Overview

The Minishell project is a group project where we created a simple shell similar to bash using the C programming language. This project helped me understand how shells work, including command execution, process management, and file handling in a Unix-like environment.

Objectives

The main goal of this project was to build a functional shell that can interpret and execute user commands, manage processes, and handle input/output redirection. I followed strict coding standards to ensure the code is clean and maintainable.

Key Features

• Command Execution: The shell can execute built-in commands and external programs.
• Multi-Processing: It supports running multiple processes, allowing for both foreground and background execution.
• Input/Output Redirection: Users can redirect input and output using standard shell syntax.
• Environment Variables: The shell can manage environment variables, allowing users to set and retrieve them.
• Command Line Parsing: The shell includes functionality to parse command lines for proper execution.
• Signal Handling: The shell handles signals (like ctrl-C, ctrl-D, and ctrl-) in the same way as bash, providing a familiar user experience.

Built-in Functions

I implemented the following built-in functions in my shell:

• cd (Change Directory)
• echo (Display a line of text)
• exit (Exit the shell)
• pwd (Print Working Directory)
• env (Display environment variables)
• export (Set environment variables)
• unset (Remove environment variables)

Technical Details

• Language: C
• Memory Management: I paid close attention to memory allocation and deallocation to prevent memory leaks.
• Makefile: A Makefile was created to simplify the build process, ensuring proper compilation with necessary flags.

Learning Outcomes

Through this project, I learned about:

• The structure and functionality of Unix-like shells.
• The importance of following coding standards and best practices.
• The details of process management and command execution.
• Debugging techniques and memory management in C.

Installation

To run the minishell project, clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/windchaser-surf/Minishell.git
cd Minishell
make
./minishell

Conclusion

The Minishell project was a valuable experience that enhanced my understanding of operating systems and shell programming. I am excited to share this project on GitHub, and I hope it serves as a helpful resource for others interested in shell development.

Feel free to explore the code, contribute, or reach out with any questions!