GNU Bash

The GNU Project's sh-compatible Unix shell and command language, used interactively and for scripts.

Open source (GPL-3.0-or-later)By GNU Project

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About GNU Bash

Bash, the Bourne Again SHell, is the GNU Project's shell. It is compatible with sh, borrows features from the Korn shell and the C shell, and aims to conform to the POSIX shell and tools standard. Most sh scripts run under Bash without changes.

On top of sh it adds command-line editing, unlimited command history, job control, shell functions and aliases, indexed arrays and integer arithmetic in any base from 2 to 64. Documentation is available online and through info bash or man bash.

Strengths

  • Runs most existing sh scripts without modification
  • Command-line editing, history and job control
  • Shell functions, aliases and indexed arrays
  • Thorough documentation through info and man pages

Limitations

  • Fewer interactive conveniences out of the box than shells like zsh or fish
  • Releases are distributed as source tarballs; most people get it from their system package manager

Details

Pricing
FreeFree software from the GNU Project.
License
GPL-3.0-or-later
Developer
GNU Project
Platforms
macOS, Linux, Command line
How it runs
Downloadable app
Account
Not required
Works offline
Yes
Best suited for
Shell scripting and everyday interactive use on Unix-like systems
Last verified
Added

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