Bash vs. Fish? I've tried both Linux shells, and one makes using the command line much easier

The Linux shell is the unsung hero of the operating system, interpreting commands so the kernel can understand and use them. Without it, not only would commands not work, but applications wouldn't function either. Most Linux distributions default to the Bash shell, also known as Bourne Again Shell, which has been around for a long time with little change.

However, there are alternatives, and one of them is making waves. The Fish shell, or Friendly Interactive SHell, offers a refreshing take on the command line experience. Unlike Bash, which feels like it works for you, Fish feels like it works with you.

When you run a command in Bash, you type it, hit Enter, and wait to see if it worked. Bash doesn't offer much help; it simply accepts the command and attempts to run it. Fish, on the other hand, behaves differently.

As you type a command, it offers suggestions based on your history. When you see a suggestion that works for you, hit the right-pointing arrow key to accept it. For instance, if you type 'ssh' and Fish suggests 'ssh 192.168.1.26', you can hit the arrow key and then Enter to use that command.

Fish also uses colors to provide feedback; for example, if you type an invalid command, it will be colored red, turning blue as soon as you correct it. In addition to its suggestive nature and colorful interface, Fish offers other user-friendly features. You can set variables using the 'set' command, and commands are placed in parentheses instead of backticks, making them easier to read.

You can also set abbreviations for commands, similar to aliases in Bash. For example, you can create an abbreviation 'gco' for the 'git checkout' command, making it quicker to use. Fish also includes a handy calculator, allowing you to perform calculations directly in the terminal.

The shell can be installed from your distribution's standard repositories, and once installed, you can set it as your default shell with a simple command. If you don't like Fish, you can easily switch back to Bash. Overall, Fish offers a more intuitive and user-friendly command line experience, making it an attractive alternative to Bash.

As the saying goes, 'if you teach someone to Fish… you empower them for a lifetime.'