Shell Prompt – An Overview

Now I have decided to write articles which will help the new linux user to do things the pro-way i.e. using the shell.

There are many different shells available with the GNU/Linux system.

Sh – The old UNIX shell

Bash – Bourne Again Shell – rewrite of the sh shell

csh – C Shell – similar to C funtions

and so on.

Most GNU/Linux systems come with the default Bash shell and it can be recognised by a $ prompt or a # prompt.

The $ prompt indicates that you are logged in as an ordinary user.

The # prompt indicates that you are logged in as a root user. This is most powerful user, so just be careful with it.

You can log in to the root user at anytime by using the su command.

I think this gives a basic overview of the shell. I have decided to start writing a series which will teach a new command everyday.

Tech Tags: linux terminal