Title: Introduction to Scripts
Course: CIS 121: Linux/UNIX I: Fundamentals ~ For IGNITE Review > Section: Learning Modules

UNIX/Linux scripting helps with automating and streamlining tasks.

Scripts are a set of one or more commands that are placed into a file which is then made executable. Scripts can be a single command, a set of simple commands, or very complex command sequences involving loops and conditional statements.

Scripts provide increased reliability because they can be thoroughly tested and scheduled to be run regularly.

- They provide time savings by automating routine tasks.
- They provide increased security by regularly checking the system's integrity.
- They reduce boredom by automating routine tasks.
- Creating them can be interesting, fun and satisfying.

BUT - watch out for system changes (need to update scripts) and hidden errors. Maintaining "corporate memory" can be a challenge.

Sample Shell Script