What is UNIX Shell? How does it work? | SEO Training in Chennai

UNIX Shell is a group of computer operating systems that allow multiple users to perform multiple tasks at the same time. A shell is a medium for interacting with the kernel, which is a Unix system Command Line Interface (CLI). It essentially serves as a command-line interface to the Unix system. It works by gathering user input, executing the program based on the input, and then displaying the output after the program has been executed. Join FITA Academy‘s UNIX Course in Chennai. It provides advanced certification training as well as 100% job placement assistance. In this blog, we will learn What is UNIX Shell.

How does it work?

UNIX requires your input.
It runs the program in response to your input.
It displays the output once it has finished executing.

Understanding Unix Shell

It is an additional layer on top of the kernel.

A kernel

Helps in the control of all computer operations.
It coordinates the execution of all utilities or programs.
It manages the utilities’ resource consumption. It oversees all system processes.
Associating with a kernel thus gives you a platform to interact with and execute utilities and programs.

Types of Shell

There are 2 types of shells in Unix:

Bourne shell

The default prompt in a Bourne-type shell is the $ sign.

The four subcategories of Bourne shell are as follows:

Bourne shell (sh)
Korn shell (ksh)
Bourne Again shell (bash)
POSIX shell (sh)

C shell

The % character is the default prompt in a C-type shell.

The two subcategories of C shell are as follows:

C shell (csh)
TENEX/TOPS C shell (tcsh)

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Uses

It automates routine tasks. For instance, if you want to backup your home directory and upload it to a server, you can write a script and schedule it to run daily or weekly.
A script can be used to automate the software setup that you have created on a new system.
By writing a script and calling it from.shrc/.bashrc/.zshrc, you can do a lot more when you log in to your system (it depends on the source path).
It saves time by allowing us to perform repetitive tasks more efficiently. You don’t have to type commands over and over if you have a script for it.
You can write a script to perform various tasks such as killing or starting multiple programmes at the same time, or to enable/disable certain features.

Advantages

Task Automation

It is useful for automating tasks that are performed frequently, which means you can write a script to perform a daily task or a task that requires the execution of multiple commands.

Combining multiple commands

It combines several commands into a single one. It is simpler to execute a single command because you do not need to remember the order of commands or their execution sequence.

Easier to develop

It is possible to write the same script in a C/C++ program, but a shell script is easier to write and debug than a C/C++ program, especially for system administration tasks.

Transparency

Because the script is a text file, it is easier to see and check what action is being performed, whereas in a C/C++ programme, you must have access to the source code file.

Portable

If a script has the shell, it is easier to execute it on other Unix or Unix-like operating systems.

Conclusion

This blog has discussed What is UNIX Shell. Unix shell and shell scripting are essential skills to have when working on a Unix operating system because they allow you to interact with the system and make your life easier. To learn more about UNIX, Join the UNIX shell scripting Training in Chennai which offers the best certification training with knowledgeable instructors.