How to Change Your Shell to Bash in Linux

To change your shell to Bash in Linux, you can use the chsh (change shell) command, guiding you through the process in a few simple steps. Knowing how to alter your shell can enhance your workflow and take advantage of Bash's powerful features.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change the Shell to Bash in Linux

By default, Linux systems may come with a different shell such as sh or dash instead of the popular Bash shell. However, changing the shell to Bash can be done easily with the following steps:

1. Open a Terminal

You can usually find the terminal by opening it from the applications menu, or by pressing Ctrl Alt T.

2. Check the Current Shell

To check if your current shell is Bash, run the following command in the terminal:

$ echo $SHELL

If the output is /bin/bash, then Bash is already your current shell. Otherwise, you need to change it.

3. Install Bash (if necessary)

Most Linux distributions come with Bash pre-installed. If not, you can install it by running the following command:

$ sudo apt-get install bash

4. Change the Default Shell to Bash

To change the default shell to Bash, run the following command:

$ chsh -s /bin/bash

Note that if you encounter a permission error, you might need to run the command with sudo:

$ sudo chsh -s /bin/bash

This command will change the default shell to Bash for the current user.

5. Verify the Change

To verify that the default shell has been changed to Bash, log out of your current session and log back in. Then, run the following command in the terminal:

$ echo $SHELL

This command should display /bin/bash, confirming that the default shell has been successfully changed.

Conclusion

In summary, changing the shell to Bash in Linux can be accomplished in a few simple steps. By following these instructions, you can switch to the popular Bash shell and benefit from its advanced features and capabilities, enhancing your overall Linux experience.