Guide · Open source
How to use bash-it: clone it and customize your Bash shell
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Bash-it is an open-source community framework for Bash, the command-line shell. It is meant for people who use Bash every day and want to customize their terminal, such as sharing prompt themes or aliases across machines. This guide shows you how to get the project from GitHub and what to check next, and it is clear about what the source does not confirm.
Bash-itBash-it/bash-it · ★ 15.3k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Confirm you use Bash. Check that your terminal runs Bash, since bash-it only helps with Bash configuration.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/Bash-it/bash-it in the folder where you want to keep the project.
- 3Open the project folder. Change into the cloned bash-it folder and look for any setup notes, because the source README was empty.
- 4Test in a safe setting. Try changes in a separate shell or a backup of your configuration before relying on them daily.
- 5Compare alternatives if needed. If you need documented steps, compare oh-my-bash, Starship and Prezto before committing.
What bash-it is and who it is for
Bash-it is described as a community framework for Bash. Its repository topics point to themes, prompts, aliases and completions, which suggests it is meant to make a Bash terminal easier to customize.
It only helps with Bash configuration. If you use a different shell, it will not apply to you.
- Good fit: people who use Bash as their daily terminal and want to customize it
- Good fit: developers who want shared prompt themes or aliases across machines
- Good fit: users who want to organize Bash aliases and completions in one place
- Not a fit: people who do not use Bash
Install bash-it by cloning the repository
The install method is clone-and-build. The only install command given in the source is to clone the repository from GitHub. No prerequisites are listed.
Run the clone command in your terminal, in the folder where you want the project to live.
git clone https://github.com/Bash-it/bash-itCheck the project files for setup steps
The README was empty when this entry was written, so the source does not describe how to finish setup, how to load bash-it into your shell, or which options exist. Do not assume a setup process that is not documented.
After cloning, look inside the project folder for any instructions or documentation the maintainers have added. If you cannot find clear steps, treat bash-it as unverified and test it in a safe environment before changing your everyday shell configuration.
Know what is not confirmed
The exact features could not be confirmed from the source. The themes, prompts, aliases and completions mentioned above come from repository topics, not from a documented feature list.
If you need a fully documented setup, bash-it may not be the right choice yet. Consider the comparable projects listed below and compare their documentation before you decide.
- Comparable project: oh-my-bash
- Comparable project: Starship
- Comparable project: Prezto
What people use it for
- Keep a shared set of Bash aliases you can reuse across machines
- Organize Bash completions in one project folder
- Experiment with Bash prompt themes to make your terminal easier to read
Frequently asked questions
Is bash-it free to use?
Yes, bash-it is released under the MIT licence. You can read, use and modify the code under those terms.
What do I need to install bash-it?
The source does not list any prerequisites. The only documented install step is cloning the repository from GitHub with git clone.
How do I install bash-it?
Run git clone https://github.com/Bash-it/bash-it to download the project. The source does not describe the rest of the setup, so check the project folder for instructions.
Does bash-it work with shells other than Bash?
The project is for Bash configuration only. If you use a different shell, the source does not suggest bash-it will help.
What is an alternative to bash-it?
The comparable projects listed are oh-my-bash, Starship and Prezto. The source does not compare them in detail, so review each project's documentation yourself.
Why is there not more documentation for bash-it?
The README was empty when this entry was written, so the features and setup steps could not be confirmed. This guide only covers what the source supports.
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Our verdict
Bash-it is worth a look if you use Bash daily and want to organize aliases, completions or prompt themes in one free, MIT-licensed project. Skip it if you use another shell or need clear, documented setup steps, since the source could not confirm them. Test it in a safe setting before relying on it.
Install options & downloads