Bash

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About

NOTE: This page is a daughter page of: Unix


Bash, the Bourne Again SHell, is a widely-used command processor that operates in a text window, allowing the user to type commands which cause actions. Bash can also read and execute commands from a file, called a script. It's largely fallen out of favor in preference to the Zsh shell.

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Overview

Bash is an integral part of the GNU Project, designed as a free software replacement for the Bourne shell. First released in 1989, it has become one of the most popular shells for scripting and command execution on Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS.

Features

  • Command-line Editing: Bash provides an interactive command-line interface with history and autocomplete features.
  • Scripting Capabilities: Extensive scripting capabilities with variables, control structures, and built-in functions.
  • Compatibility: Bash is largely compatible with sh, the original Bourne Shell, allowing it to run most sh scripts without modification.
  • Environment Customization: Users can customize their environment via `.bashrc`, `.bash_profile`, and other configuration files.
  • Job Control: Supports job control, allowing users to stop, resume, or background tasks.

Usage

Bash is used for running commands, writing shell scripts for automation, and interactive text-based user interfaces. It's the default shell on many Linux distributions and macOS (up to Catalina).

History

Developed by Brian Fox for the GNU Project, Bash was intended as an enhanced, free alternative to the Bourne shell. It has evolved to include features from other shells like ksh and csh.

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