Linux Bash Shell Programming

Build powerful Bash scripts to streamline systems operations

Gain the practical skills to write, enhance and manage shell scripts using Bash. Over five days, you'll work through scripting fundamentals, advanced techniques, and essential Linux utilities to automate processes, solve technical challenges, and improve productivity across systems and teams. 

Learning objectives
  • Write and run Bash shell scripts 
  • Use variables and command substitution 
  • Apply control flow and loops 
  • Build menu-driven scripts 
  • Manage files and backups 
  • Schedule automated tasks 
  • Use grep, sed and AWK effectively 
  • Manipulate and format text 

What you’ll learn

Explore essential Linux scripting methods through real-world examples and practical exercises. You’ll advance from writing basic scripts to implementing complex, automated routines that enhance performance, reduce errors, and improve consistency in your Linux environments, making your workflows more efficient, scalable and manageable in the long term. 

Writing Bash scripts

Begin with the fundamentals of Bash scripting by exploring how scripts are created, stored and executed in a Linux environment. You’ll get hands-on with the core structure and syntax, understand how scripts interact with the shell, and follow practical examples which highlight how this knowledge can be applied in real workplace environments. Along the way, you’ll pick up scripting best practices that help you write clear, reliable and reusable code. 

Control structures and loops

Gain confidence in building scripts that make decisions and repeat actions based on input or conditions. You’ll explore how to apply conditional logic and loop structures to control the flow of your scripts, allowing them to respond intelligently to different scenarios and carry out tasks repeatedly and reliably. This approach is key to developing flexible, dynamic scripts that save time and reduce errors in everyday Linux operations.  

Variables and user input

Learn how to use variables to store and manage data within your scripts, making them more flexible and powerful. You’ll work with both predefined and custom variables, understand how to capture input from users, and pass data into scripts through the command line. These skills allow you to write scripts that respond to real-time input and adapt their behaviour dynamically, essential for automating tasks across varied environments.  

File handling and automation

Discover how to use Bash scripts to handle files confidently and automate common administrative processes. You’ll learn how to back up and restore data, compress files to save space, and compare or split files to streamline analysis. The course also covers scheduling tasks to run automatically using tools like cron and at, helping you reduce manual work and maintain consistency across routine operations.  

What’s included
  • 5 days of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom 
  • Interactive hands-on live labs 
  • All relevant course materials 

Key facts

Ideal for

IT professionals and developers who need to automate tasks and manage systems through scripting. 

Prerequisites

Familiarity with the Linux command line is essential. Some programming experience is helpful. 

Learning experience

Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one. 

FAQs

This course covers Bash scripting fundamentals alongside advanced automation techniques. You'll learn to build reliable scripts, manipulate text and files, automate routine tasks, and streamline workflows across a Linux environment with confidence and clarity. 

What experience do I need to take this course?

You should be comfortable using the Linux command line. Prior scripting or programming experience is useful but not essential. 

What will I be able to do after completing the course?

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to write and run your own Bash scripts that automate repetitive tasks, handle user input, process text, and manage files across Linux systems. You’ll have the confidence to build dynamic, reliable scripts that improve efficiency in real-world scenarios, whether for personal development or professional use.  

What is Bash shell scripting used for in Linux?

Bash scripting allows you to automate command line tasks, manage files, process data, and control program flow without manual intervention. This course gives you practical experience in all these areas, helping you understand how scripts work and how to use them effectively in day-to-day Linux operations.  

How are errors and debugging handled in Bash scripting?

In Bash scripting, errors are typically handled by checking exit statuses, using conditional logic to respond to failures, and trapping signals like user interrupts. Debugging can be done using tools such as set -x to trace script execution, and echo statements to monitor variable values and flow.  

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