Mshell

Mshell is a cross-platform command-line shell designed to be extensible and efficient for automation. Originating in the early 2010s as a lightweight alternative to larger shells, it aims to be POSIX-like while focusing on scripting and automation. The project emphasizes a small footprint, straightforward syntax, and a plugin architecture for third-party extensions without recompiling the core.

Mshell supports interactive features commonly found in modern shells, including command history, line editing, tab completion, piping and redirection, variable expansion, and basic scripting constructs. It provides an integrated scripting facility with its own scripting syntax and also supports execution of external scripts. The architecture is modular, enabling components such as job control, platform adapters, and configuration profiles.

The shell runs on Unix-like systems and Windows, using ports or compatibility layers to preserve behavior across environments. It is distributed as open-source software under a permissive license, with development activity hosted on a public repository and maintained by a community of contributors. Documentation covers installation, quick-start usage, and guidance for writing scripts and extensions.

In practice, Mshell is used by developers and system administrators seeking a compact, extensible shell for environments where resources are constrained or customization is important. See also: comparison with other shells and scripting languages.