return 
{
    "nvim-neo-tree/neo-tree.nvim",
    branch = "v3.x",
    dependencies = {
      "nvim-lua/plenary.nvim",
      "nvim-tree/nvim-web-devicons", -- not strictly required, but recommended
      "MunifTanjim/nui.nvim",
      -- "3rd/image.nvim", -- Optional image support in preview window: See `# Preview Mode` for more information
    },

    config = function()
      require("neo-tree").setup({
        close_if_last_window = true,
        window = {
          mappings = {
          ["l"] = "open",
          ["h"] = "close_node",
          ["<space>"] = "none",
          ["Y"] = {
            function(state)
              local node = state.tree:get_node()
              local path = node:get_id()
              vim.fn.setreg("+", path, "c")
            end,
            desc = "Copy Path to Clipboard",
          },
          ["O"] = {
            function(state)
              require("lazy.util").open(state.tree:get_node().path, { system = true })
            end,
            desc = "Open with System Application",
          },
          ["P"] = { "toggle_preview", config = { use_float = false } },
        },
      },
        event_handlers = {

          {
            event = "file_open_requested",
            handler = function()
              -- auto close
              -- vim.cmd("Neotree close")
              -- OR
              require("neo-tree.command").execute({ action = "close" })
            end
          },

        },
            -- set keymaps
      })
      local keymap = vim.keymap -- for conciseness

      keymap.set("n", "<leader>ee", "<cmd>Neotree toggle<CR>", { desc = "Toggle file explorer" }) -- toggle file explorer
      keymap.set("n", "<leader>ef", "<cmd>Neotree focus<CR>", { desc = "focus on file explorer" }) -- toggle file explorer on current file
      end,
}