Report on the "The Future of the Shell" Panel at HotOS 2021

TL;DR

This paper summarizes expert opinions and research directions on the future of the shell and its ecosystem, aiming to guide future research efforts in this area.

Contribution

It compiles diverse perspectives and identifies key challenges and research opportunities related to the shell's future and ecosystem.

Findings

Identified key challenges in shell development and ecosystem integration.

Outlined potential research directions for enhancing shell functionalities.

Provided a snapshot of expert opinions from HotOS 2021 panel.

Abstract

This document summarizes the challenges and possible research directions around the shell and its ecosystem, collected during and after the HotOS21 Panel on the future of the shell. The goal is to create a snapshot of what a number of researchers from various disciplines -- connected to the shell to varying degrees -- think about its future. We hope that this document will serve as a reference for future research on the shell and its ecosystem.