What's a Shell?
- Linux users can choose from many shells:
bash,
tcsh,
ksh,
ash,
zsh...
- All shells:
- Print a prompt like $ (if used interactively)
- Handle command-line editing
(if interactive; oldest shells don't have this feature)
- Interpret a command line: break into words;
interpret *, |, etc.; handle I/O redirection
- Run the command line: manage child process(es),
handle job control, ...
- Repeat the cycle
- Shells used in:
- virtual consoles
- terminal windows
(xterm, kvt, GNOME Terminal, etc.)
- shell scripts
< previous
index
next >
Contact Jerry Peek