I’m moving my posts from Reddit to Lemmy before delete them.
This post is from 2020-09-03.
Okay, you guys get the once in a liftetime chance to convince me that Bash is not the way to go. I'll eagerly await your proposals.
this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2023
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Zsh, an extended version of the Bourne Shell (sh), offers a plethora of compelling reasons why it surpasses Bash in terms of functionality and customization. Here are some key advantages of Zsh over Bash:
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Plugin and theme support: Zsh boasts a wide range of plugin frameworks and themes, allowing users to enhance their shell experience and tailor it to their specific needs. The popular Oh-My-Zsh framework is a testament to the vibrant plugin ecosystem available for Zsh.
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Automatic cd: Zsh simplifies directory navigation by enabling users to change directories simply by typing the name of the desired directory. This feature eliminates the need to type the "cd" command explicitly, saving time and keystrokes.
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Recursive path expansion: Zsh offers the convenience of shorthand path expansion, allowing users to expand a partial path to its full form recursively. This feature proves particularly useful when dealing with nested directory structures.
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Spelling correction and approximate completion: Zsh's intelligent auto-correction feature automatically fixes minor typos in directory names, ensuring smooth and error-free command execution. Additionally, Zsh's approximate completion feature suggests potential completions based on the entered command, further streamlining the workflow.
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Syntax highlighting: Zsh goes beyond mere text display by providing syntax highlighting for command lines, making complex commands more readable and easier to comprehend. This feature enhances code visibility and reduces the likelihood of syntax errors.
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Advanced scripting capabilities: Zsh offers a more powerful scripting language compared to Bash, enabling users to create intricate and sophisticated shell scripts. This flexibility opens up possibilities for automation and complex task execution.
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Enhanced customization: Zsh provides users with extensive customization options, allowing them to personalize their shell environment to suit their preferences. From prompt customization to theme selection, Zsh empowers users to create a shell experience that aligns with their workflow and aesthetic choices.
While Zsh undeniably offers a wealth of advantages, it is worth noting that it has a steeper learning curve compared to Bash, especially for users unfamiliar with advanced shell features. Additionally, Zsh consumes more memory due to its more complex data structures and advanced functionality.
Some of those options exist in Bash too, but need to be enabled in your profile: https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/html_node/The-Shopt-Builtin.html. Bash is also more like to be available on random machines that you have access to. Lastly, if you’re working a lot with Bash scripts in your (work) environment you might feel more at home using Bash in interactive mode too.
Those are just some counter arguments for the sake of completeness. I think zsh is great, even though I personally don’t use it (yet).
OK GPT, now give me 7 reasons why Bash is better than zsh, please!
Yeah, from the first line
Zsh, an extended version of the Bourne Shell (sh)
This screams AI-generated.
Automatic cd isnt a zsh-only feature. You can use it in bash by shopt -s autocd. Afaik its also disabled by default in zsh, just enabled by oh-my-zsh.
Automatic cd: Zsh simplifies directory navigation by enabling users to change directories simply by typing the name of the desired directory. This feature eliminates the need to type the “cd” command explicitly, saving time and keystrokes.
What if there happens to be a command with the same name?
command goes first
order is shell built in > path > autocd
Then you're likely to enter a command by accident. I would consider that a dangerous misfeature and look to turn it off.
not really tab complete puts a / at the end of autocd directories
I've got syntax highlighting enabked, so I always notice the different color when I type a commnand.
Don't name your directories "rm" or "fdisk" problems solved
$arrayactually expands to every element in an array.
Very convenient. But ~every shell script is written in bash or POSIX(y) sh. When I need to write shell scripts I begin with busybox sh compability. If it turns out to be too complex, I'll convert to bash. This is because if I ever would publish the script it would have better changes to be accepted as a PR for example. Yes. Bash is a mess. I don't even like it that much. It's okay. But it's more standard then zsh. Although I've seen the tides turn on some occasions, like macOS.
Maybe some day I'll give zsh a second chance.
I used to write Bash more than anything, but now the things I write are either simple enough to keep POSIX or complex enough that I miss the extra niceties Zsh provides.
but now the things I write are either simple enough to keep POSIX or complex enough that I miss the extra niceties Zsh provides.
Well said!
Bash is the way, zsh if you are lazy.
This is me but for fish shell.
sh scripts can be run in even the dumbest distro out there, bash, not so much
The debate was between zsh and bash, not necessarily POSIX sh.
Try fish with the tide plugin and the fzf plugin. I can never go back to anything else.
I love fish, only it annoys me, if I want to run a bash script.
Why is that? You can still use bash to interpret your bash scripts. Where does it annoy you?
I have to switch to bash first, and wonder days later, why I can't find it (obviously) in my fish history.
I mean, doesn’t the script have a hash bang pointing to the bash interpreter?
#!/usr/bin/bash
Or you can just run it like:
bash script.sh
#!/usr/bin/env bash for compability. 😉
For example on my system bash is in /bin.
Right, of course. I already do that with Python scripts, but with bash old habits die hard, I guess. :)
I know, well the lazyness is strong in me. Copy and paste.
Huh. It’s the first thing I write in any script. It actually saves me time. What annoys me is a script that doesn’t have a hash bang. :)
Which distro ships with zsh?
I believe it was Manjaro Bspwm which doesn't exist for quite some time.
Not a distro but macOS does ship zsh but default nowdays.
Kali
i prefer fish
So what exactly is so great about it?
From my point of view, it's great because I'm lazy.
What tool are u using for transferring your posts from reddit? Or is this done manual?
Automation can get you blocked from posting apparently, also I didn't have that many posts so I handpicked them.