Bash-like scripting in shells is prevalent in operating systems but I don’t understand why, when it doesn’t have the syntax to make programming easy like other languages. What features does bash have that make it so suitable for shells? Why even new operating systems like Redox OS choose a very similar syntax over a completely different programming language?
Bash isn’t the only shell. Most systems can use zsh or fish or tcsh or whatever shell you prefer, if you like that better than bash. You’re gonna have to run a shell if you want to use the terminal, though, you understand that?
Shell scripts are very good for specific tasks. Don’t use them for tasks that are unsuitable. Use python or go or node or c if those are better for your needs. Use the right tool for the job. But also, learn to understand why the industry has been using shell scripts for decades.
Defaults matter. There are a lot of situations where you aren’t allowed to install whatever you want. It would be less of an issue if other shells or language run-times came preinstalled. The problem isn’t really Bash itself. It’s the fact that it’s often the only dependable option. But thankfully that’s starting to change and you can usually find python preinstalled at minimum.
As a shell,
tcshwas OK if only because it included GNU Readline (or something like it) and, despite being a couple of years younger, kind of beatbashto the punch for that user-friendliness on account of being a largely unchanged drop-in replacement for its predecessor.Unfortunately, that also means it’s as problematic as its predecessor too: Csh programming considered harmful.
Not to be used for anything serious.