This project implements a custom shell in C. The shell provides a subset of features similar to well-known shells like bash. It allows users to run commands, handle blank lines and comments, expand variables, execute built-in commands, execute other commands via processes, support input/output redirection, run commands in foreground and background processes, and implement custom signal handlers.

This custom shell designed to provide basic shell functionalities such as executing commands, managing processes, handling signals, and supporting input/output redirection. It is developed in C and aims to replicate key features of popular Unix shells like bash.

1. Command Prompt: Utilizes the colon : symbol as a prompt for each command line. Supports command syntax with optional input/output redirection and background execution.
2. Built-in Commands: Supports three built-in commands: exit, cd, and status. Handles execution of built-in commands separately from external commands.
3. Execution of Other Commands: Executes non-built-in commands using fork(), exec(), and waitpid(). Utilizes the PATH variable to locate non-built-in commands.
4. Input & Output Redirection: Redirects input/output using dup2() before executing the command. Handles errors if files cannot be opened for input/output redirection.
5. Foreground & Background Execution: Runs commands in foreground or background based on the presence of &. Prints process IDs and exit statuses for background processes.
6. Signal Handling: Handles SIGINT and SIGTSTP signals appropriately for foreground and background processes. Displays informative messages and manages shell behavior based on signal reception.

To compile the shell, follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal.
2. Navigate to the directory containing the source code files.
3. Use the gcc compiler to compile the code:
   gcc -o smallsh small_shell.c
4. Upon successful compilation, an executable file named smallsh will be created in the same directory.
5. Download the testing script provided in this repository and run the command:
   ./smallsh