Learn XONSH with Real Code Examples

Integrates Python seamlessly with shell commands for interactive and scripting workflows.

Supports all traditional shell commands while allowing Python expressions inline.

Cross-platform, working on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Enables advanced scripting using Python libraries and shell utilities together.

Designed for both interactive command-line use and scripting automation.

Hybrid syntax combining shell commands and Python

Ability to call Python functions directly from shell

Access to Python libraries in interactive shell

Extensible with custom Python modules

Event hooks and configurable prompts

Shell command - traditional command executed in terminal

Python expression - Python code that can be executed inline

Prompt - command-line prompt configured via Xonsh

Env - environment variables accessible in Python and shell

Alias - shortcuts for commands or Python functions

Standalone Xonsh scripts (.xsh)

Configuration file (.xonshrc) for environment settings

Optional Python modules imported into scripts

Shell commands integrated inline

Reusable aliases and functions defined globally

Open terminal and launch Xonsh

Combine shell commands with Python inline

Use Python libraries for automation

Create reusable scripts (.xsh files)

Leverage plugins and hooks for enhanced behavior

Beginner: run simple shell commands with Python expressions

Intermediate: automate tasks using Python libraries

Advanced: integrate Xonsh with data pipelines

Expert: develop complex shell utilities with Python

Instructor: teach Python-shell hybrid scripting

Xonsh vs Bash -> Xonsh: Python integration; Bash: pure shell scripting

Xonsh vs Zsh -> Xonsh: hybrid shell; Zsh: extended shell features

Xonsh vs Python scripts -> Xonsh: interactive shell + commands; Python: scripts only

Xonsh vs PowerShell -> Both support scripting; Xonsh uses Python syntax

Xonsh vs IPython -> Xonsh: shell + Python; IPython: Python REPL only

2014 - Xonsh project started by Anthony Scopatz

2015–2017 - Initial releases with hybrid shell-Python support

2018 - Cross-platform support and alias system improved

2020 - Enhanced plugin and event hook system

2025 - Latest updates with stability, Python 3.11 support, and documentation improvements

Xonsh - Python-powered shell

Shell command - traditional terminal command

Python expression - code evaluated in shell

Alias - shortcut for command or function

Event hook - function triggered by shell events