This GIF animation is an homage to that TV commercial 
Introduction
Hello!
As my first post of 2026, I'd like to write about IBM Bob, which has been gaining attention recently.
IBM Bob has various features as an AI assistant, but this time I'll focus specifically on Bob Shell and share its appeal and practicality.
You might think "Shell operations with an AI assistant?", but when you actually try it, you'll realize that it significantly improves development efficiency. In this article, I'll share everything from the basics of Bob Shell to practical use cases, highlighting the points I found convenient through actual use.
Let's dive right in!
What is Bob Shell?
Bob Shell is an interactive shell environment integrated into IBM Bob. By combining traditional terminal operations with the power of AI, it provides a more intuitive and efficient command-line experience.
Key Features
1. Natural Language Command Execution
No need to memorize complex commands. Simply tell Bob Shell what you want to do in Japanese (or English), and it will suggest and execute the appropriate commands.
Examples:
- "Delete all files with .log extension"
- "Count the lines in Python files in this directory"
- "Display the 10 most recently updated files"
2. Context Understanding
Bob Shell understands your current working directory and project structure to suggest optimal commands. It functions not just as a command generation tool, but as an assistant that comprehends your working environment.
3. Interactive Operations
You can request confirmation before command execution or ask questions about execution results. It answers questions like "What does this command do?" or "Is there a safer way?" on the spot.
4. Integration with Existing Tools
Bob Shell can coexist with existing shell environments (bash, zsh, PowerShell, etc.). You can continue using your usual commands and scripts, minimizing the learning curve.
Differences from Traditional Shells
Here's a summary of the differences and features between traditional shells and Bob Shell.
| Item | Traditional Shell | Bob Shell |
|---|---|---|
| Command Input | Requires exact syntax | Natural language OK |
| Error Handling | Self-investigation and correction | AI explains causes and suggests solutions |
| Learning Curve | Steep (memorizing many commands) | Gentle (learn through dialogue) |
| Complex Operations | Requires one-liners or scripts | Just instruct in natural language |
[Reference] Differences Between IBM Bob (GUI Version) and Bob Shell (CUI Version)
IBM Bob has two main usage modes: the GUI version that many are already using, and Bob Shell introduced in this article. Understanding the differences between them enables you to leverage each one's strengths effectively.
| Item | IBM Bob (GUI Version) | Bob Shell (CUI Version) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Code editing, file operations | System operations, task automation |
| Operation Target | Project files | Entire OS, external systems |
| Execution Environment | Within editor | Terminal/Shell |
| Strengths | Coding, refactoring | Command execution, batch processing |
Setup and Basic Usage
Now let's look at the steps to start using Bob Shell.
Prerequisites
To use Bob Shell, you need:
- Access permission to IBM Bob
- VSCode (recommended) or terminal environment
- Internet connection
As of now (January 3, 2026), IBM Bob is in early access period. You need to request access permission to start using it.
For information on how to apply for early access, please refer to the section [How to become friends with Bob?] in Becoming Friends with Bob! written by @KTSZ.
How to Launch Bob Shell
Launching from Terminal
bob
If you see this screen, you've succeeded!
Launching from VSCode
- Open VSCode
- Open Command Palette (
Cmd+Shift+P/Ctrl+Shift+P) - Select "Bob: Open Shell"
- Bob Shell will launch in a new terminal window
Let's Try It
As a practical example of Bob Shell usage, I'll show you how to extract purchase data from receipt images and save it to a CSV file.
With IBM Bob (GUI version), it creates a program according to your prompt, but with Bob Shell, it directly executes your request.
Scenario
We'll have Bob Shell reference receipts from shops we visited on the way back from New Year's shrine visit and output the contents as a CSV file.
The key point is whether IBM Bob can look at the receipt contents and determine if the amounts include or exclude consumption tax!
The two receipts we're loading have different tax treatments:
IMG_0073.jpeg → Tax-excluded prices
IMG_0074.jpeg → Tax-included prices
Preparation
Save two receipt images in the current directory.
$ ls
IMG_0073.jpeg IMG_0074.jpeg