---
title: unix shell
sr-due: 2022-04-14
sr-interval: 27
sr-ease: 270
---

tags: #review

---
# Unix shell
- most common command shell (macOS, linux, android, ios)
- bash is another common shell
- windows shells:
	- cmd.exe (legacy)
	- powershell (more powerful than bash)
	- many ways to run bash

##### Unix shell good/bad
- good
	- embodies unix principle: [separation of concerns](None)
	- minimal -> shell just manages interaction of other small tools
	- highly programmable; supports complex automation
- bad
	- has quirkiness that can trip everyone up
- tradeoffs
	- Shell can be perfect to some tasks; terrible for others
	- extremely powerful however also difficult to learn to use

shells are in cosc202 as lowest-level, common means for controlling computers during software development