What is the purpose of a shell in computing?

The purpose of a shell in computing is to act as a program that interprets text commands. The shell serves as an interface between the user and the operating system, allowing users to execute commands, run programs, and manage files through text input. It translates the user’s commands into instructions that the operating system can understand and execute.

This command-line interaction is fundamental in many programming and system administration tasks, as it provides a powerful way to control the system efficiently through scripting.

In contrast, other options denote different functionalities: file management tools are focused specifically on handling files and directories, programs that interact with hardware manage communication between the user and the hardware devices, and applications for graphics rendering specialize in creating visual content. Each of these serves distinct purposes that are not aligned with the core functional role of a shell.