> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nag-9-s.gitbook.io/hbase/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nag-9-s.gitbook.io/hbase/hbase-shell.md).

# HBase Shell

The shell is based on JRuby, the Java Virtual Machine-based implementation of Ruby.‡ More specifically, it uses the Interactive Ruby Shell (IRB).

Thus, The shell provides both client and administrative operations, mirroring the Java APIs ( discussed in other topic) .

`$ $HBASE_HOME/bin/hbase shell`

HBase Shell; enter 'help\<RETURN>' for list of supported commands.

Type "exit\<RETURN>" to leave the HBase Shell

Version 0.91.0-SNAPSHOT, r1130916, Sat Jul 23 12:44:34 CEST 2011

`hbase(main):001:0>`

you can request help for a specific command by adding the command when invoking help, or print out the help of all commands for a specific group when using the group name with the help command. The command or group name has the enclosed

in quotes.