What is the Default Shell in Linux Called? 5 Shocking Facts

Introduction

If you are starting your journey with Linux or want to master its command-line environment, knowing what is default shell in Linux called is essential.
The default shell is your main gateway to interacting with the Linux operating system, letting you run commands and automate tasks through scripts.
Gaining a solid understanding of what is default shell in Linux called will help you use Linux more efficiently and tailor it to your needs.

Understanding Linux Shells

In Linux, a shell acts as a command-line interpreter, providing a text-based interface for users to interact with the system’s core functions.
Several shell options exist, each offering distinct features and syntax styles.
For example, you might encounter the Bourne Shell (sh), C Shell (csh), Korn Shell (ksh), Z Shell (zsh) and of course, Bash.

The original Unix shell, known as the Bourne Shell or sh, appeared in 1979.
While it was efficient and reliable, it lacked many conveniences found in modern shells.
Over time, new shells emerged, each improving on the previous generation by adding features like command history, autocompletion and enhanced scripting capabilities.

Although you have a variety of shells to choose from, most Linux distributions select a single default shell for user sessions.
This default is chosen for its balance of usability, scripting power and widespread compatibility.
If you’ve ever wondered what is default shell in Linux called, you’re not alone—this is a common question among new and experienced users alike.

What is Default Shell in Linux Called?

The answer to what is default shell in Linux called is almost always Bash.
Bash stands for “Bourne Again SHell” and is the most widely used default shell across major Linux distributions.
Bash is open source, powerful and compatible with scripts written for the original Bourne Shell.

For more details, you can visit the official GNU Bash page.

Why is Bash the Default Shell in Linux Called? (H3)

Understanding what is default shell in Linux called helps you troubleshoot, write compatible scripts and get the most from your Linux experience. Bash is chosen as the default shell in Linux because of its reliability, compatibility, and rich feature set.

Benefits of Knowing What is Default Shell in Linux Called (H4)

When you know what is default shell in Linux called, you can:

• Write scripts that work across most Linux distributions
• Troubleshoot user environments and login issues
• Understand system defaults for automation and security

Bash: The Standard Shell in Linux

Bash, short for “Bourne Again SHell,” is the standard shell found on most Linux systems.
Created in 1989 by Brian Fox as part of the GNU Project, Bash was introduced to offer a robust and free shell environment for Unix-like platforms.
Unlike its predecessor, the Bourne Shell, Bash includes a range of enhancements and borrows useful elements from other well-known shells, making it a versatile choice for users and scriptwriters alike.

Today, Bash is the standard interactive shell on nearly all major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian and openSUSE.
Until recently, even macOS used Bash as its default shell before switching to zsh.
Bash offers features like command history, tab completion, job control and robust scripting abilities, making it a favorite among both new and experienced users.

You can usually find Bash installed at /bin/bash.
Unless you or your system administrator have changed it, your terminal session will start with Bash by default.

If you’re searching for what is default shell in Linux called on your own system, try running echo $SHELL in your terminal.

Why Is Bash the Default Shell?

There are several reasons why Bash is the default shell in Linux environments.
First, Bash is fully compatible with scripts written for the original Bourne Shell so existing scripts continue to work without modification.

Because Bash is open source and maintained by the Free Software Foundation, it remains widely available and regularly updated.
Its compliance with POSIX standards ensures that Bash scripts run smoothly across different Unix-like systems.
For both interactive use and automation, Bash offers a comprehensive set of features that appeal to system administrators, developers and everyday users.

While some distributions may use other shells for specific system scripts (for example, Ubuntu uses Bash for certain tasks due to its speed), Bash remains the go-to shell for most user sessions.
This is why, when you ask what is default shell in Linux called, Bash is almost always the answer.

How to Change What is Default Shell in Linux Called

Step-by-Step: Changing What is Default Shell in Linux Called

Although Bash is set as the default shell on most Linux systems, you have the freedom to select a different shell if you wish.
For example, you might prefer alternatives like zsh or fish for their unique features and user experience.

To view all the shells installed on your machine, enter the following command in your terminal:

cat /etc/shells

If you decide to change your default shell, use the chsh command along with the full path of your new shell:

chsh -s /path/to/new/shell

Once you log out and sign back in, your selected shell will become active.
Still, many users stick with Bash because of its reliability and extensive community support.

Remember, no matter which shell you choose, you should know what is default shell in Linux called for troubleshooting and scripting purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Is Default Shell in Linux Called

1. What is default shell in Linux called?

Exact Answer for What is Default Shell in Linux Called

On most Linux systems, the default shell is Bash, which stands for Bourne Again SHell.

2. Why do most Linux distributions use Bash as the default shell?

Bash is widely adopted because of its compatibility, extensive features, and active open-source development.

3. Are there other shells besides Bash available in Linux?

Yes, you can use shells like sh, csh, ksh, zsh, and fish, each offering unique capabilities.

4. Can I set a different shell as my default in Linux?

Absolutely! You can use the chsh command to switch to another shell, such as zsh or fish.

5. How can I check which shell I am currently using?

Type echo $SHELL in your terminal to display your current default shell.

6. What sets Bash apart from the original Bourne Shell?

Bash expands on the Bourne Shell by adding features like command history, tab completion and improved scripting options.

7. Can Bash execute scripts written for other shells?

Bash can run most scripts written for the Bourne Shell, but scripts for other shells may need adjustments.

8. Is Bash suitable for people new to Linux?

Yes, Bash is beginner-friendly and has extensive documentation and community support.

9. Which shell does Ubuntu use for user sessions?

Ubuntu uses Bash as the default shell for interactive user sessions, though it uses dash for some system scripts.

10. How does Bash compare to zsh?

While Bash is more common, zsh offers extra customization and features, making it popular among advanced users.

11. What shell does macOS use by default?

macOS used Bash as the default shell until it switched to zsh starting with macOS Catalina.

12. Does the default shell impact Linux performance?

The choice of default shell has minimal effect on overall system performance, though some shells are faster for scripting.

13. How can I list all shells available on my Linux system?

Run cat /etc/shells to see all installed shells.

14. Is Bash available for Windows users?

Yes, Windows users can access Bash through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) or by installing compatible tools.

15. What symbols does Bash use for its prompt?

By default, Bash displays $ for regular users and # for the root user.

16. Does Bash conform to POSIX standards?

Bash is largely POSIX compliant, although it includes some additional features.

17. Why do so many people prefer Bash?

Bash is favored for its command history, scripting power, job control and broad availability across platforms.

18. Can I automate tasks in Linux using Bash?

Definitely! Bash scripting is a powerful way to automate tasks and manage your Linux system efficiently.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts: What is Default Shell in Linux Called?

Summary of What is Default Shell in Linux Called

In summary, Bash is the answer to the question, “what is default shell in Linux called?”
Its blend of compatibility, advanced features, and open-source support has made it the standard for most Linux distributions.
Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, understanding Bash will help you get the most out of Linux.
While you can explore other shells, Bash remains the foundation of the Linux experience for millions of users worldwide.

The default shell in most Linux distributions is Bash, which stands for Bourne Again Shell. Many beginners ask what is the default shell in most Linux distributions or which shell is usually the default on Linux systems, and the answer remains the same across almost all popular Linux platforms.

Bash is widely used because it is stable, powerful, and easy to learn. When people wonder what is the default shell in Linux called or what is the default shell on most Linux systems called, Bash is the correct answer, as it comes preinstalled and enabled by default in the majority of Linux environments.

In practice, the default shell in Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat, and CentOS is Bash, making it the standard command-line interface for users and administrators.

This is why searches like default shell in Linux, default shell most Linux distributions, and default shell in most Linux distributions consistently point to Bash.

A very common question is what shell does Ubuntu use, and the answer is that Ubuntu also uses Bash as its default shell for interactive users.

Because Bash supports scripting, automation, and system administration tasks, it has become the trusted and familiar default shell in Linux distributions, helping ensure consistency across desktops, servers, and cloud systems.