Setting up the Terminal Post Server Installation in Linux¶

Overview¶

This template provides a standardized terminal configuration for Ubuntu servers running Docker applications in VMs. The setup maintains consistency across all server instances while providing enhanced shell functionality. The idea is that I will ssh (with key pairs) into the Linux based machines and land in a Bash shell by default - which helps with running scripts across the network. Then by simple pressing "f" I am switched into Fish. In either shell, the history via the up arrow is maintained with Atuin.

Shell Configuration Template (Post-Update Ubuntu Server)¶

This template accomplishes the following:

Keeps Bash as the default shell
Installs Fish
Installs Atuin with sync + shared history
Installs Fisher + Tide prompt
Sets custom Tide left/right prompts
Ensures Atuin is integrated with both Bash and Fish
Adds f alias to start Fish from Bash

Step-by-step Shell Setup Template¶

Run the following commands as your regular user (not root).

1. Install Shell Tools¶

sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y fish curl git

2. Set Bash Alias for Launching Fish¶

echo "alias f='fish'" >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

3. Enter the Fish Shell¶

4. Install Fisher & Tide (inside Fish)¶

curl -sL https://git.io/fisher | source && fisher install jorgebucaran/fisher
fisher install IlanCosman/tide

5. Set Tide Prompt Configuration¶

set -U tide_left_prompt_items pwd git newline character
set -U tide_right_prompt_items context

6. Install Atuin (inside Fish)¶

curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/atuinsh/atuin/main/install.sh | sh

7. Configure Atuin Sync & Import History¶

atuin import auto
atuin register   # or `atuin login` if you already have an account

8. Enable Atuin for Fish¶

atuin init fish | source
mkdir -p ~/.config/fish/conf.d
atuin init fish > ~/.config/fish/conf.d/atuin.fish

9. Exit Fish Shell¶

exit

10. Enable Atuin for Bash¶

echo 'eval "$(atuin init bash)"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Result¶

Upon completion, you will have:

Bash as your default shell
The ability to enter Fish with f
Consistent Tide prompt
Full Atuin history across Bash & Fish

This configuration ensures all your Ubuntu server VMs have identical terminal environments, making administration and development workflows consistent across your infrastructure.