We compare the Bash, Zsh, and fish shells
Knowledge Warehouse
Bash provide developers a comprehensive reference on their website, but it is quite technical and dry [7]. A better introduction is provided by tutorials like the still-valid Advanced Bash Scripting Guide [8].
For Zsh users, the official documentation is the first place to go [9]. The fish developers offer a detailed tutorial, as well as a reference on their website [10].
Conclusions
Bash, fish, and Zsh offer a similar range of functions, but they differ in many details. These dissimilarities are especially present in the syntax of the control structures, which means that only extremely simple scripts run without changes in a different shell.
If you want to use a script on as many systems as possible, there is no alternative to Bash. It is normally preinstalled and has the biggest user base. If you have problems or questions, you can usually find help quickly on the Internet.
As for interactive command-line operations, many users express a preference for Zsh or fish because of their advanced autocompletion, enhanced configuration options, and other user-friendly features.
If portability does not play a role or is just a minor concern, the best approach is to try all three shells and use the one that works best for you. For example, if you only launch programs from the command line, fish's automatic suggestions could save you quite a bit of typing.
Infos
- Bash: http://www.gnu.org/software/bash/
- Zsh: http://www.zsh.org
- Fish: https://fishshell.com
- Oh My Zsh: https://ohmyz.sh/
- Bash POSIX mode: http://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/bash.html#Bash-POSIX-Mode
- Fish in a Browser: https://rootnroll.com/d/fish-shell/
- Bash manual: http://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/
- Advanced Bash Scripting Guide: http://tldp.org/LDP/abs/html/
- Zsh documentation: http://zsh.sourceforge.net/Doc/
- Fish documentation: https://fishshell.com/docs/current/index.html
« Previous 1 2 3 4 5
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.