xonsh

Python-powered shell whose language is a superset of Python 3.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 4
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About xonsh

xonsh is a cross-platform shell in which you can mix ordinary shell commands with Python code on the same line. Its language is a superset of Python 3, so variables, loops, functions and any Python library are available directly, while commands like ls, git or grep run as they would in bash, with ways to capture their output into Python values. It has tab completion, history, a customisable prompt and an extension system called xontribs for features like autosuggestions, fzf integration and virtual environment handling. xonsh runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, BSD and even Android, and it is free and open source under a BSD-style licence. It appeals strongly to Python developers and data scientists. It starts more slowly than traditional shells, its hybrid syntax has edge cases where shell and Python parsing conflict, and bash scripts do not run unchanged.

Best for: Python developers who want to script their shell in Python.

What works

Full Python available at the prompt
Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows
Extensions add autosuggestions and more

Why people leave

Slower startup than bash or zsh
Mixed syntax has confusing edge cases
Bash scripts do not run unchanged

Top xonsh alternatives

See all 4

1
Nushell
Modern shell built around structured data, without Python.
66.5
2
fish
Friendly interactive shell with fast startup.
62.6
3
PowerShell
Object pipelines and a big module ecosystem across platforms.
59.6
4
Zsh
Stays compatible with bash scripts.
57.2

Why people left xonsh

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xonsh: common questions

Is xonsh free?

Yes. xonsh is free, open-source software.

Is xonsh open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at xonsh/xonsh.

What platforms does xonsh run on?

xonsh is available for Linux, macOS and Windows.

What are the best alternatives to xonsh?

The highest-ranked xonsh alternatives right now are Nushell, fish and PowerShell. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 xonsh alternatives

xonsh facts

3 of 3 verified

Language: Superset of Python 3; Checked Oct 25, 2026xon.sh(opens source in a new tab); “The language is a superset of Python 3 with seamless integration of shell functionality and commands.”
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows, BSD, Android; Checked Oct 25, 2026xon.sh(opens source in a new tab); “It works on all major platforms, including Linux, macOS, Windows, BSD, Jupyter, Android, Raspberry Pi and Nix.”
Description: Cross-platform Python-based shell; Checked Oct 25, 2026xon.sh(opens source in a new tab); “full-featured and cross-platform Python-based shell.”