Shell scripting skills never go out of style. It's the shell that
unlocks the real potential of Unix. Shell scripting is essential for
Unix users and system administrators-a way to quickly harness and
customize the full power of any Unix system. With shell scripts, you can
combine the fundamental Unix text and file processing commands to crunch
data and automate repetitive tasks. But beneath this simple promise lies
a treacherous ocean of variations in Unix commands and standards.
Classic Shell Scripting is written to help you reliably navigate these
tricky waters.Writing shell scripts requires more than just a knowledge
of the shell language, it also requires familiarity with the individual
Unix programs: why each one is there, how to use them by themselves, and
in combination with the other programs. The authors are intimately
familiar with the tips and tricks that can be used to create excellent
scripts, as well as the traps that can make your best effort a bad shell
script. With Classic Shell Scripting you'll avoid hours of wasted
effort. You'll learn not only write useful shell scripts, but how to do
it properly and portably.The ability to program and customize the shell
quickly, reliably, and portably to get the best out of any individual
system is an important skill for anyone operating and maintaining Unix
or Linux systems. Classic Shell Scripting gives you everything you
need to master these essential skills.
