BASH Scripting for idiots

Does such a thing exist? Skill wise currently I have written a basic script that sets up two variables and runs basic commands, i.e yum update and does alot of basic echo stuff i.e we are now going to update the system. I want to take it to the next level and learn about functions, loops etc.

I have read the Sorbell Book which covers some of scripting, But it's pretty high level stuff and goes over my head, are there any basic tutorials that have a structured approach i.e create this first script and the next script we take it further and do this.

How did you guys become scripting gods? i'm feeling pretty disheartened at the moment because everything I have read starts off ok then just gets to a level where it's like wtf? lol

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Comments

UnixGuy

@ptilsen: O Reilly's bash book explains everything in details and doesn't assume any background, and this is an excellent that I have used as well: Linux Shell Scripting with Bash: Ken O. Burtch: 9780672326424: Amazon.com: Books

If by programming concepts you mean loops/functions/variables/regex, then yes those books explain that very well, and that's what's needed as far as shell scripting is concerned.

I agree with you with regards to having an incomplete picture. I think the next logical step after Bash is to pick a higher level programming language like Perl or Python or Ruby for example.

datgirl

powmia wrote: »

Which Sobell book? I would recommend, "A practical guide to Linux: commands editors and shell programming"... but that might be the Sobell book you're referring to.

I have read Sobells' "A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming (2nd Edition)" cover to cover to cover. I enjoyed it so much that I may read his "A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming (3rd Edition)". Another nix book that I truly enjoyed was the oldie but goodie, UNIX: The Complete Reference, Second Edition (Complete Reference Series). Both were serious reading, but I learned a tremendous amount from them.