All;
Solaris used to have two separate instances of executable binaries (e.g.
ifconfig, sh etc). One instance in /usr/sbin and another separate
instance in /sbin
The /sbin executables were statically linked and were not dependent on
libraries found in /usr/lib or /lib
sh or Bourne shell was one such executable. It was statically linked and
hence ideal for use during the boot up process. Although this required
that it occupied a larger memory footprint, it also meant that less
could go wrong during the complex boot up process or during a run level
script run.
One possible scenario the above avoided was an accidental corruption of
dependent dynamic linked libraries. If any of the libraries were
corrupted or accidentally deleted, the system would still boot using the
static linked Bourne shell and /sbin executables.
At least the above was the original rationale.
Thus the previous rationale for a root shell to stay as the Borne shell
was simple. Less dependencies, less could go wrong (during boot up).
Now it seems the critical binaries in /sbin are also dynamically linked.
Perhaps Casper Dik could state the rationale behind this change of
policy. I am very curious indeed.
Curiously, the change in policy gives yet another reason why /usr should
not be a separate file system. (Another hot and religious topic. I am a
very strong advocate of /usr being inside root)
Another reason not to use BASH as the root shell would be that there is
no RBAC profile BASH shell. There are profile shells for sh (actually a
simple soft link), ksh and csh but none for BASH.
BASH also occupies more memory. But to each his or her own. I have
nothing against people using BASH. I just don't recommend it as a root
shell.
Please don't BASH me ok? Otherwise BASH advocates would gain a rather
violent reputation......
Warmest Regards
Steven Sim
Gerard Nualla wrote:
I would like to use BASH because it is easier to navigate (wherein you could
just press the TAB key to autocomplete stuff).. I am using my machine as a
development workstation, so I would like to be very comfortable with it... :D
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