noun

shebang

The #! marker introducing a script's interpreter instruction on Unix-like systems.

The shebang introduces the interpreter instruction on the script's first line.

Etymology

Shebang is the nickname for #!, the pair that introduces a script’s interpreter instruction. It is often explained through character names such as sharp and bang, though the nickname’s precise formation is uncertain.

More examples

Place the interpreter's path immediately after the shebang.
In #!/bin/bash, the first two characters form the shebang.
These scripts use identical shebangs but specify different interpreters.

Forms

shebang · shebangs

Similar words

hashbang: Another name for exactly the same two-character script marker.