Basics Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting: Tips and Tricks

Linux command line is a powerful tool for interacting with the operating system, allowing users to perform a variety of tasks and automate repetitive tasks through scripting. In this blog, we'll explore some practical Linux command line and shell scripting tips that will make you a more efficient user.

Basic Linux Commands:

Before diving into shell scripting, it's essential to familiarize yourself with some basic Linux commands. Commonly used commands include cd, ls, mkdir, touch, cp, mv, rm, cat, grep, chmod, and sudo. Knowing these commands will make it easier to perform day-to-day tasks and navigate through the file system.

Shell Scripting Basics:

Shell scripting is a way of automating tasks by writing a series of commands in a script file. To create a script file, open a text editor and save the file with a .sh extension. To run the script, make it executable using the chmod command and then execute it using the ./filename.sh command.

Here's an example script that creates a new directory and file:

bash code

• #!/bin/bash
• mkdir mydir
• cd mydir
• touch myfile.txt

Variables in Shell Scripts:

Variables are used to store values in shell scripts, such as file names or directory paths, that need to be referenced multiple times in the script. To define a variable, use the following syntax: variable_name=value.

Here's an example script that uses a variable:

bash code

• #!/bin/bash
• mydir="mydir"
• mkdir $mydir
• cd $mydir
• touch myfile.txt

Loops in Shell Scripts:

Loops are used repeat a set of commands multiple times. There are two types of loops in shell scripting: for and while loops. Here's an example script that uses a for loop to create multiple directories:

bash code

• #!/bin/bash
• for i in {1..5}
• do
•     mkdir mydir$i
• done

Conditional Statements in Shell Scripts:

Conditional statements are used to execute a set of commands based on a condition. The if statement is the most commonly used conditional statement in shell scripting. Here's an example script that uses an if statement to check if a file exists:

bash code

• #!/bin/bash
• if [ -f myfile.txt ]
• then
•     echo "File exists"
• else
•     echo "File does not exist"
• fi

Conclusion:

By mastering these basic concepts of Linux command line and shell scripting, you can become a more efficient Linux user and automate repetitive tasks to save time and increase productivity. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, these tips and tricks will help you navigate the file system, create scripts, and automate tasks. Start exploring the possibilities of the Linux command line today!