Learn Xonsh - 10 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test

Xonsh is a Python-powered, cross-platform shell that combines Python and traditional shell commands, allowing users to write shell scripts and perform command-line operations using Python syntax.

View all 10 Xonsh code examples →

Hello World in Xonsh Mixing Shell and Python in Xonsh Xonsh Variable and Shell Command Xonsh Inline Python Math List Files with Python Loop Environment Variables in Xonsh Xonsh Aliases Example Python List Comprehension in Xonsh Using Subprocess in Xonsh Xonsh Python Function + Shell

Learn XONSH with Real Code Examples

Updated Nov 26, 2025

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Code Sample Descriptions

Hello World in Xonsh

print("Hello World")

A simple Hello World example in Xonsh using Python syntax.

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Mixing Shell and Python in Xonsh

echo @(2 + 3)
ls | grep py

An example combining shell commands and Python in Xonsh.

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Xonsh Variable and Shell Command

name = "Saurav"
echo Hello @(name)

Demonstrates creating a Python variable and using it inside a shell command.

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Xonsh Inline Python Math

echo Result is @(10 * 20)

Using Python expressions inline inside shell commands.

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List Files with Python Loop

for f in $(ls):
    print(f)

Loops in Python while running shell commands inside Xonsh.

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Environment Variables in Xonsh

$ENV_VAR = "xonshrocks"
echo $ENV_VAR

Setting and accessing environment variables using Python dict-style syntax.

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Xonsh Aliases Example

aliases['hi'] = lambda: print('Hello from alias!')
hi

Defines an alias in Xonsh using Python syntax.

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Python List Comprehension in Xonsh

nums = [n*n for n in range(5)]
print(nums)

Using list comprehensions inside a Xonsh script.

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Using Subprocess in Xonsh

out = $(echo hello)
print(out)

Runs a shell command and stores its output into a Python variable.

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Xonsh Python Function + Shell

def greet(x):
    return f"Hello {x}!"

echo @(greet('World'))

Defines a Python function and uses it with a shell command.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Xonsh

What is Xonsh?

Xonsh is a Python-powered, cross-platform shell that combines Python and traditional shell commands, allowing users to write shell scripts and perform command-line operations using Python syntax.

What are the primary use cases for Xonsh?

Interactive command-line tasks with Python. Automation scripts combining shell and Python. Data processing pipelines from the terminal. Rapid prototyping of shell utilities using Python. Cross-platform scripting and task automation

What are the strengths of Xonsh?

Powerful combination of Python and shell. Cross-platform with consistent behavior. Supports automation and interactive use. Integrates well with Python ecosystem. Highly configurable and scriptable

What are the limitations of Xonsh?

Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Python. Some shell-specific shortcuts or scripts may not be portable. Not a replacement for minimal, lightweight shells. Performance may be slower than native shell in some scenarios. Requires Python installation and dependencies

How can I practice Xonsh typing speed?

CodeSpeedTest offers 10+ real Xonsh code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.

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Code Sample Descriptions

Hello World in Xonsh

print("Hello World")

A simple Hello World example in Xonsh using Python syntax.

Let’s Try →

Mixing Shell and Python in Xonsh

echo @(2 + 3)
ls | grep py

An example combining shell commands and Python in Xonsh.

Let’s Try →

Xonsh Variable and Shell Command

name = "Saurav"
echo Hello @(name)

Demonstrates creating a Python variable and using it inside a shell command.

Let’s Try →

Xonsh Inline Python Math

echo Result is @(10 * 20)

Using Python expressions inline inside shell commands.

Let’s Try →

List Files with Python Loop

for f in $(ls):
    print(f)

Loops in Python while running shell commands inside Xonsh.

Let’s Try →

Environment Variables in Xonsh

$ENV_VAR = "xonshrocks"
echo $ENV_VAR

Setting and accessing environment variables using Python dict-style syntax.

Let’s Try →

Xonsh Aliases Example

aliases['hi'] = lambda: print('Hello from alias!')
hi

Defines an alias in Xonsh using Python syntax.

Let’s Try →

Python List Comprehension in Xonsh

nums = [n*n for n in range(5)]
print(nums)

Using list comprehensions inside a Xonsh script.

Let’s Try →

Using Subprocess in Xonsh

out = $(echo hello)
print(out)

Runs a shell command and stores its output into a Python variable.

Let’s Try →

Xonsh Python Function + Shell

def greet(x):
    return f"Hello {x}!"

echo @(greet('World'))

Defines a Python function and uses it with a shell command.

Let’s Try →

Frequently Asked Questions about Xonsh

What is Xonsh?

Xonsh is a Python-powered, cross-platform shell that combines Python and traditional shell commands, allowing users to write shell scripts and perform command-line operations using Python syntax.

What are the primary use cases for Xonsh?

What are the strengths of Xonsh?

Powerful combination of Python and shell. Cross-platform with consistent behavior. Supports automation and interactive use. Integrates well with Python ecosystem. Highly configurable and scriptable

What are the limitations of Xonsh?

How can I practice Xonsh typing speed?

CodeSpeedTest offers 10+ real Xonsh code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.