get the current shell name in linux

[kamranhameed]

1. how can we get the current shell name in linux

for example, what should i type on terminal to get the current shell

then suppose that i was in bash and now i type <b>csh</b>

So that command if i type again should give me now, csh instead of bash

i have tried <i>echo $SHELL</i> but it always gives bash (default)




2. What is the primary difference between /usr/bin, /bin, /usr/sbin, /sbin and /usr/local/bin

[Jonathan183]

You may find this helps for the shell question and the guided tour section should be useful for the folders question

[smolloy]

2. What is the primary difference between /usr/bin, /bin, /usr/sbin, /sbin and /usr/local/bin

/bin is where the binaries go. I.e. compiled programs (such as firefox).
/sbin is where the system binaries go. I.e. compiled programs that are only needed by the root user.
/usr/bin is an extension of /bin, and is typically used for programs installed *after* the installation of the OS.
/usr/sbin similar, but for root only programs.
/usr/local/bin is a place for your programs, e.g. if you write a shell script that you plan to use a lot, this would be a good place to put it (if you want all users to be able to use it).