What Is The Shell? 

A shell is a command-line interface (CLI) used to interact with the operating system. It allows users to execute commands, run scripts, and manage system resources. Shells can be used for a variety of tasks, including file manipulation, program execution, and system administration. This is where you will spend 90% of your time as an ethical hacker you will be modifying files, running hacking tools, managing compromised machines all through the CLI. 

 

There are a few different shells you may come across: 

• Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the most widely used shell on Unix-like systems. It offers powerful scripting capabilities and is known for its ease of use. Bash supports command history, tab completion, and job control, making it an essential tool for both beginners and advanced users.
• PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language. It is built on the .NET framework and is designed for system administrators and power users. PowerShell is used primarily on Windows systems but is also available for Linux and macOS.
• CMD (Command Prompt) is the default command-line interpreter for Windows operating systems. It provides basic command-line functionality and scripting capabilities. While not as powerful as Unix-like shells, CMD is essential for performing a wide range of tasks on Windows systems.

 

By understanding and utilizing different shells, you can optimize your workflow, enhance your productivity, and improve your overall efficiency as an ethical hacker. This foundational knowledge is a critical skill in the field of cybersecurity. We will primarily focus on the bash shell as it is the most common shell used in the internet today. 

What does the Bash Shell look like?