Apple Mac OS X Server Command-Line Specifications download pdf (Page 11)

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Command-Line Environment 11

The Command-Line Environment

This section gives some background information about UNIX and shells. Both are

important for understanding the command-line environment in Mac OSX Server.

UNIX

Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server are built on the foundation of the UNIX operating

system. UNIX-based operating systems include BSD, GNU/Linux, AIX, and Solaris.

The shared heritage of these operating systems means that many programs are

compatible across this larger family with minimal changes.

The unique underpinnings of each brand of UNIX are what distinguish them from

each other. To support programs and utilities that work across multiple avors of UNIX,

there are some standard specications set by various regulatory bodies. One such

specication is The Open Group’s “Single UNIX Specication.” Mac OS X versions 10.5

and later conform to version 3 of this specication, which implies conformance to the

SUSv3 and POSIX 1003.1 specications for the C API, shell utilities, and threads. Code

that complies with the UNIX-03 specication works not only on Mac OS X Server, but

on any other compliant system.

For more information about the The Single UNIX Specication, Version 3, see

http://www.unix.org/version3/.

The Shell

In UNIX-based operating systems, the shell is the fundamental user interface. The

shell is an environment that presents a simple textual prompt to the user and accepts

keyboard input from the user.

In Mac OS X, the shell is easily accessed through Terminal, but there are other options

as well. The shell can be invoked interactively, or by a text le with commands to the

shell given in a standard format. There are several shells available in Mac OS X, each

with its own strengths and capabilities. Shells included in Mac OS X include bash, csh,

ksh, sh, tcsh, and zsh.

For information about these shells, see their man pages.

Accessing the Shell

To enter shell commands or run server command-line tools, you need access to the

UNIX shell prompt on the local server or on a remote server.

Local Access

There are multiple ways to access the shell on your local computer. Under

normal circumstances you can use Terminal, but for advanced troubleshooting or

conguration, you may want to use a dierent way to access the command line.

1 2 ... 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ... 57 58

No comments

Apple Mac OS X Server Command-Line Specifications Page 11