# ShellRef — Bash Shell Reference Manual

> Offline Bash, Zsh, and terminal editor reference manual. (iPhone/iPad app by Andrew Bacon.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shellref/id6759814118 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Andrew Bacon](https://appshunter.io/developer/1817531814)
- Category: Education, Developer Tools
- Price: $0.99 (on sale, was $3.99)
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 18 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-03-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-20
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shellref/id6759814118/reviews.md

## What is ShellRef?

ShellRef is an offline reference for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors, presented in the style of a retro technical manual.

It’s designed for quick lookup while you work, whether you’re writing your first shell script, checking quoting rules, reviewing Zsh behavior, or trying to remember a Vim command without opening a browser.

The app includes reference sections for:

Bash fundamentals, control flow, functions, strings and arrays, file I/O, processes, and scripting practices
Zsh differences, globbing, arrays, and configuration
Common command-line tools for text processing, file operations, and system tasks
Terminal editors including Nano, Vim, and Emacs
Topics are organized as short reference entries with examples, notes, warnings, and tables where they help clarify syntax and behavior.

ShellRef also includes:

Offline access to all content
Search across the full reference library
Bookmarks for saving quick references
Aged Paper (Light mode), Phosphor Green (Dark mode), and Phosphor Amber (Dark mode) display themes
Adjustable text size for easier reading on iPhone and iPad
ShellRef is intended for developers, sysadmins, students, and anyone who wants a readable shell reference without ads, accounts, or an internet connection.

## Key features

- Offline Bash and Zsh reference
- Terminal editor guides (Nano, Vim, Emacs)
- Quick command lookup
- Searchable content
- Customizable themes
- Adjustable text size
- Bookmarks

## Chart rankings

- #194 in Top Paid · Education (US App Store)


## Frequently asked questions about ShellRef

### What is ShellRef?

ShellRef is an offline reference manual for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors like Nano, Vim, and Emacs. It presents information in a retro technical manual style for quick lookups.

### Does ShellRef require an internet connection?

No, ShellRef provides offline access to all its content, meaning you do not need an internet connection to use it.

### What kind of content is included in ShellRef?

It covers Bash fundamentals, control flow, functions, strings, arrays, file I/O, processes, scripting practices, Zsh differences, and common command-line tools.

### Can I save frequently used commands in ShellRef?

Yes, ShellRef includes a bookmark feature that allows you to save quick references for commands or topics you use often.

### What display options does ShellRef offer?

ShellRef offers three display themes: Aged Paper (Light mode), Phosphor Green (Dark mode), and Phosphor Amber (Dark mode). Text size is also adjustable for better readability.

### What is the price of ShellRef?

ShellRef is a paid application priced at $3.99.

### Is ShellRef suitable for beginners learning to code?

Yes, ShellRef is intended for users of all levels, including students, who want a readable shell reference for learning and quick lookups.

### How often is ShellRef updated?

The latest version is 1.3, and it was last updated on April 25, 2026. This indicates active development and potential for future content additions or improvements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4 — 2026-07-10

* Expanded Bash coverage for everyday command-line work
* Added clearer beginner-friendly explanations
* Improved command examples and practical guidance
* Organized topics into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels
* Expanded file, system, text-processing, scripting, and terminal-editor references

### 1.3 — 2026-04-25

ShellRef 1.3 makes the reference easier to learn from, not just look things up in.

• Reworked major Bash, Zsh, command, and editor sections into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced groups.
• Expanded explanations and examples throughout Shell Basics, Control Flow, Functions, Arrays, File I/O, Processes, Best Practices, and more.
• Improved Zsh coverage, including Bash differences, globbing, arrays, and configuration.
• Refined command references for text processing, file commands, and system commands.
• Expanded Nano, Vim, and Emacs editor guides.
• Added more historical context to the History of Bash section.

### 1.2 — 2026-03-17

Added a new Editors section featuring Nano, Vim, and Emacs quick references, alongside expanded shell scripting reference content.

### 1.1 — 2026-03-11

Added detailed explanations to key topics to better support developers new to shell scripting. Fixed a display issue with section numbering.

### 1.0 — 2026-03-04

No release notes.

## More apps by Andrew Bacon

- [Terminal Atlas](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminal-atlas/id6760258098)

All apps by Andrew Bacon: https://appshunter.io/developer/1817531814

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-20.*