---
name: "getusershell"
section: "3"
platform: "macos"
package: "Libc"
version: "1752.120.2"
release: "macOS 26.5"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/getusershell"
---

# getusershell(3)

get valid user shells

## 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)](/shells/5.md). 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

[shells(5)](/shells/5.md)

## 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.