Zsh vs terminal vs bash. Shell: The command processor (e.

Zsh vs terminal vs bash Bash vs Fish The Fish shell (Friendly Interactive SHell) is designed to be user-friendly and easy to learn. Bash versus zsh. The changes they made do make for a cleaner language, but it's a new language nonetheless. Also, it's common to provide a . It’s a popular choice for developers who seek a more customizable and Jul 5, 2025 · Why Do Most Developers Favor Zsh for Everyday Tasks Over Fish? Most developers favor Zsh for everyday tasks over Fish due to its extensive customization options and compatibility with existing scripts. which is exactly what i do, have been using bash since about 97, automate with it, automation users have a bash shell, but i have a zshell b/c of the improvements it brings to the shell itself and i also live completely on a terminal. To get started with the terminal: Start VS Code and open a folder or workspace. Dec 2, 2019 · Are you a secret smoothbrain who doesn't know the difference between a terminal emulator and bash? Find out the difference here so you don't look like a brai Easily switch between a zsh terminal for aliases and a pure bash terminal for debugging in VS Code — even on locked-down school machines using Flatpak. The three main ones out there are Bash, Zsh, and Fish. With zsh, I am working (with nearly) a superset of bash. But what's the difference, and why are there so many? What Do Shells Do? When you sign in at the command line or launch a terminal window on Linux, the system launches the shell Jun 8, 2019 · Many of bash's shopt settings have a corresponding setopt in zsh. sudo apt update sudo apt install zsh -y # install oh-my-zsh to set zsh as default shell and install plugins Dec 28, 2022 · Like zsh, bash includes several advanced features and capabilities, such as command line editing, customizable prompts, and support for themes and plugins. Let me go over in this video the difference between Bash, ZSH, and Fish, and finally settle the debate on which one is the BEST. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features of zsh, such as improved globbing and auto-correction. Moreover, a table comparing all the three tools. Shells in the Development Workflow As a full-stack developer, the shell is an essential part of your toolkit. I'm increasingly seeing Zsh being recommended, but I'm having trouble finding a useful eplanation about its advantages vs bash. What’s the difference between bash and the default terminal? The tutorial shows how to customize the VS Code Terminal with oh-my-zsh on Windows. Bash is the default login shell for most Linux distributions. But two popular alternatives, ZSH and Fish, offer more advanced features and customization. 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 13, 2022 · When you open up your terminal, chances are that it uses Bash as its UNIX shell environment. Which one is faster? starship is written in rust so maybe it has Nov 26, 2024 · While Zsh is not completely compatible with Bash, it shares some similar functionalities and features with Bash. Windows Terminal Git Bash Windows Subsytem for Linux (WSL) Install zsh on WSL Use this method if you are already using WSL for most of your stuff. I want to share which one I chose and how I went about setting it up. This guide compares Zsh vs Bash, helping to make an informed choice. 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. zshrc which the Terminal reads when it is launched. Jan 13, 2021 · Bash and Zsh are two popular Linux shells. At Feb 11, 2020 · Differences between Terminal vs Shell vs Console vs CLI Clean Architecture: La mejor forma de escalar y mantener tu código Crea tu Primer MCP Server con Python [Curso Completo Desde Cero] Apr 22, 2024 · As you can see, Bash is significantly faster to start up than Zsh or Fish. You can always write bash scripts and use zshell, or ohmyzsh. Mar 12, 2014 · In Windows we have Command Prompt but on linux there is more simmilar "apps" like: Shell UXTerm Terminal and maybe more This is my first day on linux, can someone describe difference between that? My preferred user shell is zsh. How can I do that? Dec 27, 2023 · For experienced Linux users, choosing the right shell is an important decision. A terminal is just a window where you can type shell commands, you can even change your terminal on Windows and Linux. Terminal Terminal is just a graphical user interface which takes your keyboard input, and prints stuff. Do you go with Bash’s lean, mean 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. Bash While bash is the most widely available shell across Unix-like systems, zsh offers more modern features for interactive use. Unravel their unique features and learn how to choose the right shell for your tasks. Bash is a shell (the standard for many distributions). To make the search work in zsh, the search query has to be surrounded by quotes like locate "*/vi". You‘ll learn about their origins, syntax variations, scripting and interactive capabilities, use cases, communities, and more through insightful examples and analysis. Whether you‘re working on a small personal project or a large enterprise application, being proficient with the Jul 26, 2023 · Dive into the command-line world with this detailed comparison between two powerful shells: Bash and Zsh. May 6, 2020 · When I set up my Windows computer, I had the chance to take another look at the shell I'm using. While Bash emphasizes reliability and simplicity, Zsh adds modern enhancements like auto-suggestions and plugin support, offering a more versatile experience. Spelling correction It’s easy to have typos while working exclusively on the shell. Open the terminal by selecting View > Terminal from the menu bar, or by pressing the ⌃` (Windows, Linux Ctrl+`) keyboard shortcut. Dec 27, 2023 · In this comprehensive 2500+ word guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Zsh vs Bash scripting. Explore their origins, features, user-friendliness, and more to find out which shell is One difference is that wildcard characters behave different. 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. For scripting, bash, though I'm very excited about nushell getting more mature. May 3, 2019 · To do this, open the remote workspace in VS Code and run the Open Remote settings command: Set terminal. Using zsh the result for the same command is zsh: no matches found: */vi. A coworker of mine uses fish instead and he's frequently grumbling over lack of fish support for this or that tool. This guide explores their pros and cons to help you determine which is best to use. zshrc and such). What is ZSH? ZSH, also called the Z shell, is an extended version of the Bourne Shell (sh), with new features and support for plugins and themes. 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. In this blog, we’ll explore the key features of Zsh and Bash, helping you decide which one suits your workflow best. zshrc config, plus zsh offers a bash-compatibility mode that can read . bash* configs directly. Pros and cons of two famous shells on linux For Arch Linux users, the choice of shell can influence productivity, efficiency, and even the learning curve of day-to-day tasks. Jun 17, 2025 · Linux | Shell (vs Terminal) shell vs terminal, sh, bash and zsh etc. 15), Apple made Zsh the default shell, pushing more users 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. The most common command shell is Bash, but there are other options available and widely used, such as the Z Shell or zsh. Nov 8, 2024 · When navigating the world of computers, particularly in Unix-like environments such as Linux and macOS, you might come across terms like “command line,” “terminal,” “console,” “shell Sep 1, 2024 · Here are just some of the extensions possible: [showcase some Zsh plugins and themes] Fish limits addons to "completions" – but prioritizes a simplified experience with smart defaults aimed not to need heavy tweaking. com/bash-scriptin. For command parameter name/value completions, these shells assume path/filename completion if no completion is defined for the command. This is done by injecting arguments and/or environment variables when the shell session launches. Aug 15, 2025 · Bash Zsh or Fish? Discover strengths weaknesses and find the best shell for power users. Whether you’re a newbie dipping your toes into the terminal or a seasoned developer scripting your way through life, choosing the right shell in 2025 can feel like picking a superpower. By default, we now use the terminal-suggest extension to provide completions across all shells, replacing the need for shell integration scripts. Their brief history, basic functionalities, and features. Zsh doesn't treat # as a comment start on the command line by default, only in scripts (including . That being said, powershell imo is the best (least bad?) shell in windows. *Then add these lines, if they dont already exist into the Dec 16, 2024 · The most common default shell on most Linux distributions is the Bourne Again SHell (Bash). They allow you to input commands through a command line, offering direct communication with the system for tasks like file manipulation, program execution, and system control. # Zsh auto-correction feature mkdri myfolder # Zsh will correct this to mkdir myfolder While both shells are powerful, use Bash for scripting due to its widespread compatibility, and switch to Zsh for a more interactive terminal experience. bash_profile config for various command line tools; less common but not unheard of to get a . These include: ksh, tcsh and zsh. The default Bash shell is a powerful option. Bash vs Zsh: Which Shell Should You Choose in 2025? Unpacking Key Differences and Insider Tips In the wild world of command-line shells, two titans stand tall: Bash and Zsh. Both shells allow users to run commands, write scripts, and interact with the operating system efficiently. This is a smart move by Kali Linux developers. May 5, 2019 · When launching an attached container in "VS Code Remote Development", has anyone found a way to change the container's shell when launching the vscode integrated terminal. Bash, zsh and fish offer parameter name completion through a definition external to the command, distributed in a separate completion definition file. Make your choice with our expert guide. Let’s dive in! What Is a Shell? A shell is more 3 days ago · The more appropriate comparison would be between zsh and bash (both shells), or between Oh My Zsh and other frameworks for bash like bash-it. May 18, 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 comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between ZSH and Fish shell. This is the easier option; we just have to run the following commands in the Ubuntu shell. Jun 13, 2025 · Terminal Showdown: Bash vs Zsh vs Fish for Power Users The command-line shell is the heart of productivity for Linux power users. For example to find all instances of files named "vi" one can use bash with command locate */vi. But what is Zsh, and what is Bash? Both are powerful Unix shells with unique capabilities, making them popular among developers. This means that most of your Bash scripts and command history should work in Zsh. While Zsh is in many ways superior to Bash, thanks to its floating-point support, hash data structures, customization options, etc. Jan 14, 2010 · On most Linux systems a program called bash (which stands for Bourne Again SHell, an enhanced version of the original Bourne shell program, sh, written by Steve Bourne) acts as the shell program. Wh Aug 3, 2020 · Zsh vs Bash When we talk about UNIX-based programming we usually mean consoles, terminals and command line interfaces. Sep 24, 2023 · Here's how to install one popular alternative, ZSH. zsh usually requires more messing around with configuration files. Zsh 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. 4. 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. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, pros and cons, and key features of Bash, Zsh, and Fish shells. Zsh offers some advanced functionality I've always been using oh-my-zsh (omz) on mac/linux and oh-my-bash on windows. While they share many similarities, they also have some significant differences. 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). g. Zsh (Z Shell) Zsh is like Bash’s cooler, more feature-packed cousin. This article will look at Bash vs Mar 29, 2025 · Bash vs Zsh vs Fish: Learn the key differences between the top Linux shells in 2025. 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. Learn which shell aligns with your command-line needs in this comprehensive comparison. Plus, you'll learn if being POSIX-compliant actually matters Nov 18, 2025 · Introduction to Bash and Zsh Bash (Bourne Again Shell) and Zsh (Z Shell) are two powerful Unix command-line interpreters used by advanced users to manage systems and automate tasks. Bash is the reliable, time-tested option that prioritizes portability, while Zsh offers advanced features and customization for users who need a more tailored shell environment. Feb 13, 2019 · I installed zsh in my Ubuntu 18. Bash is known for its simplicity, POSIX compliance, and widespread availability across Linux distributions Oh My Zsh is a popular open-source Zsh configuration framework loved by developers worldwide. Nov 30, 2022 · Zsh vs Bash Let’s now look at the comparison between ZSH vs BASH for your command-line. Apr 29, 2024 · Bash and Zsh are popular Unix shell environments that provide command-line interfaces to the operating system. Understanding how shells work sets the foundation for comparing Zsh vs Bash effectively. 🚀 Ready to take your terminal game to the next level? In this video, we dive deep into the world of shell scripting, exploring why Zsh is the ultimate choice for developers looking to boost The terminal in VS Code enables you to run these commands without leaving the editor. linux": "/usr/bin/fish" The remote settings apply to all workspaces you open on a given host, but must be configured for each host you connect to. Bash: The Important Differences Supported shells: Linux/macOS: bash, fish, pwsh, zsh Windows: Git Bash, pwsh Installation Automatic script injection By default, the shell integration script should automatically activate on supported shells launched from VS Code. 04 but didn't like it. integrated. May 15, 2024 · In this guide, we will walk you through the installation and configuration of ZSH and Oh My ZSH on Windows. linux to point to your shell and save the file: "terminal. What are your reasons for using zsh or sticking with bash? Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Top New Controversial Old Q&A [deleted] • 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 Visual Studio Code's integrated terminal allows configuring various profiles to make launching various shells easier. Apr 3, 2023 · Zsh, or the Z Shell, is an extended version of the Bourne Shell that incorporates features from Bash, KornShell, and tcsh. But Zsh has been gaining popularity over the last several years as an alternative shell. Tagged with windows, productivity, tutorial, development. Under Linux, Terminal Emulator / Shell is meant again. Difference between terminal and shell How terminal opens a shell process History of Unix shells: sh, bash, zsh, etc. 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. Cue the collective sighs and confusion. The default terminal in my VS Code has not changed back to Bash for some reason. Nov 19, 2021 · If you do decide to switch back to bash, then you should put the following in your . 04 Virtual Machine (VM) running on Hyper-V on a Windows 10 laptop Sep 4, 2014 · What is the difference between ampersand and semicolon in Linux Bash? For example, $ command1 && command2 vs $ command1; command2 Mar 24, 2024 · zsh for interactive use, because I like a few of it's extra features vs bash (cd -<tab>, cd this that) and I haven't bothered with fish yet. I, and many others, use fish in the terminal but still write scripts in bash/sh for compatibility reasons. Whether you’re writing scripts, managing systems, or navigating … Oct 14, 2024 · If you’re a mac-based developer like me, and you never quite understood the difference between Bash Tagged with bash, zsh, macbook, shell. Discover which is better for scripting, performance, customization, and productivity in your terminal workflow. , Bash, Zsh, PowerShell Sep 18, 2023 · Explore key differences & head to head comparison (infographics) between Zsh & Bash. 3 update Kali Linux developers announced that ZSH will be the default shell from the update 2020. Just recently a colleague told me he's using starship. However, this is less of a concern for long-running terminal sessions or non-interactive scripts. Zsh is a particularly popular alternative, and there are other shells, like ash, dash, fish, and tcsh. At first I thought it's just another terminal, but turns out it's a customisation prompt like omz. Jun 25, 2019 · Bash vs Z shell: A Tale of Two Command Line Shells 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 … Mar 12, 2024 · Here in this article, we are going to differentiate between the two most popular shells bash and zsh. Discover their unique features, customization options, scripting capabilities, and user preferences. In this article, Zsh vs Bash we will try to draw a line between the two shells and show the differences so that you can understand why you should use one Easily switch between a zsh terminal for aliases and a pure bash terminal for debugging in VS Code — even on locked-down school machines using Flatpak. Jan 10, 2025 · When it comes to command-line interfaces, the debate between Zsh vs Bash often takes center stage. 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 Apr 25, 2025 · Starting with macOS Catalina, Apple ditched Bash as the default shell and gave Zsh the crown. Nov 14, 2023 · What are Bash & zsh Terminals? Shell terminals, such as Bash and zsh, are text-based user interfaces for interacting with an operating system. May 2, 2022 · Zsh was designed with better user interaction in mind. It has specific differences in terms of scripting from Bash, but that doesn’t pose a problem. One of the main benefits of bash is its widespread adoption and support. Explore the nuances of zsh vs bash in this comprehensive guide. This additional information enables some useful features such as working directory detection and command detection, decorations, and navigation. As you probably know, Bash is the default shell included on most Linux distributions. It seems to run something Discover what are bash and zsh in this concise guide. Zsh shell command languages, explore their differences, and see how to use both successfully. Apr 11, 2025 · Learn the key differences between Zsh and Bash—two powerful Unix shells. There are several additional shell programs available on a typical Linux system. By the end, you’ll see why Fish provides […] why should i use fish instead of zsh ? Because after installing you can configure the most important thing a browser and then start using the shell. Command prompt usually means a shell that runs in a terminal emulator. If you want to use Bash from Visual Studio Code, what steps should be followed? Dive into the debate of fish vs bash. , GNOME Terminal, Konsole, iTerm2). Whether you're a beginner looking to Jun 18, 2019 · Bash stands for Bourne Again Shell and is usually the default shell in Linux systems today, but there are tons of other shells available in Linux like the Korn shell (ksh), Debian Almquist Shell (dash) the Z shell (zsh) and many more. ⚠️ Tested on Ubuntu-based 42 school machines using Flatpak-installed VS Code. Feb 5, 2023 · I am very very new to Linux, and when I’m installing anaconda, I noticed that the conda command can only be used after I type “bash” and start using the bash console. It includes 300+ plugins, themes, and tweaks to supercharge your terminal experience. This article teaches you how to switch to Bash from Zsh on macOS using CLI and System Settings. Scripting Capabilities Developers spend much of shell time writing scripts to automate tasks or run builds. Read Full Article: Bash vs Zsh [The Ultimate Comparison] https://linuxsimply. Aug 24, 2020 · With the Kali Linux 2020. May 12, 2025 · Bash, Zsh, and Fish each have their own strengths and weaknesses, depending on your needs and level of expertise. Starting with macOS Catalina (10. The terminal is the graphical application that provides access to the shell, which is the command-line interpreter that processes your commands. Supported shells: Linux/macOS: bash, fish, pwsh, zsh Windows: Git Bash, pwsh In a terminal (better terminal emulator) you execute a shell. To enable interactive comments, run setopt interactive_comments. Aug 23, 2018 · Are there any advantages to using zsh vs bash shell in Terminal app? Also, can you use zsh from the terminal? My understanding of zsh is skewed. , there are still use cases where Bash may prove helpful in the macOS terminal. Bash vs. There are other environments such as the C Shell, Korn Shell, Z Shell, and even the Fish Shell. Make your development environment great. Basic Features of Bash and Zsh Bash and Zsh are both popular Unix shell programs that offer similar functionalities, such as command line editing, scripting capabilities, and job control. ZSH vs. Zsh is designed to be a highly customizable shell with an interactive command-line interface for executing commands, running shell scripts, and performing various system administration tasks. I want to change my default terminal from Windows PowerShell to Bash on Ubuntu (on Windows). It includes everything Bash has but adds better auto-completion, spelling correction, plugin support, and themes. In this detailed article we clear some points on this matter. Jun 6, 2023 · Zsh does not read Bash dot files, and you will need just one really, which is . shell. But here’s the deal—if you’re doing any real terminal work on macOS, it’s worth knowing why that switch happened and whether you should care. Mar 3, 2017 · Most Linux distributions include the bash shell by default, but you could also switch to another shell environment. bash_profile export BASH_SILENCE_DEPRECATION_WARNING=1 which will keep macOS from complaining that you are using bash, and annoy you with requests to switch to zsh. Technical Comparison: Zsh vs. Jul 8, 2024 · When we talk about UNIX based programming, it's usually about the shells, terminals, and the command line interfaces. Zsh in itself is also a compelling scripting language. ZSH vs Bash: Why many switch from Bash to ZSH The Bash shell is arguably the default shell for most UNIX operating systems; it is a user-friendly, robust technology that is standard on Linux distros such as Ubuntu or Arch. After installing it I was having issues, so I removed it. Main differences for scripting (and for power users on the command line of course) Sep 29, 2023 · Explore the differences between Zsh and Bash, two powerful command-line shells. Uncover features, strengths, and tips to master your command line experience. Zsh, or Z Shell, is known for its robust feature set which enhances productivity. Jun 8, 2017 · I am using Visual Studio Code on my Windows 10 PC. It's easy to write pipelines, loops, command subs, etc because I'm used to bash already from script-writing. Key Differences: Terminal: The GUI application (e. Mar 19, 2025 · Compare the Bash vs. The following Zsh HERE document can be copied/pasted into the Terminal and followed by a return to write a new ~/. Oct 6, 2024 · In this video, we dive into the world of command-line shells, focusing on two of the most popular options: Zsh and Bash. CMD is actually a term that is mainly used under Windows and refers to the command prompt. You’ve been calling it the “terminal,” but it’s not just a terminal—it’s a shell interface. Shell: The command processor (e. Mar 6, 2021 · How to configure zsh, VS Code and MS Terminal for a Ubuntu 20. With both Bash and Zsh providing compelling advantages, selecting the right shell for scripting can significantly shape your productivity, and simplify your daily tasks. All of these different Visual Studio Code has an integrated terminal to enable working in your shell of choice without leaving the editor. Bash ( Bourne-Again shell ) Bash, or the Bourne-Again Shell, is by far the most popularly used shell and it comes installed as the default shell in the most popular Linux distributions. Let’s check the individual features now. Discover which shell suits your workflow—scripting, customization, or beginner-friendly use. How do Fish and Zsh syntaxes compare to Bash here? Zsh remains close If you’ve ever typed ls or cd in a terminal, you’ve used Bash. I believe both have the necessary plugins and themes I need, so it all just comes down to speed. Git Bash is a tool for git version management that uses the Apple includes a bash install with macOS, it's just an older version (tl;dr Apple doesn't want to deal with GPLv3 licensing and therefore switched to zsh by default rather than bundle newer versions of bash). Since it's based on the same shell as Bash, ZSH has many of the same features, and switching over is a breeze. Bash (Bourne Again Shell) and Zsh (Z Shell) are two of the most popular shells, each with distinct features, advantages, and potential drawbacks. Aug 2, 2023 · Zsh replaced Bash as macOS's default terminal shell in macOS Catalina. Even Apple has moved to ZSH as the default environment for macOS. Sep 27, 2025 · An introduction of CMD, Powershell, and Bash. Discover the strengths and quirks of each shell to find your perfect command line companion. Fish is much easier to setup, but the incompatibilities with bash discourage me from learning. Jan 27, 2025 · Background We’ve made significant improvements to shell completions, enhancing support for bash and zsh and introducing completions for pwsh through the terminal-suggest extension. It‘s been around for decades and is stable and widely portable. As far as Mar 5, 2017 · Visual Studio Code on Windows uses PowerShell by default as the integrated terminal. But other "shell" environments exist. By comparing the Visual Studio Code has the ability to integrate with common shells, allowing the terminal to understand more about what's actually happening inside the shell. zshrc file: Jan 11, 2025 · Both Bash and Zsh are Unix shells designed to make these interactions efficient and intuitive. ttlo ond abeoyjel dqzvot johxfug dau hjba fwese qfxv vlbok qwpy pabnzs nuxdscrv fthjysz vgcv