Learn Bash Shell Scripting for Automation

Packt via Coursera

Go to class Write review

Details

Go to class

Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

19 hours 10 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

Coursera Flash Sale

40% Off Coursera Plus for 3 Months!

Grab it

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Dive into Bash shell scripting and unlock powerful automation skills to streamline tasks on Linux and Windows environments. You’ll start by setting up your scripting environment using WSL and CentOS, then move through core scripting concepts such as variables, inputs/outputs, loops, conditionals, and functions. The course carefully balances theory with hands-on practice, guiding you from basic script writing to advanced automation techniques including working with remote servers and REST APIs. The journey includes mastering command chaining, text processing with tools like grep and sed, scheduling jobs via cron, and practical scripting for monitoring and system management. You’ll also explore debugging and logging to ensure your scripts are reliable and maintainable. This course builds progressively, allowing learners to develop skills in a structured and applicable manner. Ideal for system administrators, developers, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals seeking to automate workflows and improve efficiency. No prior scripting experience is required, but basic familiarity with Linux command line is helpful. This is a beginner to intermediate course designed to build your confidence in Bash scripting for real-world automation.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we will introduce you to the course’s content and goals. You will understand the foundational knowledge required and discover who can most benefit from mastering Bash shell scripting for automation.

Environment Setup to Practice with Bash Shell Scripting

In this module, we will guide you through setting up your scripting environment for maximum efficiency. You will learn to install Linux systems, configure essential tools, and write your first Bash scripts to jumpstart your automation journey.

Basic Understanding of Bash Shell Scripting

In this module, we will cover the fundamental mechanics of how Bash scripts run and how to efficiently organize multiple commands using semicolons, setting a solid foundation for scripting.

Variables

In this module, we will explore variables in Bash scripting—what they are, how to define them correctly, and how to control their values to make your scripts dynamic and flexible.

Inputs and Outputs

In this module, we will master how Bash scripts take inputs and display outputs. You will learn essential commands and methods to make your scripts interactive and user-friendly.

String Operations

In this module, we will cover the essential techniques to manipulate text and file paths, enabling you to handle and transform string data efficiently in your automation tasks.

Arrays

In this module, we will focus on arrays as powerful data structures for storing and processing multiple values, enhancing your scripts’ capability to manage complex data sets.

Bash Dictionaries | Bash Associative Arrays

In this module, we will introduce you to Bash dictionaries, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of data with meaningful keys for advanced scripting scenarios.

Basics of Commands

In this module, we will deepen your command-line expertise, equipping you with crucial tools and techniques to manipulate data, control input/output, and execute commands dynamically.

Working with Command-Chaining Operators

In this module, we will teach you how to combine commands smartly to create efficient and controlled script workflows using Bash’s chaining operators.

Test Command and Conditional Statements

In this module, we will cover decision-making in scripts, empowering you to create robust scripts that respond intelligently to different conditions and errors.

Shell Scripting Practice

In this module, we will apply your learned skills through practical scripting exercises to reinforce file manipulation and system automation.

The if, elif, elif else, and Case Statements

In this module, we will expand your control flow skills with advanced conditional constructs to make your scripts versatile and intelligent.

Scheduling Jobs

In this module, we will teach you how to automate task scheduling in Linux, enabling unattended execution of scripts for routine maintenance.

Comments and Logging

In this module, we will focus on best practices for documenting and monitoring your scripts to ensure maintainability and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Functions

In this module, we will teach you how to write reusable, modular code blocks with functions to streamline complex scripting tasks.

Here Document and Here String

In this module, we will introduce techniques to embed and manipulate multiline text, simplifying complex input scenarios in your scripts.

Loops

In this module, we will master repetitive task automation through various loop types, enabling powerful script logic and user interaction.

Working with REST APIs Using the Curl Command

In this module, we will introduce you to interacting with web services via REST APIs, expanding your automation to networked resources.

Working with Remote Servers

In this module, we will guide you through automating operations on remote systems, enhancing your scripting capabilities for distributed environments.