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Bash Scripting and System Configuration

Code and run your first Bash script in minutes without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners with no scripting experience. Learners will gain hands-on practice on an Ubuntu system that can be easily transferred to other Unix-based operating systems. The modules in this course cover scripting basics (e.g. control structures), advanced scripting (e.g. regular expressions), git version control, and system configuration (e.g. installing and updating).

Code and run your first Bash script in minutes without installing anything!

To allow for a truly hands-on, self-paced learning experience, this course is video-free. Assignments contain short explanations with images and runnable script examples with suggested edits to explore script examples further, building a deeper understanding by doing. You'll benefit from instant feedback from a variety of assessment items along the way, gently progressing from quick understanding checks (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and un-scrambling code blocks) to small, approachable exercises that take minutes instead of hours.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Scripting

Learn how to write basic scripts including how to specify files, perform arithmetic, format and output data, and use control structures such as loops and conditionals to repeat commands and make decisions.

Advanced Scripting

Learn how to locate and perform actions on files with globbing, use regular expressions to filter and search within file contents, and schedule scripts.

Version Control and Git

Learn how to use git locally and with a remote Github repository, including common actions (add, commit, branch, merge, push, pull, clone), and how to automate tasks with Github Actions.

Installation and Updates

Learn how to use package management systems to install and update packages, and manage configuration files and kernel options.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops essential foundational skills in Bash scripting laying the groundwork for further development in the field

Ideal for learners new to scripting with a preference for a self-paced, hands-on learning environment

Provides a great starting point for learners interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of Unix-based operating systems

Covers various aspects of Bash scripting, including advanced concepts such as regular expressions and git version control

Uses runnable examples and suggested edits to delve deeper into script examples, encouraging active learning and experimentation

Assessment format consists of quick comprehension checks, exercises, and instant feedback, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning experience

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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 Bash Scripting and System Configuration with these activities:

Brush Up on Basic Programming Concepts

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Refreshing basic programming concepts will enhance your understanding of Bash scripting's core principles.

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Revisit tutorials or books that cover basic programming concepts.
Try out simple programming exercises to reinforce your understanding.

Review Command-Line Basics

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Reviewing command-line basics will build a solid foundation for Bash scripting.

Browse courses on Linux

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Go through tutorials or documentation that covers command-line basics.
Practice using basic commands in a terminal window.

Follow Along with Bash Scripting Tutorials

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These tutorials can provide a structured way to reinforce the concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Bash Scripting

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Search for Bash scripting tutorials that cover the topics you want to learn.
Follow the steps and examples in the tutorials.

Four other activities

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Attend a Bash Scripting Workshop

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Attending a workshop can provide hands-on experience and expert guidance.

Browse courses on Bash Scripting

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Search for upcoming Bash scripting workshops in your area or online.
Enroll in a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.

Practice with Bash Scripting Exercises

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Completing exercises will provide hands-on practice and help solidify your understanding.

Browse courses on Bash Scripting

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Find online or offline resources that offer Bash scripting exercises.
Solve the exercises to the best of your ability.
Review the solutions and make corrections as needed.

Write a Simple Bash Script

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Creating your own script will allow you to apply your knowledge in a practical way.

Browse courses on Bash Scripting

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Choose a simple task that you want to automate using a Bash script.
Plan the logic and structure of your script.
Write the script using proper syntax and commenting.
Test the script to ensure it works as intended.

Contribute to Bash Scripting Projects

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Contributing to open-source projects allows you to learn from others' scripts and contribute to the community.

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Find open-source Bash scripting projects on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
Make a pull request with your contributions and follow the project's guidelines.

Career center

Learners who complete Bash Scripting and System Configuration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between software development and operations. They use automation and scripting to streamline the software development process and improve collaboration between teams. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration is a great fit for DevOps Engineers, as it teaches skills in scripting, automation, and system configuration, which are essential for DevOps practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

IT Architect

IT Architects design and implement IT solutions. They use scripting and automation to automate IT tasks and improve IT infrastructure. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration is a great fit for IT Architects, as it teaches skills in scripting, automation, and system configuration, which are essential for IT architecture design and implementation.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Architect

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and configure computer systems. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and securely. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration is a great fit for Systems Administrators, as it teaches skills in system configuration and automation, which are essential for managing and maintaining complex systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and maintain cloud computing systems. They use scripting and automation to provision and manage cloud resources. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration is a great fit for Cloud Engineers, as it teaches skills in scripting, automation, and system configuration, which are essential for cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

IT Security Analyst

IT Security Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate security risks. They use scripting and automation to automate security tasks and improve security posture. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration is a great fit for IT Security Analysts, as it teaches skills in scripting, automation, and system configuration, which are essential for security analysis and response.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure it meets quality standards. They use scripting and automation to automate testing tasks and improve testing efficiency. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration is a great fit for Software Quality Assurance Analysts, as it teaches skills in scripting and automation, which are essential for software testing and quality assurance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks. They use scripting and automation to automate network tasks and improve network performance. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration is a great fit for Network Engineers, as it teaches skills in scripting, automation, and system configuration, which are essential for network management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use programming languages to create code that meets the needs of users. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration can be useful for Software Developers, as it helps build a foundation in scripting and system configuration, which are essential skills for software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, build, and maintain machine learning models. They use scripting and automation to automate machine learning tasks and improve machine learning model performance. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers, as it teaches skills in scripting and automation, which can help them work more efficiently with machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They use scripting and automation to automate data analysis tasks and improve data analysis efficiency. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration may be useful for Data Scientists, as it teaches skills in scripting and automation, which can help them work more efficiently with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and securely. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration may be useful for Database Administrators, as it teaches skills in scripting and automation, which can help them work more efficiently with databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, execute, and close IT projects. They use scripting and automation to automate project tasks and improve project efficiency. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration may be useful for IT Project Managers, as it teaches skills in scripting and automation, which can help them work more efficiently on IT projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They use scripting and automation to automate business analysis tasks and improve business analysis efficiency. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration may be useful for Business Analysts, as it teaches skills in scripting and automation, which can help them work more efficiently on business analysis projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers plan, develop, and launch products. They use scripting and automation to automate product management tasks and improve product development efficiency. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration may be useful for Product Managers, as it teaches skills in scripting and automation, which can help them work more efficiently on product management projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. They use their findings to inform business decisions and improve operations. This course in Bash Scripting and System Configuration may be useful for Data Analysts, as it teaches skills in data manipulation and automation, which can help them work more efficiently with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Bash Scripting and System Configuration.

Linux Kernel Development

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A comprehensive guide to Linux kernel development. Covers the architecture, design, and implementation of the Linux kernel. Suitable for experienced programmers or those seeking a deep understanding of the Linux kernel.

Bash Scripting and System Configuration

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

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