I am aware you continue to link the commands to the busybox version. The issue is, I've never experienced someone changes shell on OpenWrt (because of various issues, one you're expriencing now).
I think someone else would be better to explain the issue.
Anyways, despite you think I don't know Linux, confirm that the HOME and END keys and history are programmed to work on the version compiled for OpenWrt.
Been a long time since I used bash on OpenWrt, as pretty much all the things you note as desirable can be built into Busybox ash. They are not turned on by default, so you will have to build your own image to get the extra functionality.
iirc correctly, one hurdle in getting things functioning was to edit /etc/passwd, there could be more...
Perhaps you shouldn't insult those responding to you. Respectfully, your statement doesn't seem to address anyone in particular.
I apologize you feel that everyone you're encountering doesn't know shells or Linux. Perhaps it's a misunderstanding of what OpenWrt is. I honestly think what you desire has to be compiled into OpenWrt. You also keep mentioning the history, you are aware that in the default install of OpenWrt, that the history is wiped at logoff, correct?
This behavior is similar to MOST router OSes (Cisco, Juniper, etc.). I've never seen the history in a router OS persist over multiple sessions as you describe anyways.
This is not a desktop or server Operating System. This is why I suggest that you confirm that the features that you desire in bash - are actually written into the OpenWrt version.
I'd look into however termcap or the equivalent is handled, as well as perhaps libreadline.
I've never tried [home] and [end], as ctrl-A and ctrl-E (or your choice of vi-esque bindings) is second nature for me.
You might also want to install sudo and create a user that has bash as their shell. It's considered best practice to not muck with root's shell. bash is quickly losing favor as the shell for core operations, with sh, dash or a similar lightweight shell, rather than hack of /bin/sh being a mode of bash. Debian and Ubuntu have already moved that way. FreeBSD never left.
sorry - but this discussion leed to nothing helpful for me. And yes, I know OpenWRT is just OpenWRT - but I am really happy with it - and I am mush more happy, that it has a bash-package.
Whats wrong with it to ask for help?`
yes, but many many ppl change dash back to bash, because of compatibility - just google for it and your know what I mean.
Nothing wrong to ask, what is wrong is not to listen.
Tab-completion works with the default shell, @anomeome has pointed out how to build a version with most of the features you desire. It's been pointed out that others don't have the problems that you are having, yet you apparently haven't started to figure out what is wrong with your configuration.
bash is, by definition, incompatible. It's one thing to use it for day-to-day use, a completely different thing to use it for system administration. It is critical that scripts have the intended behavior when running with escalated privilege, in exactly the same way as the system would execute them. That said, there shouldn't be any "day-to-day" use of a device intended to provide security.
I (for one) 100% inderstand. Bash doesn't work for you, your title originally said you has issue with the HOME and END keys. You then described fruther that you also want command line history. I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THIS.
You asked if we knew what's wrong with it
Instead, we're telling you how to fix it
We also understand scripts begin with
I suggested this:
Your issue may be that you have to compile them in yourself. but you stated:
Alternatives have been provided to get most of the behavior you have asked for. Paths to try to find out why your install of bash is not behaving as you might desire have been provided. Why not stop flaming and start looking at your install and where it might be missing the information required to respond to the [end] and [home] keys? Since you're "100% sure" I take it you've looked at the package make file and the configuration of bash and all the OS hooks it needs. Or have you?
A quick check, since you have prodded one to use Google, would reveal that [end] and [home] are not documented as being bound in bash by default.
8.4.1 Commands For Moving
beginning-of-line (C-a)
Move to the start of the current line.
end-of-line (C-e)
Move to the end of the line.
Here's your answer -- which has nothing to do with OpenWRT, so stop whining.
I am not flaming - and yes I have looked in the Makefile, but I am not so deep inside bash coding (on C) and Makefiles and all thouse deep inside things.
And to instantly repeating that I should not use bash is not really helpful.
I googled, but didn't found this (maybe my google foo is to bad). THIS is the first really on topic helpful answer and get me a little bit closer to the solution.
I am not frustrated that I don't get a answer - I be because I get forced and hunted that I want to use bash.
No, I have it - and look into it right now... will see if the inputrc works.
EDIT: year, your my king
It works.
Is only my file/folder expansion problem left. On a other LEDE router with bash (BASH_VERSION='4.3.42(1)-release'), it is not present. So it look like it is new.