Shell Script Programming

[computerwizz]

What is an easy way to understand Shell Script Programming using the Bash shell. How do people come up with these really cool complex scripts?

[Siliconjunkie]

You have to just take them step at a time. Shell scripts tend to be pretty modular.

Just take it step by step. Since they tend to be parsed pretty much top to bottom without skipping around alot.

[Siliconjunkie]

It always amazes me how when you write something, it starts off really simple and grows into a real beast.

Best way I have found is to find some task, and try to write a 100% automated script to do it. Then start adding some logic and error checking. After doing that a bit, it will start to come together.

[James T]

It's worthwhile looking at one of the scripting languages to shell with; perl (my pref www.cpan.org being a big reason), python is popular, ruby.

Perl and python are on most. There is very little penalty to using a scripting language and when your requirements grow the basic shell is not holding you back.

[Anteater]

perl is good !!

[James T]

Hmm, did y'all know Frozen Bubble (a graphical game!) uses perl. Perls no slug, http://www.perl.com/pub/a/2005/02/24/mandrakelinux.html.

[computerwizz]

Hmm, did y'all know Frozen Bubble (a graphical game!) uses perl. Perls no slug, http://www.perl.com/pub/a/2005/02/24/mandrakelinux.html.

Thanks for showing us James!