GETUSERSHELL(3) | Library Functions Manual | GETUSERSHELL(3)

# NAME

`getusershell`, `setusershell`, `endusershell` —
get valid user shells

# LIBRARY

Standard C Library (libc, -lc)

# SYNOPSIS

`#include <unistd.h>`

char *
`getusershell`(void);

void
`setusershell`(void);

void
`endusershell`(void);

# DESCRIPTION

The `getusershell`() function returns a pointer to a valid user shell as defined by the system manager in the shells database as described in shells(5). If the shells database is not available, `getusershell`() behaves as if /bin/sh and /bin/csh were listed.

The `getusershell`() function reads the next line (opening the file if necessary); `setusershell`() rewinds the file; `endusershell`() closes it.

# FILES

/etc/shells

# DIAGNOSTICS

The routine `getusershell`() returns a null pointer (0) on `EOF`.

# SEE ALSO

nsswitch.conf(5), shells(5)

# HISTORY

The `getusershell`() function appeared in 4.3BSD.

# BUGS

The `getusershell`() function leaves its result in an internal static object and returns a pointer to that object. Subsequent calls to `getusershell`() will modify the same object.

November 23, 2004 | NetBSD 9.2