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Linux Shell Scripting: Bash Essentials & Core Tools

Packt via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

7 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

The Ultimate Linux Shell Scripting Guide

Overview

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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Linux shell scripting, emphasizing Bash and essential command-line utilities. Mastering these skills is crucial for automating tasks, managing systems efficiently, and processing data streams in professional IT environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with command execution, variables, input/output redirection, environment customization, and text stream filters. By completing this course, participants will confidently navigate the shell and automate repetitive tasks while processing data effectively. The course combines clear explanations, practical examples, and interactive exercises, bridging theory and real-world applications. Each topic is reinforced with scenarios that help learners immediately apply their skills in Linux environments. Ideal for beginners and IT professionals seeking to strengthen foundational scripting skills, this course requires no prior experience with shell scripting or Linux. It is structured to build competence progressively, supporting learners at all levels. Packt is one of the world's most prolific publishers of cutting-edge technical content. For over two decades we've made it our mission to curate and publish the knowledge of only the very best technical experts. We focus on real-world courses that help our customers get the job done, with coverage that extends across a wide range of established and cutting-edge technical topics. If you're an individual or an organisation that embraces learning by doing, Packt is the perfect fit for you. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

Syllabus

Getting Started with the Shell
- This module introduces the fundamentals of Unix and Linux shells, including their types and essential functions. Learners will discover how to access shell documentation, use text editors, and distinguish between compiled and interpreted scripts. The module also covers the basics of root and sudo privileges for practical scripting tasks.
Interpreting Commands
- This module guides learners through constructing and interpreting shell commands in bash or zsh, including command chaining, conditional logic, and the use of utilities like find. Learners will also practice managing command history, applying quoting and escaping, and performing recursive operations for efficient Linux workflows.
Understanding Variables and Pipelines
- This module introduces the fundamentals of defining and managing variables in shell environments, as well as constructing pipelines to automate and connect commands. Learners will gain practical skills in scripting with variables and leveraging pipelines for efficient command execution.
Understanding Input/Output Redirection
- This module introduces the fundamentals of redirecting standard input, output, and error streams in Linux. Learners will explore file descriptors and discover how to use the tee command for simultaneous output to multiple destinations, enhancing troubleshooting and automation skills.
Customizing the Environment
- This module guides learners through the process of personalizing the Linux bash environment by exploring configuration files, setting environmental variables and shell options, and creating useful aliases. By the end, you'll be able to optimize your command-line workflow for greater efficiency and customization.
Text Stream Filters – Part 1
- This module introduces key Linux text-stream filter utilities, demonstrating how to manipulate and process text files using commands like cat, tac, cut, paste, join, and sort. Learners will gain practical skills for automating document workflows and preparing for certification exams by applying these tools in real-world scripting scenarios.
Text Stream Filters – Part 2
- This module introduces a range of Unix text-stream filter utilities, including head, tail, wc, expand, uniq, split, xargs, and more. Learners will discover how to manipulate, analyze, and format text data efficiently for automation and reporting tasks. Practical examples and command-line demonstrations will help solidify these essential data processing skills.