With Xonsh use Python as your shell: No more switching between shell and Python syntax!
Many of us employ shells (like Bash, Zsh or PowerShell) in the terminal to “get admin things done” on our computer. For the actual programming then we switch to Python to “get real things done”.
But what if you could use Python in your programs and in the terminal? Welcome to Xonsh, a shell and a Python REPL in one. This unique feature helps very much to get all things in the terminal done quicker, safer and to have more fun on the way!
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I want a ticket!In this talk I cover what Xonsh is, how you can use it to simplify your day-to-day work and how I have employed Xonsh to solve some sysadmin problems in a safer way. This talk is aimed at both Python beginners and experts who spend time in the terminal.
1. What is Xonsh
Xonsh is A shell in Python -- and Python in a shell. All open source and cross platform.
Here I give an overview of the basics: Command execution similar to bash -- All strings are Python strings! -- Access to environment variables & aliases, but in consistent Python syntax -- Loops & control flow as well as know from Python.
2. How you can use it
Use case for beginners: You are starting out with Python? While writing your code you want to check a construct you are unsure of? Just jump into your shell -- if it is Xonsh! (A hands-on example here.)
Use case for experts: You know Python inside out? Don't switch to another language with weird syntax when doing shell work -- use Xonsh! (A hands-on example here.)
3. What I have done with it
I have been working with Xonsh for over 5 years and over this time it has essentially replaced Bash for me. I will give hands-on examples of how it can help you to do everyday tasks.
For example, I use Xonsh to move, copy or delete files selectively and safely: (1) Assign a globbing result to a Python variable, (2) quickly check that the variable really contains the files you wanted to select, (3) then issue rm @(variable) and you are sure the correct files are deleted.
I also employ Xonsh for reusable scripts: Need to handle command line parameters? In Xonsh I use simple Python syntax to access and iterate over them -- you can even use high-level Python CLI libraries like Click.
4. And more!
Customise Xonsh to your heart's content (flexible prompt config and many plugins called "Xontribs") -- Search a powerful history -- Ask a very helpful community and a reasonable big user base.
Finally. we have to talk about some disadvantages Xonsh has: You cannot blindly copy Bash command lines straight from the Internet - And: Xonsh is mature, but not as mature as Bash (rough edges around exception behaviour, etc).
All in all, Xonsh is a lot of fun and gives us Pythonistas less headaches than switching in the terminal always to Bash or Powershell!
Software Engineer with the Australian Government. Long time Python lover and Programming Language affincinado . Now diving into Functional Programming.