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AX-ZSH – modular Zsh configuration system

AX-ZSH is a modular configuration system for Zsh that supplies a ready-to-use core setup while allowing users to extend the shell through plugins and themes.

It is designed around per-user installation and includes its own management command for enabling, disabling, checking and upgrading components. AX-ZSH supports bundled plugins, local custom plugins, standalone GitHub plugins and plugins from Oh My Zsh. It also integrates with Powerlevel10k, including its instant prompt mechanism. A plugin cache is used to reduce shell startup overhead, while local configuration files provide a supported way to customise the environment without editing AX-ZSH’s managed startup files.

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

  • Provides sane default Zsh configuration with an extensible plugin-based design.
  • Installs per user and does not require root privileges.
  • Backs up existing Zsh startup files before creating its managed symbolic links.
  • Includes the axzshctl command for configuration and plugin management.
  • Can upgrade AX-ZSH and installed external plugins when installed with Git.
  • Supports bundled plugins, bundled themes and manually installed custom plugins.
  • Can install standalone plugins directly from GitHub repositories.
  • Supports selected Oh My Zsh plugins using @ohmyzsh identifiers.
  • Integrates with Powerlevel10k and supports its instant prompt feature.
  • Uses a plugin cache to improve Zsh startup performance.
  • Can scan available plugins and recommend enabling or disabling them based on local dependencies.
  • Provides tab completion for axzshctl subcommands and available plugin names.
  • Supports separate local startup files such as .zshrc.local and .zprofile.local.
  • Provides configurable plugin search directories through AXZSH_PLUGIN_D and ZSH_CUSTOM.
  • Includes environment and terminal handling intended to work cleanly across local and remote shell sessions.

Website: github.com/alexbarton/ax-zsh
Support:
Developer: Alexander Barton
License: MIT License


Related Software

Zsh Configuration Frameworks
Oh My ZshHugely popular community-driven framework
Oh My PoshPrompt theme engine for any shell
PreztoEnrichs the command line interface environment
ZimUseful modules, themes, and customizability
ZnapEasy-to-use tools for Zsh
ZiSwiss Army Knife for Zsh
slimzshSmall, usable configuration for Zsh
ZephyrLightweight, modular framework for building a fast Zsh setup
AX-ZSHFlexible modular configuration system for managing a tailored Zsh environment

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