2.1.1 What Is a Shell (bash)
A shell is a program that provides an interface between the user and the operating system.
In Linux, the shell interprets user input and translates it into instructions that the system can execute.
Role of the Shell
The shell is responsible for:
- Reading commands entered by the user
- Interpreting those commands
- Passing requests to the operating system
- Displaying output and results
The shell does not execute hardware operations directly.
Instead, it communicates with the operating system on behalf of the user.
bash and Its Role in Linux
bash (Bourne Again SHell) is the most commonly used shell in Linux systems.
It is popular because:
- It is powerful and flexible
- It supports scripting and automation
- It is widely available by default
Many Linux tutorials and scripts assume bash as the default shell.
Shell and the Operating System
The shell sits between:
- The user
- The operating system (via the kernel)
In practice:
- The user interacts with the shell
- The shell communicates with the operating system
- The operating system manages hardware and system resources
📌 Summary:
The shell is your primary communication channel with the Linux system.