# The Shepherd Manage system and user services. Source: [Console review]() Website: [https://www.gnu.org/software/shepherd/]() Profile updated: 2026-10-16 Category: [Infrastructure automation]() ## Supported tech stack Research checked: 2026-10-11 ### Runs on - GNU Hurd (Operating system) - Linux (Operating system) ### Integrates with - Scheme (Language) ### Written in - Scheme (Language) Source: [Research source]() Documented compatibility; coverage may be incomplete. Written in describes implementation, not user-project language support. Service manager is written in Guile Scheme and supports GNU/Linux and GNU Hurd. ## Console’s review — 2025-01-16 Reviewed: 2025-01-16 Author: [David Mytton]() Citation: [This review]() ### What we like Systemd alternative (although it has been around since well before systemd!). Can run as PID 1 as an init system or as part of user service management. Easy CLI for status, start, stop, logs, etc. Includes socket activation and timers. Command to visualize dependencies. Race free log rotation. Written in a memory-safe language without an event loop. ### Tradeoffs Configuration is in Guile Scheme, which is difficult to get started with even if it does give you the power of a programming language. This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2025-01-16. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date. ## Is The Shepherd a fit? Based on [Console’s review published on 2025-01-16](). Summary updated: 2026-10-16 ### Who it’s for Developers looking for a systemd alternative ### Why consider it It provides an easy CLI for managing services ### Keep in mind Its configuration can be difficult to learn [Selection criteria]() · [About Console]() · [Browse tools]()