---
name: "bst-shell"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "buildstream"
version: "1.6.9-2"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/bst-shell"
---

# bst-shell(1)

Shell into an element's sandbox environment

## NAME

bst-shell - Shell into an element's sandbox environment

## SYNOPSIS

**bst shell** \[OPTIONS\] ELEMENT \[COMMAND\]...

## DESCRIPTION

Run a command in the target element's sandbox environment

This will stage a temporary sysroot for running the target element, assuming it has already been built and all required artifacts are in the local cache.

Use the --build option to create a temporary sysroot for building the element instead.

Use the --sysroot option with an existing failed build directory or with a checkout of the given target, in order to use a specific sysroot.

If no COMMAND is specified, the default is to attempt to run an interactive shell.

## OPTIONS

- **-b,** --build

  Stage dependencies and sources to build

- **-s,** --sysroot DIRECTORY

  An existing sysroot

- **--mount** HOSTPATH PATH

  Mount a file or directory into the sandbox

- **--isolate**

  Create an isolated build sandbox