# Murex

Content-aware shell.

Source: [Console review](<https://console.dev/tools/murex>)

Website: [https://murex.rocks/](<https://murex.rocks/>)

Profile updated: 2026-10-16

Category: [Terminal utilities](<https://console.dev/tools/categories/terminal-terminal-utilities>)

## Supported tech stack

Research checked: 2026-10-11

### Runs on

- FreeBSD (Operating system)
- Linux (Operating system)
- macOS (Operating system)

Source: [Research source](<https://murex.rocks/>)

Documented compatibility; coverage may be incomplete. Written in describes implementation, not user-project language support.

Shell installation links cover macOS, Arch Linux and FreeBSD.

## Console’s review — 2025-09-18

Reviewed: 2025-09-18

Author: [David Mytton](<https://console.dev/about#david-mytton>)

Citation: [This review](<https://console.dev/tools/murex#review_654aa289c74b440fa3598a18854bc4c576d359f1f77bc4583ef6b8fbe7f4f2cf>)

### What we like

Supports types outside of byte streams and string variables with expressions, manipulating parsing content e.g. JSON, Yaml, and other languages. Has power language features e.g. functions and variables. All can be used in pipes to make them more robust and flexible. Has tab completion and hints.

### Tradeoffs

There’s lots to learn! But you can use it like a normal shell and gradually start to use the extra features as you need them (or not).

This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2025-09-18. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date.

## Is Murex a fit?

Based on [Console’s review published on 2025-09-18](<https://console.dev/tools/murex#review_654aa289c74b440fa3598a18854bc4c576d359f1f77bc4583ef6b8fbe7f4f2cf>).

Summary updated: 2026-10-16

### Who it’s for

Developers who work with various data formats and need a robust shell

### Why consider it

Enables flexible and robust pipe operations with support for various data formats and power language features

### Keep in mind

Has a steep learning curve

## Earlier review — 2023-06-22

Reviewed: 2023-06-22

Author: [David Mytton](<https://console.dev/about#david-mytton>)

Citation: [This review](<https://console.dev/tools/murex#review_972986f608e77b4c78067e1465fbf12f299365ff603d92270bc63a18c493a16b>)

### What we like

Provides hints for commands before you run them. Understands complex data formats like JSON and tables to allow navigation and highlighting. Built-in scripting support. In-line spell checking and autocomplete. Error handling and debugging built in - use try/catch blocks, descriptive error messages.

### Tradeoffs

Windows is supported, but not fully - recommendation is to run it within WSL.

This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2023-06-22. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date.

[Selection criteria](<https://console.dev/selection-criteria>) · [About Console](<https://console.dev/about>) · [Browse tools](<https://console.dev/tools>)