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Run shell scripts directly with Bun’s cross-platform shell. 
bun exec <script>

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Basic Usage

Execute a shell script: 
bun exec "echo 'Hello World'"
Run a script file: 
bun exec ./script.sh

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Cross-Platform Shell

Bun’s shell works on Windows, macOS, and Linux: 
bun exec "ls -la && echo 'Done'"
This works on all platforms, including Windows (no bash required).

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Features

  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Pipes and redirects
  • Environment variable expansion
  • Command substitution

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Examples

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Pipes

bun exec "echo 'test' | grep 'test'"

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Redirects

bun exec "echo 'Hello' > output.txt"
bun exec "cat < input.txt"

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Environment Variables

bun exec "echo $HOME"
bun exec "export VAR=value && echo $VAR"

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Command Substitution

bun exec "echo $(date)"

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vs Shell Scripts

Use bun exec for:
  • Cross-platform scripts
  • Simple automation
  • CI/CD pipelines
Use regular shell scripts for:
  • Complex bash features
  • System administration
  • Platform-specific tasks

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$ Shell in TypeScript

For programmatic shell usage in TypeScript, use Bun’s $ API: 
import { $ } from "bun";

const result = await $("ls -la");
console.log(result.stdout);
See Shell API for details.

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Next Steps

Shell API

Use $ shell in TypeScript

bun run

Run JavaScript files

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