Bash & Linux·Bash from first command to automation

Shell scripting

Write safe scripts with strict mode, variables, conditions and functions.

Beginner 15 min read Lesson 7 of 300 Challenge included

What you will be able to do

Start with #!/usr/bin/env bash and set -euo pipefail.
Quote every variable: "$name".
Use [[ ]] for conditions.
Use functions and local variables.

In plain English

A script is a program. Start with a shebang and set -euo pipefail so failures stop the script and unset variables are errors. Quote variables, use functions for repeated logic and return meaningful exit codes.

backup.shTerminal

#!/usr/bin/env bash
set -euo pipefail

target="${1:?usage: backup.sh <dir>}"
stamp="$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S)"

tar -czf "backup-${stamp}.tar.gz" "$target"
echo "wrote backup-${stamp}.tar.gz"

Your turn

Add strict mode

Easy

Add strict mode and a shebang to a new Bash script.

BASH · starter

#!/bin/bash

Check your understanding before moving on.

Knowledge checkQuestion 1

What does set -e do?

Select an answer to continue

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Next: Environment and PATH

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