this post was submitted on 21 Jun 2024
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I always figured that Ksh / POSIX / Bash shell arrays are kept as they are because anyone with a serious need of arrays ought to be using something better than a scripting language.
Not necessarily.
They're a basic data structure used everywhere, most notably with command arguments (
$@) and can make shell scripts a viable option for many simple tasks if their syntax makes sense and you don't have to wonder how their expansion works every time you see one being used.An analogy:
My Swiss Army knife has a screwdriver on it. It's nice to have, and I even used it recently.
It juts out perpendicular to the middle of the knife's body though, making a literal " |- " shape, so for many applications it's too awkward for the job.
I also have a more traditional screwdriver. As and when I come to build a new PC, I don't think I'll be using the one on the knife.
Following the analogy, what if the screwdriver part was bent by 30° and you had to awkwardly turn the tool while keeping it tilted - but there's also a spring mechanism that attempts to retract the screwdriver you push too hard against the screw?
(all of that for historical reasons, of course)
((or even to discourage you from using the tool?))