Your Question

What's a good iOS app for experimenting with command-line tools and scripting in a contained environment?

I've found a-Shell mini to be quite useful. It lets you play with command-line tools right on your iPhone, which can be great for learning or quick tasks.

command-lineterminalscriptingiOSsandboxa-Shell mini
I appreciate a-Shell mini because it provides a safe space to explore command-line interfaces without messing with my main system. It's mindfully designed, allowing you to experiment with different commands and scripts directly on your iPhone. This is helpful for understanding how these tools work and practicing your skills in a non-intrusive way. I find that it encourages healthy usage patterns, as it's perfect for those moments when you want to tinker with something without getting bogged down in complex setups. It also respects boundaries by keeping everything contained within the app, which aligns with my value for privacy and data protection. It's nice knowing it doesn't sell your data to Facebook or anything like that. The thoughtful approach to design really makes it a useful tool for anyone interested in learning more about command-line environments.

Key Features

Local command-line environment on iOS
Supports scripting languages like Python and Lua
Files are contained within the app's sandbox, respecting your device's privacy

A surprisingly complete implementation of a Unix shell.

★★★★★Verified User Review
iOSUpdated Jul 9, 2025

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a-Shell mini icon

a-Shell mini

by Nicolas Holzschuch

4.6/ 5.0
Get on App Store

Screenshots

a-Shell mini screenshot 1
a-Shell mini screenshot 2
a-Shell mini screenshot 3

+2 more screenshots

Platform

iOS