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What is Bash.exe, And What Does It Do?
Understanding the basics of this command-line software
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Bash.exe is a command line interface shell program that is commonly used in Unix-based systems such as Linux, macOS, and Windows.
In this guide, we will explore what bash.exe is, how it works, and some of the most common uses for this command shell.
What is Bash.exe?
Bash.exe is a command-line interface shell program that allows users to interact with the operating system of a computer using text commands.
It can interact with Windows programs and services, making it a useful tool for system administrators who need to manage Windows and Unix systems.
Bash.exe is a powerful and flexible tool for managing files, running programs, and automating tasks.
Where I can use bash.exe?
Bash.exe is a robust and flexible toolset that can be used in Windows for various purposes, some of which are listed below:
If you want to know how tocreate & run shell scripts on Windows, we suggest you read this informative guide with detailed steps.
How can I use Bash.exe?
1. Make/remove a new directory
Bash.exe allows you to create a new directory withmkdircommand & remove one usingrmdiron Windows.
For example, if you want to create a folder namedscript, copy & paste the following command to run it and pressEnter:mkdir script
2. Navigate your file system
It helps navigate your file system in the command line itself. To change the directory, type the following command to change the directory to thescriptfolder, copy & paste the following command and hitEnter:cd script
3. Create a bash file & make it executable
Bash.exe allows you to create a bash file in your directory. For example, if you want to create the file with the namemyscript.shin the folder namedscript, then type the following command and pressEnter:vim myscript.sh
You can write your script in this file and make it executable with the following command:chmod +x myscript.sh
4. Automating tasks
It allows you to automate tasks by creating Bash scripts and running them on a schedule using the Windows Task Scheduler.
For example, you can create a Bash script that backs up your important files and schedule it to run every day at a specific time.
5. Installing and managing packages
Bash.exe allows you to install and manage packages on Windows using package managers such as apt-get or yum. For example, to install the git package, type the following command and pressEnter:sudo yum install git -y
6. Create an alias
Aliases are shortcuts for complex commands or scripts, as they are usually short and easy to remember. These can be used to invoke the commands or scripts which you use quite often.
For example, If you have a script that you want to run multiple times, you can create an alias for the same to avoid calling the script again. Type the following command and hitEnter:alias m=‘https://cdn.windowsreport.com/path/to/myscript.sh'
To run the script, you just have to type the word, and the task will be done.
7. Running scripts remotely
You can use it to run Bash scripts remotely on a Windows machine over a network. For example, you can use thesshcommand to log in to a remote machine and execute a Bash script on that machine.
8. Running Bash on Ubuntu on Windows (WSL)
Bash.exe is the command-line executable that can be used to run Bash on Ubuntu on Windows, also known asWindows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
With WSL, you can run Linux commands and applications on your Windows machine. For example, you can install and run the Apache web server on your Windows machine using WSL.
Overall, bash.exe provides a powerful and versatile set of tools for managing files, running commands, and automating tasks on Windows, making it a valuable tool for developers, system administrators, and power users.
If you have any questions or concerns, please mention them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:windows 10,Windows 11
Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.
Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
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Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
She is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. Srishti is specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
