mysh

Mysh is a lightweight, minimalist shell designed for simplicity and efficiency, primarily used in Unix-like operating systems. Developed as a fork of the original sh (Bourne shell) by David Korn in the late 1980s, Mysh was later integrated into the KornShell (ksh) project before evolving into its own independent implementation. It is often included in modern Linux distributions as an alternative to more feature-rich shells like Bash or Zsh.

One of the defining characteristics of Mysh is its adherence to the POSIX standard, ensuring compatibility with scripts and commands across different Unix environments. Unlike Bash, which includes extensive built-in commands and advanced scripting features, Mysh maintains a leaner design, focusing on core shell functionality. This makes it a preferred choice for users seeking a fast, predictable, and minimalist shell experience.

Mysh supports many standard shell features, including command substitution, variable expansion, and basic scripting capabilities. It also incorporates improvements over the original Bourne shell, such as enhanced array handling and better handling of special characters. While it lacks some of the more advanced features found in modern shells, its simplicity and reliability make it suitable for system administration tasks, scripting, and environments where performance is critical.

The shell is often bundled with Unix-like systems as a fallback option or for users who prefer a no-frills alternative. Its design philosophy aligns with the principle of "less is more," appealing to those who prioritize stability and efficiency over extensive functionality. Mysh remains a niche but respected choice among Unix enthusiasts and developers.