Nu Shell

Nu Shell

Nu Shell is a new, open source shell focused on improving the command line experience and development workflow. It features structured data, a modular design, powerful automation and scripting capabilities.
Nu Shell image
cli scripting automation

Nu Shell: Open Source Shell for Improved Command Line Experience

Nu Shell is a new, open source shell focused on improving the command line experience and development workflow. It features structured data, a modular design, powerful automation and scripting capabilities.

What is Nu Shell?

Nu Shell (also called Nushell or Nu) is an open source command shell and scripting language created by GitHub co-founder Jonathon Turner and released under the MIT license. It focuses on improving the command-line interface and workflow compared to traditional Unix shells like Bash or Zsh.

Key features and goals of Nu Shell include:

  • Structured data - unlike traditional text-based shells, Nu allows you to easily work with different data types like tables, strings, booleans etc.
  • A modular, extensible design - it's easy to write Nu plugins for added functionality
  • Powerful automation and scripting capabilities to quickly manipulate data flows
  • A selection-based workflow for discoverability and piping data between commands
  • Modern programming language conveniences like pipelines and litterals

While newer than options like PowerShell, Nu Shell shows promise for cloud-focused and DevOps-style command line work. Its structured data especially helps for tasks like converting between formats, HTTP requests and responses, working with cloud APIs and services etc. The modular architecture also lends itself well to customizing Nu Shell for specific workflows and teams via plugins.

Nu Shell Features

Features

  1. Structured data
  2. Modular design
  3. Powerful automation
  4. Scripting capabilities

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Improves command line experience

Simplifies workflow

Extensible and customizable

Cons

Less commonly used than bash or zsh

Steeper learning curve than traditional shells


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