A Linux shell is a command-line interpreter or shell that provides a traditional user interface which allows users to interact with the operating system or programs. It is commonly used to control programs and devices, perform system administration tasks, and automate processes.
In the Linux world, shells can be divided into four main categories: Bourne-like shells such as Bash and Korn shell, C-shells like tcsh and csh, Z-shells like zsh and lksh, and finally, interactive shells like shellinabox and fish.
The most popular shell in Linux is the Bourne Again Shell, otherwise known as bash. Bash is an open-source implementation of the Bourne shell which was originally written by Steve Bourne. Bash has become the de facto standard for most Linux distributions, and is highly extensible, allowing for powerful configuration options.
Another popular shell is the Z-shell (zsh). Zsh is a powerful shell which has many advanced features such as advanced file completion and command history control. Zsh is often used by system administrators who need to quickly configure and manage systems.
Finally, shellinabox is a relatively new shell which easily allows users to access a Linux terminal over the web. Shellinabox is lightweight and easy to configure, making it ideal for users who need access to their machines remotely.
Regardless of which shell is used, they all have one aim: to make the user’s life easier. By providing an interface between the user and their system, they can easily issue commands, run programs and manage files without having to memorize complex commands. Furthermore, many shells offer additional features such as aliases and tab completion, which can further simplify the user experience.
