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KornShell (ksh93u+m)

Free#11 of 27 in Command-Line Shells

KornShell (ksh93u+m): A free, source-distributed shell with KornShell scripting and interactive editing features. Ranked #11 of 27 in Command-Line Shells by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for kornShell users across Unix-like systems.

7.7/10Editor score
Visit KornShell
KornShell (ksh93u+m)7.7 Visit KornShell

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.7 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    KornShell users across Unix-like systems
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    None
  • Command completion
    Yes
  • Facts checked
    28 Sep 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Persistent history, vi or emacs editing, and filename completion
    • Supports arithmetic, indexed and associative arrays, and job control
    • Project lists broad Unix-like support, including Linux, macOS, and Android/Termux

  • Where it doesn't

    • Building and installing from source calls for technical setup
    • Community and documentation are the listed support channels
    • Some named systems may work but have not been recently tested

Our verdict on KornShell (ksh93u+m)

KornShell (ksh93u+m) is an actively developed, free, open-source command-line shell distributed as source code. It is intended for interactive command use and shell scripting, including running Bourne shell scripts. KornShell users who need scripting and command-line work across Unix-like systems are its natural audience; it is not a commercial subscription product.

Interactive features include persistent command-history files, inline editing with vi or emacs key bindings, and filename completion. For scripts, it provides integer and floating-point arithmetic, indexed and associative arrays, functions, aliases, and job control for foreground and background processes. Co-processes and extended input/output capabilities broaden its shell scripting toolkit. This combination suits users who specifically want KornShell capabilities, rather than a shell chosen for an integrated package-management workflow.

The project documents building and installing from source and lists Android/Termux, Cygwin, DragonFly BSD, FreeBSD, Haiku, illumos, Linux, macOS, NetBSD, OpenBSD, QNX Neutrino, and Solaris among systems known to build and run it. Its notes also name AIX, HP-UX, and UnixWare as systems that may work but have not been recently tested. Support channels are community and documentation. Choose ksh93u+m if KornShell and broad Unix-like system coverage matter and source-based setup fits your environment. Those who need vendor-provided support or prefer a shell with a documented package manager should consider another option.

KornShell (ksh93u+m) pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on github.com

KornShell (ksh93u+m) fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNone
Supported platformsAndroid/Termux, Cygwin, DragonFly BSD, FreeBSD, Haiku, illumos, Linux, macOS, NetBSD, OpenBSD, QNX Neutrino, Solaris
Scripting languageKornShell (ksh)
Package managerNo
Config file supportYes
Command completionYes
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsLinux, macOS, Android
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan
Websitegithub.com
Facts checked28 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — KornShell (ksh93u+m) 7.7/10

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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