Linux Tools for Software Development from edX

If you are a developer with experience working on any operating system and want to understand the basics of open source development, this course is for you. Experience with the command line is not necessary, but would be helpful.

The course begins by introducing the numerous essential command line tools that are used daily in software development. It then focuses on bash scripting, explaining how to construct scripts and how to do very complicated tasks in an automated way. The course looks at files and filesystems and focuses on compiling programs in Linux, using gcc and other compilers, and using libraries of different types. This course also covers building packages out of software in Linux, and more.

This course helps you familiarize yourself with essential command line tools, so you can work comfortably and productively in Linux environments, and demonstrates that you have mastered important Linux methods and requisite tools.

What you'll learn

Use essential command line tools for every day tasks.
Construct scripts and perform complicated tasks in an automated way.
Discuss how Linux works with various types of filesystems through the use of a virtual filesystem.
Compile programs in Linux using gcc and other compilers.
Use different types of shared and static libraries.
Build packages out of software in Linux in both RPM and Debian systems, to be readily distributed to other developers of Linux distributions.
And more.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

This course makes Linux understandable and actionable

Focuses on Bash Scripting, which is at the core of many Linux environments

Jerry Cooperstein is the course instructor, he is recognized in the industry for his work on Bash Scripting

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 Linux Tools for Software Development with these activities:

Identify a mentor in the field

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Enhance your learning by seeking guidance and support from an experienced mentor in the field.

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Identify potential mentors through online platforms or personal connections.
Reach out to your chosen mentor and express your interest.
Establish clear expectations and goals for the mentorship.

Complete exercises on command line tools

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Reinforce your understanding of essential command line tools by completing practice exercises.

Browse courses on Command Line Tools

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Identify the most commonly used command line tools.
Practice using these tools to perform basic tasks such as navigation, file manipulation, and process management.
Complete online tutorials or exercises to gain additional practice.

Create a simple script using Bash

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Develop your scripting skills by following guided tutorials to create a simple Bash script.

Browse courses on Bash Scripting

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Learn the basics of Bash syntax and commands.
Follow a tutorial to create a script that performs a specific task.
Test and debug your script to ensure it works correctly.

Two other activities

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Compile and run programs in Linux

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Build your confidence in compiling and running programs in Linux by engaging in practice drills.

Browse courses on Program Development

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Set up a development environment in Linux.
Practice compiling and running simple C programs using gcc.
Experiment with different compiler flags and options.

Document your learning journey

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Consolidate your understanding by documenting your learning journey through blog posts, videos, or presentations.

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Choose a topic related to the course.
Research and gather information.
Create your content in a clear and concise manner.
Share your content with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Linux Tools for Software Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software. Taking this course will help you learn the essential command line tools which are used daily in software development. You will develop a critical understanding of how to construct scripts and do very complicated tasks in an automated way. Additionally, you will learn how to compile programs in Linux, understand files and filesystems, and use different types of libraries.

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Linux Administrator

A Linux Administrator installs, configures, and maintains Linux systems. This course will help you understand essential command line tools, so you can work comfortably and productively in Linux environments. You will have hands-on learning with files and filesystems, which is a critical element of this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linux Administrator

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer helps bridge the gap between development and operations teams. The skills learned in this course, such as using command line tools, constructing scripts, and compiling programs will all be essential to the success of a DevOps Engineer.

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Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer designs, develops, and manages cloud computing systems. The command line tools and scripting skills taught in this course will be very useful to a Cloud Engineer and can help you succeed in the role.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer creates and maintains websites. This course will help you develop the skills needed to understand how to use command line tools and construct scripts to help build and manage websites.

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Mobile Developer

A Mobile Developer creates and maintains mobile applications. You will build a solid foundation with the command line tools, constructing scripts, and other essential skills for the role by taking this course.

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Software Architect

A Software Architect designs and oversees the development of software systems. You will build a great foundation for success with the command line tools, constructing scripts, and other essential skills for the role by taking this course.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data. This course will be useful in your role because it teaches you essential command line tools and scripting, which can be helpful in data analysis.

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Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer develops and maintains machine learning models. This course will be useful in your role because it teaches you essential command line tools and scripting, which can be helpful in developing and maintaining machine learning models.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. This course will help you understand essential command line tools and scripting, which can be helpful in managing and maintaining databases.

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Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course will help you understand the essential command line tools, so you can work comfortably and productively in Linux environments.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager plans and manages the development of software products. The skills learned in this course, such as using command line tools, constructing scripts, and understanding files and filesystems, can all be helpful to a Product Manager.

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Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst analyzes, designs, and implements computer systems. This course may be useful to you in your role by teaching you essential command line tools and scripting, which can be useful in analyzing and designing computer systems.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation. This course may be useful to you in your role by teaching you essential command line tools and scripting, which can be useful in creating and maintaining technical documentation.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and develops solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you in your role by teaching you essential command line tools and scripting, which can be useful in analyzing business needs and developing solutions.

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