The xonsh shell
The xonsh shell is a Python-powered, cross-platform, Unix-gazing shell language and command prompt. Xonsh has rich syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and macros that speed up your workflow.
python
cli
shell
crossplatform
xonsh Shell: A Python-Powered, Cross-Platform Command Prompt
The xonsh shell is a Unix-gazing shell language and command prompt with rich syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and macros that speed up your workflow.
What is The xonsh shell?
The xonsh shell is a unique hybrid shell that combines features from Python as well as bash, zsh, and other traditional Unix shells. It works on Linux, Mac, and Windows systems.
Some key features of xonsh include:
- Python powered - xonsh allows you to combine Python code inline with shell commands for additional flexibility and power.
- Rich syntax highlighting - xonsh has excellent support for syntax highlighting that makes working at the command line more productive.
- Automatic command line tab completion - xonsh comes packed with smart autocomplete for file paths, commands, arguments, and more.
- Aliases and macros - xonsh enables you to create shortcuts and macros that speed up repetitive tasks.
- Cross-platform - xonsh runs on Linux, MacOS, and Windows so you can use the same environment across different machines.
Xonsh brings the best ideas from various shells and languages together into one unified shell that Python developers will feel right at home in. The additional coding capability allows you to accomplish more directly from the command line.
The xonsh shell Features
Features
- Python-powered shell
- Cross-platform support
- Unix-style pipes and redirections
- Syntax highlighting
- Tab completion
- Macro support
- History substring search
- Foreign shell command aliases
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Full Python language support allows advanced scripting
Familiar Python syntax
Interoperability with Python packages and libraries
Powerful automation capabilities
Customizable and extensible
Cons
Slower than native shells like bash or zsh
Limited adoption means less community support
Not as fully featured as mature shells like bash
Some platform differences in behavior
Python dependency adds complexity
Official Links
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