Zsh shell vs bash. But almost every command in bash works in zsh the same way.

Zsh shell vs bash In the world of Linux, the command - line interface (CLI) is a powerful tool that allows users to interact directly with the operating system. 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. By the end, you’ll see why Fish provides […] For years, the Bash shell has been the industry standard for Unix operating systems shells but it now has some genuine competition in the form of the more modern Z shell (ZSH), which has been gaining traction as an alternative. This is done by injecting arguments and/or environment variables when the shell session launches. 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 … Jan 13, 2021 · Bash and Zsh are two popular Linux shells. One of the main benefits of zsh is its advanced command-line editing capabilities. zsh is far superior to bash in several ways. See full list on howtogeek. Basic Features of Bash and Zsh Bash and Zsh are similar tools with a wide range of similar features and capabilities for carrying out the same task. Discover which is better for scripting, performance, customization, and productivity in your terminal workflow. 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. Zsh in itself is also a compelling scripting language. Spelling correction It’s easy to have typos while working exclusively on the shell. Zsh vs Bash: Which Shell Should You Choose? Explore the nuances of zsh vs bash in this comprehensive guide. This article dives into the differences between Bash and Zsh, comparing their features, scripting capabilities, performance, and customization options to help users choose the right shell for their needs in 2025. Introduction Bash and Zsh are two of the most widely used Unix shells. Jun 8, 2019 · With the news that Catalina will default to Zsh instead of Bash, I'm finding lots of results telling me about the switch, and that it may cause problems with shell scripts, but I'm not familiar eno 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 Jul 8, 2024 · 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. The core Oct 15, 2025 · Bash vs Zsh: Choosing Your Shell in 2025 If you’ve spent any time in the terminal, you’ve probably encountered both Bash and Zsh. Zsh is a particularly popular alternative, and there are other shells, like ash, dash, fish, and tcsh. 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). In this blog, we’ll explore the key features of Zsh and Bash, helping you decide which one suits your workflow best. 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. 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. The default Bash shell is a powerful option. bash* configs directly. bash, ksh, and zsh will also perform command substitution before each display of the prompt when they encounter the $ ( ) syntax in the prompt. While they share many similarities, they also have some significant differences. May 2, 2022 · Zsh was designed with better user interaction in mind. Bash versus zsh. 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 one or the other. 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. Oh my zsh covers several aspects. The backwards-compatibility of zsh to bash is not that great. 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 Apr 26, 2025 · Two commonly used shell environments are Bash (Bourne Again Shell) and Zsh (Z Shell). / en / versus / bash-vs-zsh BASH vs ZSH Both are powerful command-line shells used primarily on Unix-like operating systems (Linux, macOS). As you probably know, Bash is the default shell included on most Linux distributions. As a somewhat extreme case, I'd strongly advice against running any bash shell script through zsh (which easily happens if you reuse your bash aliases in zsh, or if you copy&paste commands Aug 21, 2024 · Bash remains highly capable and is the most widely used and supported shell across Unix-like systems, with a vast ecosystem of scripts and tools built around it. Cue the collective sighs and confusion. 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 Sep 16, 2024 · Bash and Zsh are two popular shells that can be used to create and run scripts on Linux and macOS systems. Mar 3, 2017 · Most Linux distributions include the bash shell by default, but you could also switch to another shell environment. Here's a comparison: Bash (Bourne Again SHell) History: The successor to the original Bourne shell (sh). Dec 16, 2024 · The most common default shell on most Linux distributions is the Bourne Again SHell (Bash). Sep 12, 2016 · Z shell (zsh) It's said zsh is the most powerful for now so I would recommend trying it. Uncover features, strengths, and tips to master your command line experience. I usually use bash, but I don't know what's the difference between them. Bash (Bourne Again Shell) and Zsh (Z Shell) are two of the most popular shells, each with distinct features, advantages, and potential drawbacks. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, pros and cons, and key features of Bash, Zsh, and Fish shells. Created by the GNU Project. But don't choose those old and unmaintained. Zsh shell command languages, explore their differences, and see how to use both successfully. Dec 28, 2022 · What is Zsh? Zsh (short for “Z shell”) is a Unix shell developed by Paul Falstad in 1990. 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. It is known for its flexibility, customizability, and modern features. 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. Bash (Bourne Again SHell) is the default shell for most Linux distributions, while Zsh (Z Shell) is known for its advanced Discover what are bash and zsh in this concise guide. It’s a popular choice for developers who seek a more customizable and Nov 26, 2025 · 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. And it’s attracted some big users including Kali-Linux the standard distribution for security testing and […] Mar 24, 2024 · 52 Bash vs Fish vs Zsh vs Nushell? ☶ ask unix authored by curiositry 1 year ago | 81 comments I'm increasingly seeing Zsh being recommended, but I'm having trouble finding a useful eplanation about its advantages vs bash. Let‘s dive deep into what makes each shell special, particularly when it comes to scripting. Bash While bash is the most widely available shell across Unix-like systems, zsh offers more modern features for interactive use. Bash, which stands for Bourne-Again Shell, is the default shell on most Linux distributions and macOS. Tcsh was once (up to the early 1990s) the shell with the best interactive features, like its predecessor csh. At Dec 27, 2023 · For experienced Linux users, choosing the right shell is an important decision. Technical Comparison: Zsh vs. Two of the most popular shells for Linux are the Bourne - Again SHell (Bash) and the Z Shell (Zsh). 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. Oh My Zsh is a popular open-source Zsh configuration framework loved by developers worldwide. All of these different Bash and Zsh are both popular Unix shell programs that offer similar functionalities, such as command line editing, scripting capabilities, and job control. Mar 19, 2025 · Compare the Bash vs. Bash is the default login shell for most Linux distributions. It includes 300+ plugins, themes, and tweaks to supercharge your terminal experience. 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. They interpret your commands and interact with the operating system. I want to share which one I chose and how I went about setting it up. May 12, 2025 · 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. Nov 30, 2022 · Zsh vs Bash Let’s now look at the comparison between ZSH vs BASH for your command-line. Discover their unique features, customization options, scripting capabilities, and user preferences. Bash vs. But what is Zsh, and what is Bash? Both are powerful Unix shells with unique capabilities, making them popular among developers. 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. Plus, you'll learn if being POSIX-compliant actually matters Apr 25, 2025 · Starting with macOS Catalina, Apple ditched Bash as the default shell and gave Zsh the crown. This guide compares Zsh vs Bash, helping to make an informed choice. Learn which shell aligns with your command-line needs in this comprehensive comparison. 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. The most common command shell is Bash, but there are other options available and widely used, such as the Z Shell or zsh. It was designed to be a more feature-rich and user-friendly alternative to the Bourne shell (sh), which was the default shell on many Unix-like systems at the time. Bash shell is a creation of Brian Fox, and it came out in 1989. With both Bash and Zsh providing compelling advantages, selecting the right shell for scripting can significantly shape your productivity, and simplify your daily tasks. 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. What's the main difference between Bash and sh? What do we Nov 26, 2024 · 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. bash_profile config for various command line tools; less common but not unheard of to get a . The three main ones out there are Bash, Zsh, and Fish. Zsh Jan 11, 2025 · Zsh, short for Z Shell, is a feature-rich Unix shell that builds upon and extends the capabilities of Bash. Sep 29, 2023 · Explore the differences between Zsh and Bash, two powerful command-line shells. Bash is the most popular. zshrc config, plus zsh offers a bash-compatibility mode that can read . Discover which shell suits your workflow—scripting, customization, or beginner-friendly use. AFAIK, every shell handles it 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. But almost every command in bash works in zsh the same way. Zsh is often combined with Oh My Zsh a plugin system and collection of plugins that enhance the shell. 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 Oct 23, 2023 · When it comes to shell scripting on Unix-like operating systems, two shells dominate: Bash (Bourne Again Shell) and Zsh (Z Shell). bash, ksh, tcsh, and zsh will also perform variable expansion on anything that starts with a dollar sign and looks like a variable before each display of the prompt. Let’s check the individual features now. There are some exceptions of course. Of course there are obvious things like the ** globbing which simply doesn't exist in bash, but the real issue are the many subtle differences. It aimed to be a convenient interface for Unix-based systems at the time… [background on bash creation, versions, features, adoption over time] Zsh In contrast, Zsh was created later by Paul Falstad in 1990 as an extended Bourne shell alternative. Apr 3, 2023 · Zsh, or the Z Shell, is an extended version of the Bourne Shell that incorporates features from Bash, KornShell, and tcsh. Dec 13, 2022 · When you open up your terminal, chances are that it uses Bash as its UNIX shell environment. 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. By comparing the Jan 10, 2025 · When it comes to command-line interfaces, the debate between Zsh vs Bash often takes center stage. Apr 22, 2024 · Zsh, or the Z Shell, is a popular alternative to Bash that offers a wide range of additional features and customization options. 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] • Variable completion is the completion of the name of a variable name (environment variable or shell variable). Also, it's common to provide a . But two popular alternatives, ZSH and Fish, offer more advanced features and customization. But when it comes to interactive use, Zsh clearly separates itself from Bash by including advanced enhancements specifically targeting command line users. Only built-in commands may slightly differ. Dec 27, 2023 · If shell scripting represented the only distinction, Zsh likely wouldn‘t have gained much adoption given Bash‘s system ties. Unravel their unique features and learn how to choose the right shell for your tasks. Mar 12, 2024 · Here in this article, we are going to differentiate between the two most popular shells bash and zsh. But other "shell" environments exist. . Aug 3, 2020 · Zsh vs Bash When we talk about UNIX-based programming we usually mean consoles, terminals and command line interfaces. Maybe you’re a longtime Bash user curious about what Zsh … Apr 7, 2021 · Zsh Zsh is for people wanting an interesting mix of a good compatibility with Bash and an ecosystem of plugins with a reasonable installation process. May 6, 2020 · When I set up my Windows computer, I had the chance to take another look at the shell I'm using. See also What zsh features do you use?, What features are in zsh and missing from Bash, or vice versa?, What are the practical differences between Bash and Zsh?. It’s a plugin system to integrate multiple Zsh scripts. PowerShell has completions for environment variable names, shell variable names and — from within user-defined functions — parameter names. This guide explores their pros and cons to help you determine which is best to use. It‘s been around for decades and is stable and widely portable. com Apr 29, 2024 · Bash and Zsh are popular Unix shell environments that provide command-line interfaces to the operating system. In this article, we’ll explore these two shells in-depth, highlighting their differences, and trying to understand which might be better suited for different scenarios. When writing shell programs, we often use /bin/sh and /bin/bash. May 21, 2025 · Have you ever wondered why some developers swear by Zsh while others stick with Bash? As someone who‘s spent over a decade writing shell scripts for everything from simple automation tasks to complex deployment pipelines, I‘ve come to appreciate the unique strengths of both shells. Understanding the differences between them can help you choose the one that best 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 article will look at Bash vs Apr 11, 2025 · Learn the key differences between Zsh and Bash—two powerful Unix shells. That made it popular for interactive use (but not for scripting). Sep 1, 2024 · Origins and History Bash Bash traces its roots all the way back to the Bourne shell (sh), created by Stephen Bourne at Bell Labs in 1977. It has specific differences in terms of scripting from Bash, but that doesn’t pose a problem. Sep 18, 2023 · Explore key differences & head to head comparison (infographics) between Zsh & Bash. Each shell has its own set of features, advantages, and use - cases. Feb 19, 2023 · Learn about the differences between Zsh and Bash shells, and when to choose one over the other in this detailed comparison guide. In recent years, it has gained popularity among developers and power users for its flexibility and extensibility. 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. If you are a programmer or a system administrator, the choice between these two significantly impacts your efficiency and productivity. Bash is known for its simplicity, POSIX compliance, and widespread availability across Linux distributions 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. Bash, zsh, and fish have completion for all variable names. Both shells allow users to run commands, write scripts, and interact with the operating system efficiently. Let’s dive in! What Is a Shell? A shell is more Mar 29, 2025 · Bash vs Zsh vs Fish: Learn the key differences between the top Linux shells in 2025. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between ZSH and Fish shell. Zsh, or Z shell, is a more feature-rich alternative to Bash that offers improved tab completion and command history among other features. No matter which shell you learn - their syntax is very similar. There are other environments such as the C Shell, Korn Shell, Z Shell, and even the Fish Shell.