Bash Scripting and System Configuration from Coursera

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).

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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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