate the window
   -- because this event needs to be run on bufWipeout.
@@ -554,7 +611,7 @@ function M._prevent_buffer_override()
     -- might need a better patch
     vim.cmd("setlocal nowinfixwidth")
     vim.cmd("setlocal nowinfixheight")
-    M.open({ focus_tree = false })
+    self:open({ focus_tree = false })
 
     local explorer = require("nvim-tree.core").get_explorer()
     if explorer then
@@ -575,65 +632,44 @@ end
 
 ---@param cwd string|nil
 ---@return boolean
-function M.is_root_folder_visible(cwd)
-  return cwd ~= "/" and not M.View.hide_root_folder
+function View:is_root_folder_visible(cwd)
+  return cwd ~= "/" and not self.hide_root_folder
 end
 
 -- used on ColorScheme event
-function M.reset_winhl()
-  local winnr = M.get_winnr()
+function View:reset_winhl()
+  local winnr = self:get_winnr()
   if winnr and vim.api.nvim_win_is_valid(winnr) then
-    vim.wo[M.get_winnr()].winhl = M.View.winopts.winhl
+    vim.wo[self:get_winnr()].winhl = self.winopts.winhl
   end
 end
 
 ---Check if width determined or calculated on-fly
 ---@return boolean
-function M.is_width_determined()
-  return type(M.View.width) ~= "function"
+function View:is_width_determined()
+  return type(self.width) ~= "function"
 end
 
 ---Configure width-related config
 ---@param width string|function|number|table|nil
-function M.configure_width(width)
+function View:configure_width(width)
   if type(width) == "table" then
-    M.View.adaptive_size = true
-    M.View.width = width.min or DEFAULT_MIN_WIDTH
-    M.View.max_width = width.max or DEFAULT_MAX_WIDTH
-    M.View.padding = width.padding or DEFAULT_PADDING
+    self.adaptive_size = true
+    self.width = width.min or DEFAULT_MIN_WIDTH
+    self.max_width = width.max or DEFAULT_MAX_WIDTH
+    self.padding = width.padding or DEFAULT_PADDING
   elseif width == nil then
-    if M.config.width ~= nil then
+    if self.explorer.opts.view.width ~= nil then
       -- if we had input config - fallback to it
-      M.configure_width(M.config.width)
+      self:configure_width(self.explorer.opts.view.width)
     else
       -- otherwise - restore initial width
-      M.View.width = M.View.initial_width
+      self.width = self.initial_width
     end
   else
-    M.View.adaptive_size = false
-    M.View.width = width
+    self.adaptive_size = false
+    self.width = width
   end
 end
 
-function M.setup(opts)
-  local options = opts.view or {}
-  M.View.centralize_selection = options.centralize_selection
-  M.View.side = (options.side == "right") and "right" or "left"
-  M.View.height = options.height
-  M.View.hide_root_folder = opts.renderer.root_folder_label == false
-  M.View.tab = opts.tab
-  M.View.preserve_window_proportions = options.preserve_window_proportions
-  M.View.winopts.cursorline = options.cursorline
-  M.View.winopts.number = options.number
-  M.View.winopts.relativenumber = options.relativenumber
-  M.View.winopts.signcolumn = options.signcolumn
-  M.View.float = options.float
-  M.on_attach = opts.on_attach
-
-  M.config = options
-  M.configure_width(options.width)
-
-  M.View.initial_width = get_width()
-end
-
-return M
+return View
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/iterators/node-iterator.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/iterators/node-iterator.lua
index 8cd4abdeda6..925a0a17955 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/iterators/node-iterator.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/iterators/node-iterator.lua
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ function NodeIterator:recursor(f)
 end
 
 ---@return Node|nil
----@return number|nil
+---@return number
 function NodeIterator:iterate()
   local iteration_count = 0
   local function iter(nodes)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua
index a464edf39ba..4793075853b 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/lib.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local core = require("nvim-tree.core")
 local notify = require("nvim-tree.notify")
 
@@ -12,9 +11,11 @@ local M = {
 }
 
 function M.set_target_win()
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   local id = vim.api.nvim_get_current_win()
-  local tree_id = view.get_winnr()
-  if tree_id and id == tree_id then
+
+  if explorer and id == explorer.view:get_winnr() then
     M.target_winid = 0
     return
   end
@@ -30,11 +31,16 @@ local function handle_buf_cwd(cwd)
 end
 
 local function open_view_and_draw()
+  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
+
   local cwd = vim.fn.getcwd()
-  view.open()
+
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.view:open()
+  end
+
   handle_buf_cwd(cwd)
 
-  local explorer = core.get_explorer()
   if explorer then
     explorer.renderer:draw()
   end
@@ -110,25 +116,28 @@ function M.open(opts)
   local explorer = core.get_explorer()
 
   if should_hijack_current_buf() then
-    view.close_this_tab_only()
-    view.open_in_win()
     if explorer then
+      explorer.view:close_this_tab_only()
+      explorer.view:open_in_win()
       explorer.renderer:draw()
     end
   elseif opts.winid then
-    view.open_in_win({ hijack_current_buf = false, resize = false, winid = opts.winid })
     if explorer then
+      explorer.view:open_in_win({ hijack_current_buf = false, resize = false, winid = opts.winid })
       explorer.renderer:draw()
     end
   elseif opts.current_window then
-    view.open_in_win({ hijack_current_buf = false, resize = false })
     if explorer then
+      explorer.view:open_in_win({ hijack_current_buf = false, resize = false })
       explorer.renderer:draw()
     end
   else
     open_view_and_draw()
   end
-  view.restore_tab_state()
+
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.view:restore_tab_state()
+  end
 end
 
 function M.setup(opts)
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/log.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/log.lua
index 9665c1335e6..4aa8e9e1849 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/log.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/log.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
----@alias LogTypes "all" | "config" | "copy_paste" | "dev" | "diagnostics" | "git" | "profile" | "watcher"
+---@alias LogTypes "all" | "config" | "copy_paste" | "dev" | "diagnostics" | "git" | "lifecycle" | "profile" | "watcher"
 
 ---@type table<LogTypes, boolean>
 local types = {}
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua
index c940f999983..3771520c4a8 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/marks/init.lua
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ local Marks = Class:extend()
 ---@protected
 ---@param args MarksArgs
 function Marks:new(args)
+  args.explorer:log_lifecycle("Marks:new")
+
   self.explorer = args.explorer
 
   self.marks = {}
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua
index 819660e5306..d2727f3f4ac 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/builder.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 local notify = require("nvim-tree.notify")
 local utils = require("nvim-tree.utils")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 
 local Class = require("nvim-tree.classic")
 
@@ -379,7 +378,7 @@ end
 
 ---@private
 function Builder:build_header()
-  if view.is_root_folder_visible(self.explorer.absolute_path) then
+  if self.explorer.view:is_root_folder_visible(self.explorer.absolute_path) then
     local root_name = self:format_root_name(self.explorer.opts.renderer.root_folder_label)
     table.insert(self.lines, root_name)
     self:insert_highlight({ "NvimTreeRootFolder" }, 0, string.len(root_name))
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua
index 30af27e81b9..ff66f041a19 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/renderer/init.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 local log = require("nvim-tree.log")
-local view = require("nvim-tree.view")
 local events = require("nvim-tree.events")
 
 local Class = require("nvim-tree.classic")
@@ -26,6 +25,8 @@ local Renderer = Class:extend()
 ---@protected
 ---@param args RendererArgs
 function Renderer:new(args)
+  args.explorer:log_lifecycle("Renderer:new")
+
   self.explorer = args.explorer
 end
 
@@ -96,28 +97,28 @@ function Renderer:render_hl(bufnr, hl_range_args)
 end
 
 function Renderer:draw()
-  local bufnr = view.get_bufnr()
+  local bufnr = self.explorer.view:get_bufnr()
   if not bufnr or not vim.api.nvim_buf_is_loaded(bufnr) then
     return
   end
 
   local profile = log.profile_start("draw")
 
-  local cursor = vim.api.nvim_win_get_cursor(view.get_winnr() or 0)
+  local cursor = vim.api.nvim_win_get_cursor(self.explorer.view:get_winnr() or 0)
 
   local builder = Builder(self.explorer):build()
 
   self:_draw(bufnr, builder.lines, builder.hl_range_args, builder.signs, builder.extmarks, builder.virtual_lines)
 
   if cursor and #builder.lines >= cursor[1] then
-    vim.api.nvim_win_set_cursor(view.get_winnr() or 0, cursor)
+    vim.api.nvim_win_set_cursor(self.explorer.view:get_winnr() or 0, cursor)
   end
 
-  view.grow_from_content()
+  self.explorer.view:grow_from_content()
 
   log.profile_end(profile)
 
-  events._dispatch_on_tree_rendered(bufnr, view.get_winnr())
+  events._dispatch_on_tree_rendered(bufnr, self.explorer.view:get_winnr())
 end
 
 return Renderer
diff --git a/lua/nvim-tree/utils.lua b/lua/nvim-tree/utils.lua
index 9396ba9d52f..e33aaaf1091 100644
--- a/lua/nvim-tree/utils.lua
+++ b/lua/nvim-tree/utils.lua
@@ -143,10 +143,16 @@ function M.find_node(nodes, fn)
       return node.group_next and { node.group_next } or (node.open and #node.nodes > 0 and node.nodes)
     end)
     :iterate()
-  i = require("nvim-tree.view").is_root_folder_visible() and i or i - 1
-  if node and node.explorer.live_filter.filter then
-    i = i + 1
+
+  if node then
+    if not node.explorer.view:is_root_folder_visible() then
+      i = i - 1
+    end
+    if node.explorer.live_filter.filter then
+      i = i + 1
+    end
   end
+
   return node, i
 end
 
@@ -537,7 +543,10 @@ function M.focus_file(path)
   local _, i = M.find_node(require("nvim-tree.core").get_explorer().nodes, function(node)
     return node.absolute_path == path
   end)
-  require("nvim-tree.view").set_cursor({ i + 1, 1 })
+  local explorer = require("nvim-tree.core").get_explorer()
+  if explorer then
+    explorer.view:set_cursor({ i + 1, 1 })
+  end
 end
 
 ---Focus node passed as parameter if visible, otherwise focus first visible parent.
@@ -557,7 +566,7 @@ function M.focus_node_or_parent(node)
     end)
 
     if found_node or node.parent == nil then
-      require("nvim-tree.view").set_cursor({ i + 1, 1 })
+      explorer.view:set_cursor({ i + 1, 1 })
       break
     end