metashell - User Friendly Shell

[chombee]

There is also fish <http://fishshell.org/>, a shell with added usability
features. I remember it was proposed to replace bash by default in
ubuntu a long time ago, but it was rejected.

On Sat, 2008-01-26 at 19:32 -0500, Pysco wrote:
> Hello Fellow Ubuntu Users:
> 
> I hope these are the correct lists to post to, for this type of
> information.  I posed to; ubuntu-desktop, ubuntu-server, ubuntu-users,
> ubuntu-devel, ubuntu-devel-discuss, and ubuntu-universe-sponsors.  In
> addition I posted the very same information on the Ubutu Fourms, which
> can be found at - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4212284, in
> case you would like to continue the discussions there as well.  I am
> posting to this lists as well, as they seem a bit more active amongst
> the developers, and used far more in discussion making, if this is an
> incorrect assumption, or any of the mention listed the incorrect place
> to post, please let me know.  The important part, after the jump.
> 
> I found this project, "metashell" on Freshmeat/Source Forge. I wanted
> to share it with the Ubuntu community.
> 
> Directly from the metashell website:
>         metashell is a lightweight, heavy punch, interactive,
>         intelligent command-line shell. The amazing difference with
>         metashell lies in its ability to determine a file's datatype,
>         and automatically run your desired applications.
>         
>         metashell uses file datatypes (mime types) to determine a
>         files type, and then using user defined applications
>         automatically opens the files. Making the user experience in a
>         shell easier and more user-friendly, while adding robust power
>         to the CLI gurus of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
>         
>         STATUS: Beta (Beta has been released) 
> As you can see the project is still only is Beta, but development
> seems to be active (at least since the initial beta release). I've
> also been using the shell for the past few days, and am currently
> using the latest version (0.03b). Minus a minor installation bug, and
> a dependency not included in the Ubuntu repository, everything seems
> to work great. And it does seem like it could be (albeit with a bit of
> work) a replacement as mine (and hopefully) your shell.
> 
> The shell is honestly extremely user-friendly, but still contains the
> normal *nix power. It just makes execution and file management a
> breeze. You can still pipe commands, redirect output, background and
> union commands, etc. The ground-breaking feature is really the way you
> work with files.
> 
> You simply type in a filename, and based on its mimetype (and your
> configuration) the file is automatically open/executed through the
> default application (based on your ~/.msh_apps setting). No more do
> you have to cat a file, or look through its contents. The shell makes
> this an easy and seamless process. It even will change directory,
> without you typing 'cd' (although you can still use 'cd' if desired).
> 
> All of your normal commands/applications will function, (ls, cd, nano,
> cat, rm, mv, ln, cp, etc). But you can now move around, and manage
> files a bit easier.
> 
> I feel this will make the shell a far less "scary" place for new Linux
> users. (I'll refrain from using the term noob, as I too am new to
> Linux). It will allow them to use it to open and edit files, without
> learning an absurd amount of information before hand. Allowing them to
> get the task done, and learn at a later time. And although I feel
> learning is important, and they will eventually need to know the "hard
> way" this should be a good start.
> 
> This seems to also be the direction Ubuntu is traveling, thus the
> reason I am posting this here. Ubuntu is "Linux for human beings" and
> metashell seems to be "The Linux Shell for human beings". Things "Just
> Work (tm?)". Just like double-clicking, you enter a filename and
> things happen, no questions asked.
> 
> The other cool part, is the default settings shipped, are for Ubuntu
> (Gnome), therefore Gnome GUI applications are opened for each
> filetype. I really think Ubuntu users will benefit from this project.
> 
> All that being said, beyond just telling you about the project, I have
> a question. What are the chances of something like this shell or
> another user-friend shell making it into the Ubuntu distribution? Even
> if not as a default?
> 
> Please take a look, and give your feedback. The Project Owner, is
> rather responsive, via email. Plus let me know what you think, and the
> possibility of inclusion into Ubuntu.
> 
> Information:
> Website: http://www.themetashell.com
> Source Forge: http://metashell.sf.net
> 
> Thanks,
> Pysco
> 
> (As a side note, I have CC'd the project developer and the project's
> mailing lists -- as mentioned the project owner is quick to respond to
> emails, etc).