Tcl vs. Bash: When Should You Choose Tcl?

"You can practically use any interpreted language as an alternative to Bash for shell scripting. You just need to call system commands through the specific language's child process API and write data processing logic using the selected language's syntax and features. But you shouldn't get the command-oriented programming experience from any non-command Bash alternative, including Python, JavaScript, and Lua. What if we use a command-oriented, modern, fully-featured language for shell scripting?"

"Tcl is an underrated, but highly productive, command-oriented, fully-featured, simple yet versatile, general-purpose scripting language. Only a few programmers know about it, but it is suitable for shell scripting as a Bash alternative due to its pure command-oriented programming style and impressive built-in features. Let's learn Tcl's shell scripting features, when you can gain productivity by using Tcl instead of Bash, and when you should stay with Bash."

Any interpreted language can be used for shell scripting by invoking system commands via a child process API and handling data processing with the chosen language's syntax and libraries. Non-command-oriented languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Lua do not provide the same command-centric shell experience. Tcl provides a pure command-oriented programming model combined with extensive built-in capabilities, simplicity, and general-purpose versatility. Tcl can boost productivity for many shell tasks and serve as an alternative to Bash when command-oriented style and rich native features are advantageous. Adoption may require learning and exploring the Tcl ecosystem.

Read at Medium