Android app for basic shell commands

Question

On the Android.SE sister site I asked if Android has a built-in shell, but as it seems to be turning out there is no such thing. So instead, I'm looking for a recommendation for an app to do this.

As you can read in the other question, this is not meant for heavy use, merely to test something that requires me to run a short shell command. To be precise, this command:

cat /sys/class/typec/typec_device/current_detect

I'll probably keep the app if it's lightweight if I'd every need to do something similar again.

Requirements:

• Must have

  • Gratis
  • Android 6.0+
  • Runs well on Nexus 6P with its stock Android version
  • Very light weight, no background stuff etc., just for on-demand execution of short commands
  • "Trustworthy", or to put it less vaguely: from a trusted/well-known source, and/or with open source for the app itself
  • The ability to run the above command
  • The ability to run commands straight on the device, without having to hook up my phone to a PC

• Should have

  • As few permissions as possible, preferably no more than strictly required to run the above command.

• Nice to have

  • Easy to use
  • Pretty
  • Ability to run commands from my PC when the device is connected

Anything you'd recommend?

Answer 1

From your description, Termux seems to be the best match:

• Gratis: Yes, and open-source. Hence the link goes to F-Droid.
• Android 6: Android 5.0 and up supported
• Runs well on…: Can't test. Runs well on my devices :)
• Very light weight …: Yes. APK weights 156 kB only. But you can extend features if needed.
• Trustworthy: I'd say so. Open source hosted on Github, checked and compiled by F-Droid.
• The ability to run the above command: LOL Yes, that and a lot more.
• The ability to run commands straight on the device …: Definitely. No additional hardware required.
• As few permissions as possible: Just 5, and easy to explain:
  • Read/write storage: You certainly want to be able to copy files from a terminal, right?
  • Internet: to download additional features if you tell it to.
  • Vibration: to notify you, in case of
  • prevent sleep: I'd assume to keep the screen on while you're working with it
• Easy to use as a terminal can be (if you know the commands), pretty black background, and works even with your PC connected :D

^{Termux Screenshots. The second shows the htop command, which you can install from within.}