[metashell-devel] Fwd: metashell - User Friendly Shell

[Pysco <nat...@gm...>]

Hello Fellow Ubuntu Users:

I hope these are the correct lists to post to, for this type of
information.  I posed to; ubuntu-desktop, ubuntu-server, ubuntu-users,
ubuntu-devel, ubuntu-devel-discuss, and ubuntu-universe-sponsors.  In
addition I posted the very same information on the Ubutu Fourms, which can
be found at - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4212284, in case you
would like to continue the discussions there as well.  I am posting to this
lists as well, as they seem a bit more active amongst the developers, and
used far more in discussion making, if this is an incorrect assumption, or
any of the mention listed the incorrect place to post, please let me know.
The important part, after the jump.

I found this project, "metashell" on Freshmeat/Source Forge. I wanted to
share it with the Ubuntu community.

Directly from the metashell <http://www.themetashell.com/> website:

*metashell is a lightweight, heavy punch, interactive, intelligent
command-line shell. The amazing difference with metashell lies in its
ability to determine a file's datatype, and automatically run your desired
applications.

metashell uses file datatypes (mime types) to determine a files type, and
then using user defined applications automatically opens the files. Making
the user experience in a shell easier and more user-friendly, while adding
robust power to the CLI gurus of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

STATUS: Beta (Beta has been released) *

As you can see the project is still only is Beta, but development seems to
be active (at least since the initial beta release). I've also been using
the shell for the past few days, and am currently using the latest version (
0.03b). Minus a minor installation bug, and a dependency not included in the
Ubuntu repository, everything seems to work great. And it does seem like it
could be (albeit with a bit of work) a replacement as mine (and hopefully)
your shell.

The shell is honestly extremely user-friendly, but still contains the normal
*nix power. It just makes execution and file management a breeze. You can
still pipe commands, redirect output, background and union commands, etc.
The ground-breaking feature is really the way you work with files.

You simply type in a filename, and based on its mimetype (and your
configuration) the file is automatically open/executed through the default
application (based on your ~/.msh_apps setting). No more do you have to cat
a file, or look through its contents. The shell makes this an easy and
seamless process. It even will change directory, without you typing 'cd'
(although you can still use 'cd' if desired).

All of your normal commands/applications will function, (ls, cd, nano, cat,
rm, mv, ln, cp, etc). But you can now move around, and manage files a bit
easier.

I feel this will make the shell a far less "scary" place for new Linux
users. (I'll refrain from using the term noob, as I too am new to Linux). It
will allow them to use it to open and edit files, without learning an absurd
amount of information before hand. Allowing them to get the task done, and
learn at a later time. And although I feel learning is important, and they
will eventually need to know the "hard way" this should be a good start.

This seems to also be the direction Ubuntu is traveling, thus the reason I
am posting this here. Ubuntu is "Linux for human beings" and metashell seems
to be "The Linux Shell for human beings". Things "Just Work (tm?)". Just
like double-clicking, you enter a filename and things happen, no questions
asked.

The other cool part, is the default settings shipped, are for Ubuntu
(Gnome), therefore Gnome GUI applications are opened for each filetype. I
really think Ubuntu users will benefit from this project.

All that being said, beyond just telling you about the project, I have a
question. What are the chances of something like this shell or another
user-friend shell making it into the Ubuntu distribution? Even if not as a
default?

Please take a look, and give your feedback. The Project Owner, is rather
responsive, via email. Plus let me know what you think, and the possibility
of inclusion into Ubuntu.

Information:
Website: http://www.themetashell.com
Source Forge: http://metashell.sf.net

Thanks,
Pysco

(As a side note, I have CC'd the project developer and the project's mailing
lists -- as mentioned the project owner is quick to respond to emails, etc).