A shell script is a list of commands in a computer program that is run by the Unix shell which is a command-line interpreter. A shell script usually has comments that describe the steps. The different operations performed by shell scripts are program execution, file manipulation, and text printing. A wrapper is also a kind of shell script that creates the program environment, runs the program, etc.

There are two major types of shells in Unix. These are:

Bourne Shell: This is the default shell for version 7 Unix. The character $ is the default prompt for the bourne shell. The different subcategories in this shell are Korn shell, Bourne Again shell, POSIX shell etc.

C Shell: This is a Unix shell and a command processor that is run in a text window. The character % is the default prompt for the C shell. File commands can also be read easily by the C shell, which is known as a script.

Shell scripting provides us with proper command and a platform to execute the commands with the desired input and generate the output needed. It works as a mediator to talk with the system kernel and various OS components.

We can simply think it as of a path or a way to a door that connects with the room we need for. So basically having the knowledge for shell scripting will ease the way we are willing to execute our commands further. We can start or stop any application together by just writing a simple script or we can initialize anything needed at the boot time with the help of shell scripting. It reduces the effort of a user by writing a series of commands at once.

The different capabilities of the shell script are −

Batch jobs: Several commands that would be entered manually in a command line interface can be executed automatically using a shell script. This can be done without the user needing to trigger each command separately.

Programming: There are many features in modern shell scripts that are only found in sophisticated programming languages such as arrays, variables, comments etc. Many complicated applications can be written in shell scripts using these features. But there is a problem i.e. shell script languages don’t support classes, threading etc.

Generalisation: It is much more flexible to use loops, variables etc for multiple tasks in shell script. An example of this is a Unix shell script known as bash, which converts jpg images to png images.

Shortcuts: There is a shortcut provided by a shell script for a system command where command options, environment settings or post processing apply. This still allows the shortcut script to act as a Unix command.

Shell Scripts are used for many purposes some of them are like:-

Advantages and Disadvantages of Shell-Scripting

Some of the advantages of shell script are −

The commands and syntax of the shell script are the same as that entered at the command line. Because of this, there is no need to switch to a completely different syntax.

It is much faster to write a code in shell script than in other programming languages. This also means that the program is easier to create and files required can be selected easily.

Shell script can also be used to provide linkage for already existing programs.

Shell scripting can be used by users that are not experts to modify and tailor the behaviour of their programs according to their requirements.

Some of the disadvantages of shell script are −

There may be errors in shell scripting that prove to be quite costly.

The programs in shell script are quite slow while executing and a new process is required for every shell command executed.

Different platforms in shell scripting may also have compatibility problems.

For the reader, you ought to have a piece of fundamental information on part and Linux and Unix. The most effective method to execute a rationale and ordinary factors esteem utilized would be an additional benefit.

This article explains to you the overview of Shell-Scripting and its advantages and disadvantages.  

Shell-Scripting: An overview

Shell scripting is an open-source laptop application designed to be run by the Unix/Linux shell. Shell scripting is an application to write down a sequence of commands for the shell to execute. It can integrate prolonged and repetitive sequences of commands into a single and easy script that can be saved and executed each time which, reduces programming efforts.

This shell scripting academic enables the analysis of fundamental know-how of the Linux/Unix shell scripting application to advanced ideas of shell scripting.

Shell is a UNIX term for an interface between a user and an operating system service. Shell provides users with an interface and accepts human-readable commands into the system and executes those commands which can run automatically and give the program’s output in a shell script.

An Operating is made of many components, but its two prime components are –

A shell in a Linux working device takes input from you in the shape of commands, methods it, after which gives an output. It is the interface thru which a person works on the applications, instructions, and scripts. A shell is accessed by using a terminal that runs it.

Whilst you run the terminal, the shell troubles a command prompt (commonly $), wherein you may kind your input, which is then carried out whilst you hit the enter key. The output or the result is thereafter displayed on the terminal.

The Bourne Shell: The prompt for this shell is $ and its derivatives are listed below:

Bourne Again SHell also known as bash (most popular)

The C shell: The prompt for this shell is %, and its subcategories are:

Shell Scripts are written using text editors. On your Linux system, open a text editor program, open a new file to begin typing a shell script or shell programming, then give the shell permission to execute your shell script and put your script at the location from where the shell can find it.

Let us understand the steps in creating a Shell Script:

Create a file using a vi editor(or any other editor). Name script file with extension .sh

For executing the script type bash filename. sh

“#!” is an operator called shebang which directs the script to the interpreter location. So, if we use”#! /bin/sh” the script gets directed to the bourne-shell.

Let’s see the steps to create Shell Script Programs in Linux/Unix –

In this blog, we will discuss creating Shell Script in Linux/Unix.

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shell scripting

Trending Blogposts on shell scripting

Shell-Scripting: An overview

Creating Shell Script in Linux/Unix.

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