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Write a Shell in C

PROJECT


Write a Shell in C

In this project, we will use the C programming language, standard libraries, and system calls to build a shell and implement basic shell commands from scratch.

Write a Shell in C

You will learn to:

Use system calls for program execution.

Develop custom versions of common shell commands.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of C

Basic knowledge of Bash or a related shell

Familiarity with standard C library

Familiarity with making system calls

Technologies

C logo

C

Project Description

A shell is a wrapper for a terminal or command line that allows a user to access system information and resources and execute programs. Many well-known shells, such as Bash, Dash, and Fish, have all been implemented in C. This is because C is a powerful programming language with much flexibility over low-level resource access.

In this project, we’ll use C to create our very own shell, which will utilize some low-level library functions along with complex system calls to perform tasks that users will need the shell to be able to do. We will create versions of well-known commands found in most shells and enable program execution in our shell. It will then be capable enough to perform many common tasks a user expects from a shell.

Project Tasks

1

Shell Display and Shell Control

Task 0: Get Started

Task 1: Make a Shell Prompt and Command Input

Task 2: Implement exit and clear Commands

2

Basic Commands: Output Functionality

Task 3: Tokenize and Handle Output Redirection

Task 4: Implement the echo Command

Task 5: Implement the cat Command

3

Basic Commands: Directory and File Manipulation

Task 6: Implement the pwd and cd Commands

Task 7: Implement the ls Command

Task 8: Implement the mkdir and touch Commands

Task 9: Implement the rm Command

Task 10: Implement the mv Command

4

Program Execution

Task 11: Execute Programs

Congratulations!

has successfully completed the Guided ProjectWrite a Shell in C

Relevant Courses

Use the following content to review prerequisites or explore specific concepts in detail.