Zsh bash. Learn how to set up Zsh on Ubuntu Linux with Oh My Zsh.

Zsh bash It does have some features form Bash with lots of added features like automatic cd (Change Directory), spell check, path expansion, and many more. However, you can switch to bash from zsh, if you prefer. Alternatively, you can change the default shell graphically in System Settings under Users & Groups by Ctrl-Clicking your profile picture and selecting "Advanced 🙃 A delightful community-driven (with 2,400+ contributors) framework for managing your zsh configuration. Aug 22, 2024 · Understanding the Differences Between Unix Shells: bash, csh, dash, ksh, shh, tcsh, and zsh Unix-like operating systems offer various command-line shells, each with unique features and May 26, 2011 · I'm using bash, but I'd like to have zsh style autocomplete (you hit tab and it tabs through the possibilities), rather than what bash seems to do, which is display a list of possibilities but not Mar 28, 2012 · echo ${BASH_SOURCE[0]} source `dirname $0`/common-shell-rc. Mar 29, 2025 · In this comprehensive 2025 Linux shell comparison, we’ll break down the 7 key differences between Bash, Zsh, and Fish, covering areas like scripting power, plugin ecosystems, performance, user experience, customization, community support, and ease of use. Installing ZSH on Ubuntu Step 1: First, we will have to update Unlike Bash, Zsh does not enable a built in help command, instead it provides run-help. Jun 25, 2019 · Recently, Apple announced that as of the next version of macOS, Catalina, they will be adopting zsh as their default shell in replacement of bash. While Bash emphasizes reliability and simplicity, Zsh adds modern enhancements like auto-suggestions and plugin support, offering a more versatile experience. Once Zsh is installed and set as the default shell, you can access it by opening Git Bash. However, for some of my other tasks, I wish to use normal bash. This guide simplifies the transition while spotlighting zsh's powerful features. Jun 21, 2025 · Setting up your macOS shell environment properly is crucial for an efficient development workflow. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, pros and cons, and key features of Bash, Zsh, and Fish shells. This difference matters when you‘re writing scripts that need to run on multiple systems: # This works in both Bash and Zsh Mar 3, 2017 · Ubuntu still uses bash for interactive shells, however, so users still have the full-featured interactive environment. * indicates Primary Origin Site (5. Coupled with Oh My Zsh, a community-driven Jul 8, 2024 · When we talk about UNIX based programming, it's usually about the shells, terminals, and the command line interfaces. It includes 300+ plugins, themes, and tweaks to supercharge your terminal experience. zshrc instead of trying to run . By default run-help is an alias to man, it can be either executed manually by prepending it to a command or it can be invoked for the currently typed command with the keyboard shortcuts Alt+h or Esc h. Sep 24, 2014 · 44 You can't " export " your . The most prevalent shell in this regard is Bash but there are other variants available and used widely as well, like Zsh or the Z shell. For a long time, the bash was a default shell in macOS. Add a switch-to-zsh. Dec 16, 2024 · The most common default shell on most Linux distributions is the Bourne Again SHell (Bash). Or if you do, be fully aware of that, and be careful with the points at which they differ. You might think of it as a kind of Bash++ Aug 25, 2018 · Install ZSH with Oh My ZSH to boost your terminal efficiency. Luckily, as Zsh is one of the most well-known Bash alternatives, getting it is no problem. Zsh provides the user with more flexibility by providing various features such as plug-in support, better customization, theme support, spelling correction, etc. This tutorial will help you for switching between Zsh and Bash on macOS systems. How do I change my default shell to bash on Macos Catalina or above using the command line or GUI options? A Unix shell is nothing but a program that accepts Unix commands from the keyboard and executes them. by adding "commandline": "C:/Program Files/Git/bin/bash. May 2, 2022 · Zsh was designed with better user interaction in mind. Jan 18, 2022 · Learn how to install Zsh on Linux, understand shell types, configure startup files, and set Zsh as default. Bash and Zsh are both popular Unix shell programs that offer similar functionalities, such as command line editing, scripting capabilities, and job control. Open up a terminal window and enter the command to get it working on your distribution. Jul 20, 2025 · Enhance your Linux terminal with Zsh and Oh My Zsh! Learn to install, configure, and customize on Debian/Ubuntu with popular themes and plugins. However, this is not the only choice for us. It still has bash installed (a fairly old version due to licensing) and existing accounts keep their perfered shell as bash but ya it is installed by default and new users have zsh as their perfered shell. Zsh Jan 11, 2025 · Both Bash and Zsh are Unix shells designed to make these interactions efficient and intuitive. Dec 25, 2024 · ターミナルを使った作業に欠かせないシェル環境。 LinuxやmacOSでよく使われるシェルとして、Bash（Bourne Again Shell）とZsh（Z Shell）の2つが挙げられます。どちらもコマンドを実行するための環境ですが、それぞれに特徴や違いがあります。本記 Dec 27, 2023 · Zsh includes all bash features plus additional plugins, themes, alias management, regex path matching etc. bashrc Add the following content to the file: if [ -t 1 ]; then exec zsh fi Save the file and close Git Bash. macOS by default uses the Zsh Shell. One particularly powerful shell that has gained immense popularity among developers and system administrators is Zsh (Z Shell). Zsh was developed by 'Paul Fastad' since 1990, and the name 'zsh' comes from Yale professor Zong Shao. Like zsh, bash includes several advanced features and capabilities, such as command line editing May 15, 2024 · In this guide, we will walk you through the installation and configuration of ZSH and Oh My ZSH on Windows. . While both the shells are perfect for regular use, when you want to move into more specific use cases, both the shells perform differently because of the default features. This means that most of your Bash scripts and command history should work in Zsh. Uncover features, strengths, and tips to master your command line experience. zsh most closely resembles ksh but includes many enhancements. bashrc to a . Users direct the operation of the computer by entering commands as a text for a command line interpreter Aug 30, 2023 · OS: Windows 10 Version 10. Zsh is an extended Bourne shell with many improvements, including some features of Bash, ksh, and tcsh. In this guide, we learn how to use Zsh to improve your command line zsh is far superior to bash in several ways. Zsh offers some advanced functionality Mar 9, 2020 · Install Zsh Before using the Zsh shell in place of Bash, you’ll need to install it on your Linux PC. However, there are other popular shells to choose from with different features and advantages, such as the Z SHell (Zsh) and Friendly Interactive SHell (Fish). Understanding how shells work sets the foundation for comparing Zsh vs Bash effectively. json. Ubuntu sudo apt install zsh Debian sudo apt-get install zsh Arch Linux Arch Linux actually uses the Z Shell by Aug 29, 2023 · Apple now uses Zsh as the default shell on macOS, but the old Bash shell is still included and easily switchable. While there are various shell options available, Bash, Zsh, and Fish stand out as the most popular choices, each offering a unique set of features, making it crucial to understand their differences in order to select the right Sep 29, 2023 · Explore the differences between Zsh and Bash, two powerful command-line shells. Mar 2, 2016 · This tutorial will guide you through steps to install Zsh on Linux and Configure it to suit your needs. Dec 26, 2023 · $ notepad ~/. Jul 12, 2025 · The ZSH or Z Shell is a Unix based shell or can be called as a command-line interpreter. To switch back to zsh, type zsh Jan 29, 2020 · Zsh vs Bash: Origins The first Unix operating system came into existence in 1971, but the Bourne shell (the first version of Bash) came into existence only in 1979, with the Unix version 7. This guide explores their pros and cons to help you determine which is best to use. Mar 15, 2023 · Git Bash and ZSH are command-line interfaces that allow users to interact with their operating system using text commands. This comprehensive guide will walk you through configuring environment variables, managing shell profiles, and setting up aliases for optimal productivity. Master basic Zsh setup quickly. Bash shell is a creation of Brian Fox, and it came out in 1989. #-#-x86_64. sh only with Windows Terminal. Zsh is great, and is even better with oh-my-zsh, but if you have to deal with Linux that may or not have zsh (including legacy ones), and colleagues that may or not know/use zsh, probably sticking with bash is a good choice. It was designed as a free and open-source alternative to the proprietary Bourne shell, and it has since become the default shell on many Unix-like systems, including Linux and macOS. While macOS ships with the reliable bash shell, Zsh offers advanced functionality and customization options that make it worth upgrading to. Jun 1, 2024 · The ZSH (or Z shell) can be said to be an extended version of the standard Bash shell interpreter, written by Paul Falstad in 1990 while studying at Princeton University. Since macOS Catalina, Apple has made Zsh the default shell, replacing Bash. These features are included in an otherwise familiar Bourne-like shell environment, meaning that if you already know and love Bash, you'll find Zsh familiar—except with more features. In this tutorial, we’ll compare the loop statement of the Bash and Zsh shells, with additional emphasis on string splitting and globbing. Oct 30, 2025 · You can enable command-line completion (also known as tab-completion) in Bash and Zsh. bashrc, so you should convert it into a new . Oct 28, 2023 · Why Compare Bash and Zsh? Before we dive in, let‘s briefly go over why you‘d even want to compare Bash and Zsh. You can use zsh without Oh My Zsh, but you can't use Oh My Zsh if you don't have zsh. You can look them up, but zsh supports several features that I wouldn't want to lose, and with ohmyzsh and starship it becomes almost unbeatable. I'm looking for a I've installed Linux subsystem for Windows 10. Zsh was created by Paul Falstad in 1990 while he was a student at Princeton University. Let’s check the individual features now. It is rich in features and easy to configure and customize. Many hours have gone into iterating between various setups. Mar 26, 2024 · Zsh is the default login and interactive shell on Mac. Unravel their unique features and learn how to choose the right shell for your tasks. Still get nothing for $0. zshrc. Includes 300+ optional plugins (rails, git, macOS, hub, docker, homebrew, node, php, python, etc), 140+ themes to spice up your morning, and an auto-update tool that makes it easy to keep up with the latest updates from the community. (I Jun 8, 2023 · I noticed that my default shell set to zsh on Macos Catalina/Big Sur/Monterey/Ventura. However, Apple replaced Bourne Again SHell Bash cheatsheet Zsh is mostly compatible with Bash, so most everything in Bash’s cheatsheet also applies. Follow step by step instructions to get started using ZSH on Mac OS X. 2 May 16, 2025 · Want a cool looking Linux terminal? Try Zsh. As someone who has made the switch myself, I can share my personal experiences and provide a detailed guide on how to make the transition smoothly. Now, your Git Bash will open a Zsh terminal. Dec 16, 2022 · 你还可以使用 Zsh 编写脚本并将 shell 用作命令解释器。 Zsh 是 Bourne shell 的扩展，因此在此之上很多改进。 Zsh 于 1990 年由 Paul Falstad 发布，它具有 Bash、Korn Shell 和 C Shell 共有的一些功能。 macOS 默认使用 Zsh Shell。 这是以上图片的来源 Zsh 的关键点 Apr 26, 2025 · The latest macOS systems comes with Z Shell (Zsh) as default shell, but who still preferred to use bash can still use it by switching the default shell. At This site provides an index to Zsh information and archives. Mar 19, 2025 · Compare the Bash vs. To enable interactive comments, run setopt interactive_comments. To install oh-my-zsh, run the usual command that you’d run in any Zsh shell: A delightful community-driven framework for managing your bash configuration, and an auto-update tool so that makes it easy to keep up with the latest updates from the community. sh script into my user directory #!/bin/bash bash -c zsh Execute switch-to-zsh. It‘s been around for decades and is stable and widely portable. 19045 Build 19045 I moved from MacOS to Windows 10. It helps us to improve and make Zi better. However, ZSH offers more flexibility and customization options. Edit: apparently, for $0 to work, I need the option FUNCTION_ARGZERO option set. Sep 17, 2019 · Zsh has features like interactive Tab completion, automated file searching, regex integration, advanced shorthand for defining command scope, and a rich theme engine. exe --login switch-to-zsh. Although Windows comes with its own command prompt, many developers How can I definitively determine if the currently running shell is bash or zsh? (being able to disambiguate between additional shells is a bonus, but only bash & zsh are 100% necessary) I've Sep 22, 2021 · The Z shell (zsh) is a UNIX / Linux command interpreter (shell) which is usable as an interactive login shell and as a shell script command processor. Nov 11, 2021 · Installing oh-my-zsh From this point, your Git Bash will behave essentially like a Unix Zsh shell. Although they are the same, I just feel comfortable with the Sep 16, 2024 · Learn how to create and run 'Bash' and 'Zsh' scripts on Linux and macOS to automate tasks, enhance productivity, and streamline workflows with detailed examples. One of the most popular newer shells is Z shell, or "zsh". A key reason many programmers switch is all the different Oh My Zsh is a popular open-source Zsh configuration framework loved by developers worldwide. Aug 5, 2025 · This post guide you to change the default shell from zsh to bash on Mac step by step. 9) site known to have current release (5. Discover how to easily determine if you're using bash or zsh. Nov 30, 2021 · I'm learning to develop in Rails, and have discovered the power of zsh. The features that default Zsh has over default Bash are aimed to make the shell more interactive, making it much more accessible and usable for users of all experience levels. Jun 20, 2025 · A quick guide to understanding the key differences between Bash, SH, and ZSH and when to use each one for scripting or daily terminal use. The Z shell (Zsh) is a Unix shell that can be used as an interactive login shell and as a command interpreter for shell scripting. Let’s dive in! What Is a Shell? A shell is more Nov 30, 2022 · Zsh vs Bash Let’s now look at the comparison between ZSH vs BASH for your command-line. It has specific differences in terms of scripting from Bash, but that doesn’t pose a problem. Jan 10, 2025 · When it comes to command-line interfaces, the debate between Zsh vs Bash often takes center stage. Discover seamless ways to switch from bash to zsh and enhance your command line experience. Learn how to set up Zsh on Ubuntu Linux with Oh My Zsh. Bash vs. Discover how to change from zsh to bash effortlessly. 2 days ago · This post guide you to change the default shell from zsh to bash on Mac step by step. Learn to utilize themes, plugins, and advanced features for enhanced productivity. Mar 12, 2024 · Zsh is the default shell for macOS and Kali Linux. So we are going to install ZSH over Bash. Jan 11, 2017 · Explains how to set or change shell to bash (Bourne-again shell) on a Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and Unix-like OS using the chsh command. Viola! I get to enjoy the speed of running git bash within VS Code and use zsh on Windows bash, tcsh, and zsh provide a set of special character sequences for putting dynamic information in the prompt. Learn how to install zsh and make the default shell in your system. Discover which is better for scripting, performance, customization, and productivity in your terminal workflow. sh The source fails ($0 is zsh) and the echo outputs a blank line. Set up oh-my-zsh oh-my-zsh is a popular open-source framework for managing Zsh terminal. pkg. Read more >> When Terminal says "command not found", it means that the command you entered isn't in your search path. You can switch from zsh to bash on macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina after reading. Learn which shell aligns with your command-line needs in this comprehensive comparison. Zsh in itself is also a compelling scripting language. May 8, 2024 · Changing from Zsh to Bash can be a great choice for those who prefer a different shell environment. zshrc is a file that runs zsh commands. It is known Mar 24, 2023 · Are you looking for a powerful and customizable shell that can be especially useful for power users and developers who spend a lot of time on the command line? Zsh, short for "Z Shell," is a command-line interpreter shell for Unix-based systems such as Linux and macOS. This guide compares Zsh vs Bash, helping to make an informed choice. Since it's based on the same shell as Bash, ZSH has many of the same features, and switching over is a breeze. This guide simplifies the process with quick tips and clear examples. Once configured, ZSH supercharges your terminal with handy features for developers and power users. sh" to my Windows Terminal settings. Feb 21, 2024 · Zsh has become so popular lately that Apple made it the default choice on macOS. Oct 23, 2023 · Bash and Zsh share a similar command line syntax. Jan 8, 2023 · Installing ZSH ZSH, also known as the Z shell, is a popular Unix shell that is similar to the Bash shell, but has some additional features that make it more powerful and flexible. Definition of shell from Wikipedia: A Unix shell is a command-line interpreter or shell that provides a traditional user interface for the Unix operating system and for Unix-like systems. But what is Zsh, and what is Bash? Both are powerful Unix shells with unique capabilities, making them popular among developers. bashrc from . But Zsh has been gaining popularity over the last several years as an alternative shell. ZSH has better frameworks, but I found I didn’t need them over time. I'm missing a lot the shells I had there (bash and zsh) as well as the terminal emulator (iTerm2). Zsh has command line editing, builtin spelling correction, programmable command completion, shell functions (with autoloading), a history mechanism, and a host of other features. Are all bash scripts/functions compatible with zsh? Therefore, if that is true is zsh just an enhancement Apr 4, 2024 · Bash has better tooling and I write bash more than I write ZSH. The file will be named something along the lines of zsh-#. Jul 13, 2019 · I'm looking to switch from bash to zsh but concerned about compatibility of bash scripts. As a budding data science student, having learned Nov 5, 2023 · ZSH for beginners: Exploring Linux’s elegant shell ZSH, a powerful and customizable shell, has won the hearts of many Linux enthusiasts. We have the Z shell Zsh, KornShell ksh, or the Berkeley UNIX C shell tcsh at our disposal as well. To change your default shell from Zsh to Bash, simply run the "chsh -s /bin/bash" command in Terminal and reopen it. Oct 11, 2022 · 2. Any way to test if this is set in a script? (so that I can temporarily set it) It is apparently on unless you set nofunction_argzero, and it is on in my shell. The Z-Shell has become one of the most popular shells for the Linux operating system. It covers an overview of both shells, the steps for setting them up, Jun 15, 2025 · exec zsh -il zi self-update Run zi -h for available commands or explore wiki to extend, customize and create 👍 🎉. This guide provides simple steps and tips to make your shell transition smooth and swift. Our beginner's guide elucidates its basics, making your command-line experience a breeze. tar. - ohmybash/oh-my-bash Dec 28, 2022 · What is Bash? Bash (short for “Bourne-again shell”) is a Unix shell developed by Brian Fox in 1989. In this blog, we’ll explore the key features of Zsh and Bash, helping you decide which one suits your workflow best. My director uses fish as his shell, but I find it to be way too opinionated and it tends to break certain scripts unless specifically written for fish (or just invoking the script with bash or zsh but if Sep 18, 2023 · Explore key differences & head to head comparison (infographics) between Zsh & Bash. ZSH At least Bash is better than the windows CMD, but ZSH is in another league with his productivity boosts. Zsh, while mostly compatible with Bash, prioritizes features and user experience over strict POSIX compliance. This is great because it means most commands and scripts you write will work in either shell, without modification. In this comprehensive 2500+ word guide, we’ll explore everything you need to […] Explore the nuances of zsh vs bash in this comprehensive guide. Oh My Zsh is a framework built on top of zsh that is structured to allow it to have plugins and themes, as well as providing what we think are the best settings from the start. - Installing ZSH · ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh Wiki Nov 14, 2023 · Improve your Bash & zsh Shell skills with the handy shortcuts featured in this convenient cheat sheet! Discover what are bash and zsh in this concise guide. zshrc or copying the former into the latter. Below Apr 15, 2017 · Bash comes pre-installed on most terminals, but its not the best shell out there. Discover their unique features, customization options, scripting capabilities, and user preferences. Jan 13, 2021 · Bash and Zsh are two popular Linux shells. This lets you tab-complete command names, flags names and flag values, and target names. It is an extended version of the good old Bourne shell (sh). Nov 24, 2024 · As a professional software engineer and coding instructor with over 15 years of experience, I‘ve come to master the art of customizing my terminal into a productive power tool. bashrc is a file that runs bash commands. Apr 29, 2024 · In this article, you will get a comparative analysis of bash vs zsh shell, enabling you to choose between these shells. Don't forget to help the project: share, contribute, or translate 🌐 🥰 🤓. However, Zsh is considered to be more powerful and feature-rich than Bash, with advanced features like advanced tab completion, spelling correction, and theme customization. It also supports plugins and themes. And Bash is great – it gets the job done on basic terminal tasks. May 21, 2025 · Bash strictly adheres to POSIX standards, which ensures broad compatibility across Unix-like systems. The Z shell or ZSH is an interactive UNIX shell and a powerful command-line interpreter for scripting languages, including shell scripting. As you probably know, Bash is the default shell included on most Linux distributions. Introduction to Bash Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is a popular command-line interpreter that is widely used in Unix-like operating systems. Apr 11, 2025 · Learn the key differences between Zsh and Bash—two powerful Unix shells. It is an alternative to the default shell, Bash. Zsh doesn't treat # as a comment start on the command line by default, only in scripts (including . It combines features from both ksh and tcsh, offering functionality such Dive into the Unix-like systems withGetting Started with Zsh and Oh My Zsh: A Beginner's Guide As you embark on your journey through the world of Unix-like operating systems, you'll likely encounter various types of shells. Aug 2, 2023 · Switch from Zsh to Bash on Mac using one of the two methods described in this article. zshrc and such). Why not write a blog post for the undecided? Maybe you’re on the fence and looking for more information on whether the switch would be worth it? Feb 21, 2024 · Zsh is an awesome shell for Linux systems. However, some zsh-isms may not work when running bash scripts. You can't expect zsh to be able to run the bash commands in your . . If you have any issue or need help 🤦‍♂️, lets discuss it or open an issue on GitHub. It works fine, but I want to change the default shell environment for the subsystem. 9) as at 2022-10-08 Mar 23, 2023 · Shell Comparison: Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Bash, Zsh, Fish, and Tcsh Helping you decide which shell to use！ Before we begin comparing various shells, if you’re not sure what a shell is Apr 26, 2025 · Zsh is largely compatible with Bash as it was designed to incorporate many of the features and commands that Bash users are familiar with. Zsh shell command languages, explore their differences, and see how to use both successfully. Jun 8, 2019 · Many of bash's shopt settings have a corresponding setopt in zsh. In this comprehensive 2800+ word […] Feb 28, 2015 · For me, I have zsh installed and it's the current default, to change to bash, all I have to do type bash in the terminal. Zsh was released in 1990 by Paul Falstad, and it has some features that Bash, Korn Shell, and C Shell share. Tagged with windows, productivity, tutorial, development. Main differences for scripting (and for power users on the command line of course) May 12, 2025 · The command-line shell is an essential tool for interacting with the operating system, allowing users to execute commands, automate tasks, and run scripts efficiently. In this article, we'll attempt to draw the line between the two shells and show the differences so you can get a sense of why you might use Dec 12, 2024 · Why ZSH Over Bash Most operating systems like MacOS default to using Bash as the command line shell. In the case of bash the sequences start with a backslash and in the case of tcsh and zsh a percent sign. More information can be found on the "Zsh Web Pages" sites. Zsh is a shell designed for interactive use, although it is also a powerful scripting language. Spelling correction It’s easy to have typos while working exclusively on the shell. By comparing the Dec 27, 2023 · Have you ever wondered what exactly sets the Zsh and Bash scripting languages apart on Linux and macOS systems? As someone who regularly works on the command line, understanding the core distinctions will enable you to choose the right tool for your needs. Image Source Key points about Zsh Comes with autocompletion when using the terminal. zst Zsh is a shell, just like bash or fish, which interprets commands and runs them. Dec 13, 2022 · Zsh is an extension of the Bourne shell with a lot of improvements. Sep 24, 2023 · ZSH, also called the Z shell, is an extended version of the Bourne Shell (sh), with new features and support for plugins and themes. Download ZSH Download the latest MSYS2 zsh package from the MSYS2 package repository. I did sudo apt-get install fish and then chsh -s /usr/bin/fish. Oct 16, 2023 · Explore the compatibility of bash scripts with Zsh within the Linux environment. Created by Paul Falstad in 1990, zsh is a Bourne-style shell that contains the features you'll find in bash, plus even more. 0. Feb 24, 2024 · Most Linux distributions have accustomed us to Bash as the interactive login shell and shell language. The tutorial covers steps for the CLI and GUI methods. vflcyt cwwug jjtlu nkfe dnki ydg ckooo xwfp ovpkeis aeb fpgllqy xeiba wbynu wepuuv peko