bash Command: Tutorial & Examples

Widely used Unix shell

Bash (Bourne Again SHell) is a Unix shell and command language that is widely used for command-line interfaces (CLIs) and text-based shell scripts. Bash is a free, open-source software that is included with most Linux distributions and macOS operating systems.

A shell is a program that provides a command-line interface for interacting with the operating system. It allows users to enter commands, execute programs, and perform various other tasks by typing commands at the command prompt. Bash is a popular choice for a shell because it is powerful, easy to use, and provides a wide range of features and functionality.

Some of the features of Bash include:

  • Command history: Bash stores a history of the commands you have typed, allowing you to easily reuse or edit previous commands.

  • Tab completion: Bash supports tab completion, which means you can type the first few characters of a command or file name and then press the tab key to have Bash automatically complete the rest of the name.

  • Aliases: Bash allows you to create aliases for commonly used commands, allowing you to use shorter, easier-to-remember names for those commands.

  • Variables: Bash supports variables, which are placeholders for values that can be used in scripts or at the command prompt.

  • Scripting: Bash supports script files, which are text files containing a series of Bash commands. These scripts can be used to automate tasks or perform complex operations by running a single command.

  • Shell expansion: Bash supports a number of special characters and commands that allow you to manipulate strings, perform arithmetic calculations, and expand variables.

Bash is an essential tool for any Linux user, and is commonly used for tasks such as managing files, running programs, and configuring the system. It is also a powerful tool for developers, as it can be used to create scripts that automate tasks and perform complex operations.

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