Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting from Coursera

This course provides a practical understanding of common Linux / UNIX shell commands. In this beginner friendly course, you will learn about the Linux basics, Shell commands, and Bash shell scripting.

You will begin this course with an introduction to Linux and explore the Linux architecture. You will interact with the Linux Terminal, execute commands, navigate directories, edit files, as well as install and update software.

Next, you’ll become familiar with commonly used Linux commands. You will work with general purpose commands like id, date, uname, ps, top, echo, man; directory management commands such as pwd, cd, mkdir, rmdir, find, df; file management commands like cat, wget, more, head, tail, cp, mv, touch, tar, zip, unzip; access control command chmod; text processing commands - wc, grep, tr; as well as networking commands - hostname, ping, ifconfig and curl.

You will then move on to learning the basics of shell scripting to automate a variety of tasks. You’ll create simple to more advanced shell scripts that involve Metacharacters, Quoting, Variables, Command substitution, I/O Redirection, Pipes & Filters, and Command line arguments. You will also schedule cron jobs using crontab.

The course includes both video-based lectures as well as hands-on labs to practice and apply what you learn. You will have no-charge access to a virtual Linux server that you can access through your web browser, so you don't need to download and install anything to complete the labs.

You’ll end this course with a final project as well as a final exam. In the final project you will demonstrate your knowledge of course concepts by performing your own Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) process and create a scheduled backup script.

This course is ideal for data engineers, data scientists, software developers, and cloud practitioners who want to get familiar with frequently used commands on Linux, MacOS and other Unix-like operating systems as well as get started with creating shell scripts.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Linux

In this module, you will learn about the basics of Linux. You will be able to summarize the origins of the Linux operating system and list its key features and use cases. You will learn what a Linux distribution is, the names of popular distributions, and their key characteristics. You will also be able to explain the Linux architecture, interact with a Linux system using the terminal, and navigate directories using paths and shortcuts. This module will also teach you how to create and edit text files using text editors such as nano and Vim. Lastly, you will learn how to use a software package manager to install and updates on a Linux system.

Introduction to Linux Commands

In this module, you will learn how to use common Linux commands. You will learn what a shell and shell commands are, and how to use commands to do various tasks in Linux. This module will teach you how to use informational commands to find relevant information about your system, navigation commands to navigate files and directories, and management commands to create, delete, copy, and move files and directories. You will also learn to sort and view files in useful ways and extract specific lines and fields from your files. You will be able to use networking commands to examine your network configuration and evaluate, identify, and retrieve data from URLs. Finally, this module will cover file archiving and compression commands.

Introduction to Shell Scripting

In this module, you will learn the basics of shell scripting. You will learn what a script is and when to use scripts. You will be able to describe the shebang interpreter directive and create and run a simple shell script. Additionally, this module will teach you how to use pipes and filters and set shell and environment variables. By the end of this module, you will also be able to list features of Bash shell scripting and use crontab to schedule cron jobs, understand the cron syntax, and view and remove cron jobs.

Final Project and Final Exam

In this module, you will complete a practice project in which you create an automated Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) process to extract daily weather forecasts and observed weather data. You will schedule this process to run automatically at a set time daily and learn how to create a script to measure forecast accuracy. In your peer-graded final project, you will create a scheduled backup script. Finally, you will demonstrate the knowledge you've gained by taking a final graded exam.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for data engineers, data scientists, software developers, and cloud practitioners

Builds a strong foundation for beginners

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners

Develops professional skills in Linux and shell scripting

Covers unique perspectives and ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects

Multi-modal and includes a mix of media

Reviews summary

Hands-on linux commands and shell scripting

learners say this course is largely positive and offers a practical introduction to Linux commands and shell scripting. The course covers the basics, including file manipulation, basic commands, and shell scripting. It also features engaging assignments and virtual labs to help students practice what they learn. Students report that the course is well-organized and informative, and the instructors are helpful and supportive. However, some students also mention that the difficulty level increases significantly in the second half of the course, so it may be challenging for beginners.

instructors are helpful and supportive

"The instructors are helpful and supportive."

"Execellent course to intro in linux commands and learn much more about the basics in back-end development"

"I highly recommend this course for those wanting to increase their computer skills and fundamental Linux OS. "

well worth it i learned a lot

"the suggestion is a lot of many material can be add for this course"

"well worth it i learned a lot and i will keep practicing to get even better "

"A good course for beginners who want to learn Linux & Shell Scripting"

good every things has explained in details

"as a beginner who doesn't have any IT background, this course help me to getting basic knowledge in bash scripting."

"good every things has explained in details"

well worth it i learned a lot and i will keep practicing to get even better

"a practical introduction to Linux commands and shell scripting."

"The course covers the basics, including file manipulation, basic commands, and shell scripting."

"It also features engaging assignments and virtual labs to help students practice what they learn."

The practice project was far too advanced for beginners

"found some mistakes in the final test."

"The final project was kinda challenging for a newbie."

"The practice project was far too advanced for beginners"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting with these activities:

Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands

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Reinforces understanding of commonly used Linux commands

View Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands on Amazon

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Review the key concepts and commands covered in the book
Apply the commands in real-world scenarios

Linux Command Cheat Sheet

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Reinforces understanding and provides a quick reference

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Create a cheat sheet summarizing the most important Linux commands
Keep it updated as you progress through the course

Linux Commands Quick Guide

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Adds context to the core principles of Linux commands

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Review the fundamentals of Linux commands
Explore the different types of Linux commands
Practice using Linux commands in a practical setting

Six other activities

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Linux Command Study Group

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Provides opportunities for peer collaboration and knowledge sharing

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Join a study group or form one with peers
Review Linux commands together
Discuss and troubleshoot common challenges

Shell Scripting Exercises

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Provides opportunities to apply knowledge and refine skills

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Complete a series of interactive shell scripting exercises
Debug and troubleshoot shell scripts
Create custom shell scripts to automate tasks

Linux Command Reference Guide

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Encourages active engagement and deepens understanding

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Summarize the key Linux commands and their usage
Organize the commands into a comprehensive reference guide
Share the guide with peers or post it online

Linux Command Tutor

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Deepens understanding through teaching and reinforces retention

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Volunteer as a tutor or mentor for beginner Linux users
Provide guidance and support to others learning Linux commands
Clarify concepts and answer questions to enhance their understanding

Bash Scripting Challenges

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Enhances problem-solving skills and deepens understanding of Bash scripting

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Solve a series of progressively challenging Bash scripting problems
Optimize and improve your solutions
Share your solutions with others and learn from different approaches

Contribute to the Linux Kernel

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Provides practical experience in a real-world Linux environment

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Identify a project or issue in the Linux kernel to contribute to
Familiarize yourself with the kernel codebase
Submit a pull request with your changes

Career center

Learners who complete Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Linux Administrator

A Linux Administrator manages and maintains Linux systems. They work to ensure that systems are running smoothly and that data is secure. They also work with users to resolve technical issues. This course is ideal for Linux Administrators because it provides a comprehensive foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for managing and maintaining Linux systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linux Administrator

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data pipelines. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to collect, process, and store data. They also work with data analysts to develop and implement data analysis solutions. This course is ideal for Data Engineers because it provides a comprehensive foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines.

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DevSecOps Engineer

A DevSecOps Engineer works to integrate security into the software development process. They work with developers and security professionals to develop and implement security policies. They also work with operations teams to ensure that security policies are followed. This course may be useful for DevSecOps Engineers because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for integrating security into the software development process.

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Cloud Security Analyst

A Cloud Security Analyst identifies and mitigates security risks in cloud computing environments. They work with cloud architects and other security professionals to develop and implement security policies. They also work with cloud users to educate them about cloud security risks. This course may be useful for Cloud Security Analysts because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for identifying and mitigating security risks in cloud computing environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Analyst

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages and maintains computer networks. They work to ensure that networks are running smoothly and that data is secure. They also work with users to resolve technical issues. This course may be useful for Network Administrators because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for managing and maintaining computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer works to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They work to automate and streamline the software development process. They also work to improve communication and collaboration between development and operations teams. This course may be useful for DevOps Engineers because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for automating and managing software development processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages and maintains computer systems. They work to ensure that systems are running smoothly and that data is secure. They also work with users to resolve technical issues. This course may be useful for Systems Administrators because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for managing and maintaining computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

IT Administrator

An IT Administrator manages and maintains computer systems and networks. They work to ensure that systems are running smoothly and that data is secure. They also work with users to resolve technical issues. This course may be useful for IT Administrators because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for managing and maintaining computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Administrator

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst identifies and mitigates security risks. They work to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. They also work with law enforcement to investigate security breaches. This course may be useful for Security Analysts because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for identifying and mitigating security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. They work with data engineers and other data professionals to collect, process, and analyze data. They also work with business stakeholders to communicate the results of their analysis. This course may be useful for Data Scientists because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for collecting, processing, and analyzing data.

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Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs, builds, and maintains cloud computing solutions. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a cloud solution that meets those needs. They also work with engineers to implement and manage the cloud solution. This course may be useful for Cloud Architects because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for managing cloud computing environments.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make better decisions. They use statistical and data mining techniques to identify trends and patterns in data. They also work with stakeholders to communicate the results of their analysis. This course may be useful for Data Analysts because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for managing and analyzing large datasets.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and then design and develop websites that meet those needs. They also work with other developers to implement and test websites. This course may be useful for Web Developers because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for developing and maintaining websites.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They work with users to understand their needs and then design and develop software solutions that meet those needs. They also work with other developers to implement and test software applications. This course may be useful for Software Developers because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills are essential for developing and maintaining software applications.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation. They work with engineers and other technical experts to gather information and then write documentation that is clear and easy to understand. This course may be useful for Technical Writers because it provides a foundation in Linux commands and shell scripting. These skills can be used to gather information and create documentation about technical topics.

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