Fish Shell
Claim this toolA smart and user-friendly command line shell for Linux, macOS, and more.
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Reviews onSourceForge
1 review trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
User-friendly and intuitive for beginners
Biggest con
Syntax is different from Bash/Zsh, requiring a learning curve for existing users
TL;DR - Fish Shell
- User-friendly command line shell with smart features.
- Offers out-of-the-box tab completions and syntax highlighting.
- Features sensible scripting and web-based configuration.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is Fish Shell?
fish (friendly interactive shell) is a command line shell designed for ease of use and powerful features. It aims to provide a more intuitive and helpful experience compared to traditional shells, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users on Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like systems.
The shell comes with out-of-the-box features like intelligent tab completions and syntax highlighting, which simplify command entry and reduce errors. Its scripting language is designed to be simple, clean, and consistent, offering a more approachable way to automate tasks. Additionally, fish includes smart auto-suggestions based on history and completions, and supports modern terminal features like 24-bit true color.
For users who prefer a graphical interface, fish offers web-based configuration for settings like colors, functions, variables, and history. It's an open-source project with active development and a supportive community, providing a modern and efficient alternative for command-line interaction.
Available on: Linux, macOS, Windows
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly and intuitive for beginners
- Powerful features work out of the box
- Clean and consistent scripting syntax
- Modern terminal features like true color support
- Web-based configuration for ease of use
Cons
- Syntax is different from Bash/Zsh, requiring a learning curve for existing users
- May require some effort to migrate existing shell scripts
Ratings Across the Web
5(1 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Smart auto-suggestions based on history and completionsSyntax highlightingTab completionsSimple, clean, and consistent scripting languageSupport for 24-bit true color (Glorious VGA Color)Web-based configuration interfaceAbbreviations for commands
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jul 13, 2026
Free
Free
- Tab completions
- Syntax highlighting
- Scriptable
- Command suggestions
- Abbreviations
- 24 bit true color support
- Web based configuration
Reviews
$99Free with your review
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Fish Shell FAQ
How does Fish Shell assist with command entry and error reduction?
Fish Shell includes intelligent tab completions and syntax highlighting as out-of-the-box features. It also provides smart auto-suggestions based on command history and completions, which collectively simplify command entry and help reduce errors.
Which teams would benefit most from using Fish Shell?
Teams focused on development or those requiring robust terminal tools would find Fish Shell beneficial. Its user-friendly design and powerful features make it suitable for both new command-line users and experienced developers looking for enhanced productivity.
How is Fish Shell priced?
Fish Shell is free to use, as it is an open-source project. There is no paid plan required to access its features or ongoing development.
What kind of trade-offs might users encounter when switching to Fish Shell?
Users migrating to Fish Shell may experience a learning curve due to its scripting syntax differing from traditional shells like Bash or Zsh. Additionally, existing shell scripts might require some effort to be migrated to the fish scripting language.
Can Fish Shell be configured using a graphical interface?
Yes, Fish Shell offers web-based configuration options. This allows users to easily adjust settings such as colors, functions, variables, and history through a graphical interface rather than solely through command-line edits.
How does Fish Shell compare to Nushell regarding scripting language?
Fish Shell features a scripting language designed to be simple, clean, and consistent, offering an approachable way to automate tasks. While Nushell also provides a modern shell experience, Fish Shell's scripting aims for ease of use and consistency.
Source: fishshell.com