KornShell (ksh93u+m) review
A free, source-distributed shell with KornShell scripting and interactive editing features.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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) pros and cons
- 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
KornShell (ksh93u+m) fact sheet, pricing and score →
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