Configuring the Bash prompt

PRIMPED PROMPT

Article from Issue 84/2007

Author(s): HEIKE JURZIK

Color-coding your prompt may help avoid configuration errors and data loss. We’ll show you how to design your own custom shell prompt with color and control sequences.

ANSI control sequences for color and cursor positioning give users the ability to design a customized and functional Bash prompt to suit their own needs. Command-line fans often find it hard to see the prompt for Xterms. If the prompt on a remote machine looks different from your home prompt, it might save you from inadvertent shutdown commands, and if unprivileged users see a green prompt and root sees a red one, you might be able to avoid configuration errors or even data loss. A shell prompt tailored to match your needs can help prevent confusion.

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