Modifying simple commands to create a script

Shell Programming and Scripting
1

Can anyone direct me to a resource that explains scripting in simple terms?
I have visited many sites and browsed this forum and have yet to find simple explanations.

2

  1. Start with "#!/bin/sh" or whatever shell you want to use.

  2. Put whatever commands you want in the script. Which are the same as what you can type at the command line.

  3. make it executable with chmod +x

  4. "man sh" is the ultimate resource

Which is rather like saying to play the flute you blow at one end and move your fingers over the holes.

#!/bin/sh
# that comment is picked up by exec() and causes this script to be run by /bin/sh

echo this is a script

for d in a b c
do
     echo $d
done
3

I understand a bit more about this after reading your post.

Do you know of any resources that give step by step explanations using visuals?

4

Some links ...
Shell Scripting Tutorial (Beginner-Intermediate)
Bourne Shell Programming
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
BASH Programming - Introduction HOW-TO

Jean-Pierre.

5

These links look good.
If I have any further questions can I refer them to you?

6

Okay, so I have a small script ( my first ) and want to know what the proper formatting is ? Should the .txt file be saved in the bin folder?
How does it become an executable?

7

it is traditionally either

(a) a file with no extension, eg "foo"

(b) a file with .sh as the extension, such as "foo.sh"

(c) a file with the type of shell as the extension, eg "foo.ksh"

It can live anywhere or on the PATH. You can say ./foo.sh or myfoo/foo.sh etc.

To make it executeable use "chmod +x foo.sh" to change the executable rights.

8

on cygwin; trying to create a script for a red hat linux environment.
can I type the script in notepad ?

9

I suggest you get a working knowledge of "vi". It will save you in the long run.