Compare software

Xonsh vs Elvish: catalog facts
XonshElvish
Free

Free to use, with optional sponsorship through GitHub Sponsors.

Free

Free and open source.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
  • Python code and shell commands mix in one language
  • Access to the full Python library ecosystem from the prompt
  • Readable scripts with lists, maps and functions
  • Catches errors like undefined variables before running
  • Syntax differs from POSIX shells, so existing Bash scripts need changes
  • Most useful to people who already know Python
  • Not POSIX compatible, so Bash scripts do not run unchanged
  • Smaller ecosystem than Bash, Zsh or Fish
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License not stated License: BSD-2-Clause
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked September 24, 2026

Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.