Customizing Your Shell on Mac: Switching Between Zsh and Bash
Apple’s macOS has long been known for its user-friendly interface, simplicity, and minimalistic design. But did you know that its terminal, commonly referred to as “Terminal.app,” provides an extensive set of customizable features?
One of the most notable of these is the ability to switch between different shells like Zsh and Bash, each with its own unique features. In this article, we will explore how to list available shells, the benefits of switching shells, and provide step-by-step instructions for switching between Zsh and Bash, both through the terminal and the System Preferences method.
Listing Available Shells
The first step towards customizing your shell on macOS is figure out which shells are available to you. Fortunately, finding this out is an easy process.
In your terminal window, type the following command:
“`
cat /etc/shells
“`
This command will list all the available shells on your macOS system.
Switching from Zsh to Bash
Zsh, or Z Shell, is often referred to as an advanced version of Bash. However, if you’re new to the world of shells, you may find Bash to be easier to use.
Here’s how to switch from Zsh to Bash. Terminal Method:
1.
Open your Terminal window. 2.
Type the following command:
“`
chsh -s /bin/bash
“`
3. Enter your password when prompted.
4. Restart Terminal.
System Preferences Method:
1. Click on the Apple logo and then select “System Preferences.”
2.
Click on “Users & Groups.”
3. Click on the lock icon and enter your password when prompted.
4. Click on the plus (+) icon to create a new user.
5. Click on the “Advanced Options” button.
6. Change the login shell to “/bin/bash.”
Switching from Bash to Zsh
Switching from Bash to Zsh is equally straightforward. Here’s how:
Terminal Method:
1.
Open your Terminal window. 2.
Type the following command:
“`
chsh -s /bin/zsh
“`
3. Enter your password when prompted.
4. Restart Terminal.
System Preferences Method:
1. Click on the Apple logo and then select “System Preferences.”
2.
Click on “Users & Groups.”
3. Click on the lock icon and enter your password when prompted.
4. Click on the plus (+) icon to create a new user.
5. Click on the “Advanced Options” button.
6. Change the login shell to “/bin/zsh.”
Benefits of Switching Shells
So, what are the benefits of switching shells? The answer to that largely depends on what you’re looking for in a shell.
Zsh provides several unique features that make it a popular choice among developers. For one, it comes with an auto-completion feature that enables the shell to auto-fill commands, making work much easier.
It also supports shared command history – that is, a command executed on one shell will be available to be retrieved on a different shell. Another unique feature is programmable completion, enabling the user to create complex command completions from simple building blocks.
Bash, on the other hand, is known for its simplicity and ease of use. If you’re new to shells, you may want to start with Bash since it’s easier to learn.
It’s one of the most commonly used shells and has widespread support both in terms of extensions and example code.
Other Shell Options
Note that Zsh and Bash aren’t the only shells available on macOS. The C Shell (csh) and its Tcsh variant are also available.
Although these shells haven’t enjoyed the ubiquitous support of their more popular counterparts, they do provide some unique features. For example, Csh was among the first shells to allow custom command aliases.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Switching between Zsh and Bash on macOS is a simple and straightforward process. Whether you’re looking for a feature-rich command-line option or a simpler, more beginner-friendly one, macOS has got you covered.
Don’t hesitate to give Zsh, Bash, or one of the other shells a try – you may find that one of them is the perfect fit for your needs. Now that you know how to switch between them seamlessly, there’s nothing stopping you from taking advantage of all the benefits they have to offer.
In conclusion, customizing your shell on macOS by switching between Zsh and Bash can greatly improve your workflow. This article provided step-by-step instructions for switching shells through the terminal and the System Preferences method, as well as the benefits of each shell.
Zsh offers features like auto-complete and shared command history, while Bash is simpler and more beginner-friendly. Other shells like Csh and Tcsh are also available.
Overall, exploring and customizing your shell can enhance your productivity and make using macOS more efficient.