Advanced Bash Scripting Guide Cooper M 2009

(Updated 30 September 2009)

Available: http://tldp.org/LDP/abs/html/index.html

Mendel Cooper created an Advanced Scripting guide. It focuses solely on the Bash Shell, although the website begins with beginner commands, it progresses rapidly to cover intermediate and advanced commands. It begins with an introduction of Bash shell programming, then goes on to explore the basics of Bash. It then explores ‘Beyond the basics’, and goes on to Commands. The last section is advanced topics. The website also includes Endnotes (information about the Author, Credits, what was used to produce the website etc.), a bibliography, examples of scripts, reference cards, a revision section, a list of tables and a list of examples. The website is a comprehensive guide to Bash Scripting.

The layout is simple. The subheadings are bolded, and list of contents underneath are listed and all are linked to separate pages. The background is a plain white and the links are in blue – the simple and default style is easy to read and clear, although perhaps it is slightly too simple. Examples on the pages are in their own box and the text is a different colour. Each page clearly navigates to the next page, previous page, and the home page. This method of navigation can be slightly confusing and non-practical as it doesn’t allow for the user to access any page at any given time. Instead, it follows logically on from one chapter to another.

The use of examples makes this resource easy to learn from. Cooper starts from the very basics; however he quickly progresses to a more advanced level. Although this is suitable for advanced users, it may not be slightly off putting for the beginners. The majority of the website is focused on advanced commands, therefore leaving the beginner slightly lost. The basics are covered in detail, and examples are given, however it moves on quickly without giving the user a chance to understand and comprehend the beginner basics.

Overall, this website does cover commands right from the beginning to the advanced. It has extras, such as revision notes, references, and examples. The website is ideal for the advanced user who is looking to revise and revisit any commands they may have forgotten or simply to refresh their selves. It is also useful for users which some knowledge of Bash scripting and is looking to gain a more advanced insight. However, it is not as useful for the beginners, as they need something slightly slower-paced and more in detail.

Summary :

Pro
  Easy to understand
Clear and concise language
Use of examples
   Basic coding/scripting covered
Advanced coding/scripting covered
Scripting examples
  References for users