Question

Are there any software packages or projects that provide the scripting language shells? I know there’s csh for C programmers although not in a sense that it’s primarily for programming, but for navigation and system administration. I was wondering if there is something inverted for this purpose? I.e. user logs into a shell that’s primarily for programming and then for navigation (something like irb in ruby, but with navigation capabilities)?

Answer 1

I think you’re misinformed if you think csh (tcsh) is for C programmers. It’s just a shell like bash or ash or dash or ksh or zsh.

The R language provides a reasonably functional internal environment, complete with the ability to save/restore the “workspace” (your variables).

Python has a built-in interpreter, as does Maxima, and some Lisp/Scheme versions, plus you already mentioned irb.

You could also view vim or emacs as the type of programmer-centric shell you’re talking about; both can be hooked up to run navigation commands and sysadmin-type stuff without forcing you to leave the editor.

I think the real answer to your question is “powerful shells provide their own scripting language”.