Bash is the GNU Project’s shell for command-line interaction and shell scripting.

gnu.org/software/bash
bash homepage screenshot

About bash

Bash is the GNU Project's Bourne Again SHell, an sh-compatible shell for interactive command-line use and shell scripting. It incorporates features from the Korn shell and C shell and is intended to conform to the IEEE POSIX P1003.2/ISO 9945.2 Shell and Tools standard.

It can run most sh scripts without modification and provides command-line editing, command history, job control, functions, aliases, indexed arrays, and integer arithmetic.

Key features

  • Command-line editing
  • Command history with unlimited size
  • Job control
  • Shell functions and aliases
  • Indexed arrays of unlimited size
  • Integer arithmetic in bases two to sixty-four
Best for: People who need an sh-compatible shell for interactive command use and shell scripting.
Good for
  • Runs most sh scripts without modification
  • Intended to conform to the POSIX Shell and Tools standard
  • Distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later

bash at a glance

Type
Website
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Web
Open source
Not stated
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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bash FAQ

Where can I find documentation for Bash?
Documentation is available online, through info bash or man bash, in system directories such as /usr/share/doc/bash/, or through bash --help for a brief summary.
Where can I download stable releases?
Stable releases are available from the main GNU server and its mirrors, with use of a mirror requested when possible.
How can I ask for help or report bugs?
Use [email protected] for help with Bash and shell scripting, and [email protected] to report bugs or discuss development.
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