Chapter 3. The Unix Shell: An Overview

For novice users, this chapter presents basic concepts about the Unix shell. For advanced users, this chapter also summarizes the major similarities and differences between the Bash, Korn, and “Tenex” C shells . Details on the three shells are provided in Chapters 4 and 5.

The following topics are presented:

  • Introduction to the shell

  • Purpose of the shell

  • Shell flavors

  • Shell source code

  • Common features

  • Differing features

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