Learn Linux Shell Scripting – Fundamentals of Bash 4.4: A comprehensive guide to automating administrative tasks with the Bash shell

Create and maintain powerful Bash scripts for automation and administration.Key FeaturesGet up and running with Linux shell scripting using real-world examplesLeverage command-line techniques and methodologies to automate common yet complex administration tasksA practical guide with exposure to scripting constructs and common scripting patternsBook DescriptionShell scripts allow us to program commands in chains and have the system execute them as a scripted event, just like batch files. This book will start with an overview of Linux and Bash shell scripting, and then quickly deep dive into helping you set up your local environment, before introducing you to tools that are used to write shell scripts. The next set of chapters will focus on helping you understand Linux under the hood and what Bash provides the user. Soon, you will have embarked on your journey along the command line. You will now begin writing actual scripts instead of commands, and will be introduced to practical applications for scripts. The final set of chapters will deep dive into the more advanced topics in shell scripting. These advanced topics will take you from simple scripts to reusable, valuable programs that exist in the real world. The final chapter will leave you with some handy tips and tricks and, as regards the most frequently used commands, a cheat sheet containing the most interesting flags and options will also be provided.After completing this book, you should feel confident about starting your own shell scripting projects, no matter how simple or complex the task previously seemed. We aim to teach you how to script and what to consider, to complement the clear-cut patterns that you can use in your daily scripting challenges.What you will learnUnderstand Linux and Bash basics as well as shell scripting fundamentalsLearn to write simple shell scripts that interact with Linux operating systemBuild, maintain, and deploy scripts in a Linux environmentLearn best practices for writing shell scriptsAvoid common pitfalls associated with Bash scriptingGain experience and the right toolset to write your own complex shell scriptsWho this book is forThis book targets new and existing Linux system administrators, Windows system administrators or developers who are interested in automating administrative tasks. No prior shell scripting experience is needed but in case you do this book will make a pro quickly. Readers should have a basic understanding of the command line.Table of ContentsIntroductionSetting up your local environmentChoosing the right toolsThe Linux filesystemUnderstanding the Linux permissions schemeFile manipulationHello World!Variables and user inputError checking and handlingRegular expressionsConditional testing and scripting loopsUsing pipes and redirection in scriptsFunctionsScheduling and loggingParsing Bash script arguments with getoptsBash parameter substitution and expansionTips & tricks (with cheat sheet) Read more