A simple Unix shell written in Rust with built-in math arithmetic and bash-like features.
Cicada is a Unix shell written in Rust that provides a bash-like command-line interface with additional features like built-in math arithmetic. It solves the need for a modern, memory-safe shell that maintains compatibility with traditional Unix workflows while offering enhanced functionality.
Developers and system administrators who use Unix-like systems and want a reliable, scriptable shell with the safety guarantees of Rust.
Developers choose Cicada for its combination of Rust's performance and safety, familiar bash-like syntax, and unique features like direct math arithmetic, making it a robust alternative to traditional shells.
An old-school bash-like Unix shell written in Rust
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Written in Rust, Cicada leverages memory safety to avoid common pitfalls like buffer overflows found in traditional C-based shells, ensuring more reliable command execution.
Supports direct arithmetic calculations in the shell, as shown in the README with examples like '1 + 2 * 3', eliminating the need for external tools like bc for quick math.
Includes job management for background and foreground processes, documented in the job control guide, enhancing process handling for multitasking.
Maintains bash-like syntax for pipelines, redirections, and command substitution, ensuring familiarity and support for writing and executing shell scripts.
As a newer, niche project, it lacks the extensive plugin, theme, and community support of established shells like zsh or fish, which may hinder customization for power users.
May not support all advanced bash features or extensions, such as certain built-in commands or shell options, which could require script modifications for full compatibility.
Requires the Rust toolchain for installation via Cargo, adding an extra step compared to pre-installed shells like bash on most Unix systems.
cicada is an open-source alternative to the following products:
A Unix shell and command language that provides a command-line interface for interacting with operating systems, widely used in Linux and macOS.
Zsh (Z Shell) is an extended Bourne shell with many improvements, including features for interactive use and scripting.
fish is a smart and user-friendly command line shell for Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like systems, designed with interactive use and scripting in mind.