Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell from Pluralsight

This course teaches the basic concepts needed to start running shell commands. The topics will cover both Bash and the Z Shell, on any platform, ranging from Linux and Mac OS, to Windows, BSD, and other UNIX systems.

Can anyone really claim to be a power user without being proficient on the command line? In this course, Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell, you will learn the skill which lies at the heart of the open source ecosystem, and anyone who administers a Mac OS or Linux system will at some point need it. This includes devops professionals using tools like Docker, Vagrant, or Ansible. The same is true for developers who use modern programming languages like Python, Ruby, Node, and their package managers. Even people who feel the need to automate simple tasks will find it is the quintessential power tool. First, you will explore navigating around the text files. Then, you will discover how to list and edit text files. Then, you will move on to working with UNIX filenames and getting help for commands. Finally, you will learn about some advanced topics. This is a tutorial about the command line, teaching the basic concepts needed to start running shell commands. By the end of this course, you will have covered concepts that will be applicable to both Bash and the Z Shell, on any platform, ranging from Linux and Mac OS, to Windows, BSD, and other UNIX systems.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

First Steps

Navigating the Filesystem

Working with Text Files

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for ambitious individuals seeking core shell concepts for various platforms

Taught by experienced instructors in the field

Covers both Bash and Z Shell, applicable across platforms

Enhances the skills of DevOps professionals and developers

Suitable for individuals seeking automation solutions

May require prior knowledge for total beginners

Reviews summary

Foundational bash and z shell skills

According to learners, this course is an excellent starting point for understanding Bash and Z Shell, particularly praised for its clear and easy-to-understand explanations of core command line concepts. Students found the hands-on exercises and practical examples highly beneficial for solidifying their knowledge and immediately applying skills to tasks like file system navigation, I/O redirection, and automation. While it serves as a solid foundation for true beginners and those looking to fill knowledge gaps, some experienced users found it too basic, indicating it delivers primarily on its 'getting started' promise rather than advanced topics. The instructor's teaching style is frequently highlighted as engaging and knowledgeable.

Perfect for novices, but may be too basic for experienced users.

"Excellent course for beginners! Highly recommend this for anyone new to Bash/Zsh."

"The course content is spot on for beginners. It's concise and to the point."

"Decent course, but a bit too basic for me. It didn't really take me to the 'power user' level I was hoping for."

Provides a solid base, but less on advanced scripting techniques.

"It covers all the fundamentals you need to get started and feel confident."

"A solid introduction to the shell. For 'getting started,' it's good."

"Would be great if they added a module on scripting basics, but I suppose that's for a different course."

Focuses on hands-on skills for immediate, real-world use.

"The hands-on exercises were crucial for solidifying my understanding. I feel much more comfortable using the command line now."

"I loved the practical examples and the logical progression of topics. Great for automating daily tasks."

"This course filled crucial gaps in my command line knowledge; I'm now much more efficient on my Linux machine."

Instructor simplifies complex concepts effectively for learners.

"The instructor explains complex concepts like file permissions and piping in a very clear, easy-to-understand way."

"Instructor's teaching style is phenomenal. Engaging and clear. I finally understand how to navigate the filesystem effectively."

"The explanations for wildcard usage and I/O redirection were particularly helpful, filling crucial gaps in my knowledge."

Some debate the unique value over readily available free resources.

"Honestly, most of this information can be found for free online. I didn't feel it added much value..."

"Not worth the money, as much of the content is readily available for free."

True novices may need more context for certain programming concepts.

"I found some parts confusing without prior context, especially if you're not familiar with programming concepts."

"The pace was sometimes too fast. It needs more foundational explanation for true novices."

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 Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell with these activities:

Repetitive Command Execution

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Enhance your proficiency in Bash and Z Shell by repeatedly executing various commands.

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Create a list of commonly used Bash and Z Shell commands.
Practice executing these commands regularly to improve muscle memory and recall.
Use online resources or flashcards to test your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

Interactive exercises

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Practice the concepts learned in the course through interactive exercises to reinforce understanding and solidify skills.

Browse courses on Bash

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Access the course platform and locate the exercises section.
Choose an exercise that aligns with the topic you wish to practice.
Follow the instructions provided and complete the exercise.
Review your results and identify areas for improvement.

Explore additional resources

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Seek out tutorials and documentation to supplement the course material and expand your knowledge further.

Browse courses on Bash

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Search for reputable sources of information on the course topics.
Review the tutorials and documentation to identify relevant content.
Follow the instructions or guidance provided in the resources.
Take notes or summarize the key points for future reference.

Three other activities

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Participate in online challenges

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Engage in online challenges and competitions to test your skills, gain practical experience, and potentially earn recognition.

Browse courses on Bash

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Identify and register for relevant online challenges or competitions.
Familiarize yourself with the rules and requirements of the challenge.
Allocate sufficient time to prepare and practice.
Participate in the challenge and demonstrate your skills.
Evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement.

Create a course summary

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Summarize the key concepts and skills covered in the course to enhance retention and understanding.

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Review the course materials, including lectures, notes, and assignments.
Identify the main topics and subtopics discussed in each section.
Condense and synthesize the information into a concise summary.
Organize the summary logically, using headings and subheadings.
Review and refine the summary for clarity and accuracy.

Build a personal project

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Create a personal project that applies the skills and knowledge acquired in the course to solidify learning and build a portfolio.

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Identify a project idea that aligns with your interests and the course material.
Plan the project, including defining the scope, milestones, and timeline.
Develop and implement the project, utilizing the skills learned in the course.
Test and refine the project to ensure functionality and quality.
Document the project, including a description, code snippets, and potential improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user guides, technical manuals, and white papers. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course can help one to build expertise in command line tools, which is relevant to this role.

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Software Architect

Software Architects design, develop, and maintain software systems. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals, which is essential for success in this role.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, develop, and manage cloud computing systems. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals, which is essential for success in this role.

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Enterprise Architect

Enterprise Architects design, develop, and manage enterprise-wide IT systems. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals, which is essential for success in this role.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their coding and programming skills, and their knowledge of statistics and machine learning to analyze data and develop predictive models. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers use their coding and programming skills, and their knowledge of statistics and machine learning to develop and implement machine learning models. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers use their coding and programming skills, and their knowledge of artificial intelligence to develop and implement artificial intelligence systems. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators maintain and manage computer networks. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals, which is essential for success in this role.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers combine software development (Dev) and information technology operations (Ops) to improve the speed and quality of software development and delivery. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals, which is essential for success in this role.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and manage computer systems and networks. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals, which is essential for success in this role.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator plans, implements, and maintains databases, using their coding and programming skills as well as their knowledge of database software. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts use their coding and programming skills, and their knowledge of computer hardware and software to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts use their coding and programming skills, their knowledge of computer hardware and software, and their understanding of business needs to analyze problems and develop solutions that use information technology. The Getting Started with Bash and Z Shell course may be useful because it can help one to build a foundation in programming fundamentals.

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