While Unix and Linux are slowly catching up to the more graphical Windows and Mac OS X windowing systems, the real power of Unix-like systems lie at the shell command-line. From the shell, you manage files, run commands, and maintain your system, often combining small tools in any number of ways to form ad hoc yet nonetheless complex data processors. To master Unix and Linux, you must master the command line. From Bash to Z Shell: Conquering the Command Line is a comprehensive, hands-on guide to the subtleties and power of the shell, focusing on two of the most recent Bourne shell variants, Bash and Zsh. Novices can learn the "Unix way," while power users can learn why and how to switch to Zsh, one of the most powerful and versatile shells ever written. In between, users of all levels of skill can find hints, recipes, and suggestions to enhance and improve their skills.

This comprehensive, hands-on guide focuses on two of the most popular and feature-rich shells, bash and zsh. From Bash to Z Shell: Conquering the Command Line is a book for all skill levels. Novices will receive an introduction to the features of shells and power users will get to explore the benefits of zsh¿one of the most powerful, versatile shells ever written. Intermediate users will uncover hints, recipes, and ideas to enhance their skill sets. The book covers shell programming, but is unique in its thorough coverage of using shells interactively¿a powerful and time-saving alternative to Windows and a mouse. This strong author team has written an immediately useful book, packed with examples and suggestions that users of Unix, Linux, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows can readily apply.