Best Shell for macOS: A Comparison and Overview

When it comes to choosing the best shell for macOS, the decision often hinges on your personal preferences, scripting needs, and preferred level of customization. In this article, we will explore popular choices such as Zsh, Bash, Fish, and Tcsh, along with their unique features and benefits. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned developer, there is a shell that can meet your needs.

Zsh: The Default Shell for macOS Catalina and Beyond

As of macOS Catalina 10.15, Zsh has become the default shell. This transition marks a significant move towards a shell that offers robust scripting capabilities, advanced features, and extensive customization options.

Poweful Scripting and Customizability

Zsh stands out with its:

Powerful scripting capabilities that make it suitable for advanced users and developers. Extensive plugin and theme support through frameworks like Oh My Zsh, which enhances its usability and appearance. High level of customization, allowing for the creation of highly personalized shells.

Bash: The Traditional Choice for macOS

Bash, or Bourne Again Shell, remains a popular choice for macOS users, especially those who value consistency and compatibility across different systems. Here are its key features:

Compatibility and Legibility

Bash:

Is the default shell in macOS before Catalina 10.15. Offers compatibility with most scripts, ensuring wide compatibility with Unix-like systems. Has a familiar syntax that is easy for many users to understand and use.

Fish: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich

Fish, or Friendly Interactive Shell, is known for its intuitive and user-friendly features. It is designed to be a more natural and easier-to-use alternative to traditional shells. Some of its key features include:

User-Friendly Features

Fish:

Syntax highlighting for improved readability. Autosuggestions to aid with typing commands and arguments. Tab completions for easy command and filename completion.

Tcsh: The C-Like Syntax Shell

Tcsh, or TENEX C Shell, offers a syntax that is reminiscent of the C programming language. If you prefer a syntax similar to C, Tcsh might be the best fit for you. Key features include:

Command-Line Editing

Tcsh:

Includes features like command-line editing and filename completion. Offers a dynamic and interactive environment for working with the shell.

Recommendations for Different Scenarios

Based on your needs and preferences, here are some recommendations:

For Beginners

Zsh or Fish would be ideal due to their user-friendly features and extensive community support. Fish, in particular, offers a gentle learning curve with its intuitive design.

For Scripting and Compatibility

Bash remains the best choice if you need compatibility with other Unix-like systems and a shell that is familiar and easy to script.

For Customization

Zsh with Oh My Zsh is highly customizable and favored among developers who value a highly personalized shell experience.

Conclusion and Personal Experience

In my opinion, Fish shell is the best shell for macOS. If you find Bash familiar and comfortable, you will likely appreciate the additional features and user-friendly nature of Fish. However, it is always a good idea to keep the default shell as a fallback, in case Apple makes changes that might not be compatible with your chosen shell.

Tools to Enhance Your Shell Experience

I am using:

iTerm2 — a robust terminal application that provides a superior user experience. Robby Russell's Oh My Zsh — a widely-used framework that enhances the usability and appearance of Zsh.

By using these tools and choosing the right shell, you can greatly improve your productivity and enhance your overall experience on macOS.