Want to learn bash shell scripting

Yook

As you can see by the title of the thread, I want to learn bash shell scripting. Basically, for me, the best way to learn anything is through doing little projects and the like. I was just wondering could anyone recommend and small script ideas that a beginner could do to get me started? Or even post a few up and explain to me how they work?

Karoma

A quick google will dig up an enormous amount of scripts. A little creativity gets you well commented scripts.
Really, the vast majority of the script are *Nix commands.. Get familiar with the console, and refer to the web again for syntax: ex: http://www.cactus.org/~dak/shellscript.html

Fenster

I did the same recently, to get a decent grasp on the topic. I started with Basic Shell Scripting - its aimed towards real Linux newbies, but it has very good primers on awk and sed and case and test ([), which are important down the road.

Once you feel comfortable, try "Classic Shell Scripting" from O'Reilly. There's also the Bash Scripting Guide. Great online reference, but the learning curve is a little steep.

And lastly, there's Shelldorado.

Like you said, projects are a good idea. Mine was a script for importing photos from digital cameras and memory cards.

Yook

Thanks for the reply guys! Do you think you could list some of the cooler stuff you've done with bash shell scripts?

democrates

bash shell scripts

jlang

Best way to learn is by doing - ie if you do something more than once, consider how you'd automate it. If you find yourself making notes, consider writing a script you can use in the future.

A simple and useful project - automate your backup strategy.