Unix knowledge / Shell scripting

UNIX for Beginners Q & A UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers
1

I'm looking to buy some books to help me learn more about Unix and shell scripting?

I have been looking at books i.e. Classic Shell Scripting,Unix power tools

Just don't know which is the best outthere for me i know the basics but don't want to buy books that will be no good

I currently am trying to learn to write scripts and build systems for customers

I have one book at the moment Unix in a nutshell.

Any help would be appreciated :slight_smile:

2

First off, take a look at our FAQ section for a discussion of books
I'm new to Unix. Which books should I read? - The UNIX and Linux Forums

Then, scan through some books at your local bookstore. Find one that matches your style of learning. For instance, do you just need a short handbook that contains commands and syntax, do you need a book to teach you how to solve problems (teach you computer logic), or do you need a book that mixes commands with examples.
In addition, I would invest in a SED/AWK book. That will round out you unix capabilites as those two can solve many problems for you.

On my shelf:
Unix Shell Programming, 3rd edition, by Stephen Kochan and Patrick Wood (publisher SAMS)
sed & awk, 2nd edition, by Dale Dougherty and Arnold Robbins (publisher O'Reilly)
vi Editor pocket reference, by Arnold Robbins (publisher O'Reilly)
Perl pocket reference, by Johan Vromans (publisher O'Reilly)

3

Thanks for replying joeyg

I need books that are simple to understand and show you why it does what it does (so the computer logic is best)

The more competent I become then maybe a short handbook will be useful. The unix in a nutshell i have kind of does this.

My problem is I need to see examples of various commands that also explains what it does in english. I seem to find alot of stuff that is not very clear when it comes to explaining itself and makes me more confused.

I will purchase a sed/awk book (I'm assuming it will cover nawk?? as we use this alot)

Is this one good?
sed & awk | O'Reilly Media

4

The best way is not reading what others say but you experimenting and making your own conclusions...Then asking here things you test that arent clear, and we will be glad to share our point of vue...
Nothing can replace experience my friend!

5

I would recommend the:
UNIX SHELLS by example
by Ellie Quigley

It covers Korn, Bourne and C shels, Awk, Sed and Grep

I use it for about 5 years already and much appreciate it for very clear, pretty deep and still short presenting of material, easy to find through examples and pretty advance material.
It is combines benefits of a refference book with study book.

Recomend!