When to Use #!/bin/sh vs #!/usr/bin/env bash

Updated

October 31, 2026

When to Use #!/bin/sh vs #!/usr/bin/env bash

#!/usr/bin/env bash: Best for scripts relying on Bash features (finds bash in PATH across Linux, macOS, FreeBSD).
#!/bin/sh: Best for minimal, ultra-portable scripts that execute under Debian Dash or Alpine Busybox Ash.