True, but also when using shell for scripting, when you want to use an associative array or some other "advanced" feature, from a shell point of view, well then

True, but also when using shell for scripting, when you want to use an associative array or some other "advanced" feature, from a shell point of view, well then you should move on to a different language. So in the same sense in such cases you should move on to a different language rather than trying to get the shell to do all things for all people. I am a very strong proponent of shells and shell scripting but realistically it's only designed to do certain things, those things it's perfect for, for some things it's bad for, use something else.