Learn Bash Scripting: How to Create and Run Shell Scripts for Beginners

What is Bash Scripting?

Bash scripting allows you to save multiple Linux commands in a file and run them all at once.
Instead of manually typing commands repeatedly, you can automate tasks such as:

• Backups
• File management
• System updates
• Data processing

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Why Learn Bash Scripting?

• Automation → Run tasks automatically without manual input.
• Efficiency → Save time by executing multiple commands instantly.
• Customization → Tailor Linux to your workflow.
• Portability → Works across most Linux distributions with minimal changes.

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Step 1: Preparing Your Environment

You will need:

• A Linux terminal (Bash is installed by default on most systems)
• A text editor — e.g., Nano, Vim, or Gedit
• Basic familiarity with the Linux command line

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Step 2: Creating Your First Bash Script

1. Create a Directory (Optional)

bashmkdir scripts
cd scripts

2. Create a Script File

bashnano hello.sh

3. Add the Script Content

bash#!/bin/bash
echo "Hello, World!"

• The #!/bin/bash line is called the shebang — it tells the system to use Bash for the script.

4. Save & Exit

• In Nano, press CTRL + X, then Y, then Enter.

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Step 3: Make the Script Executable

Before running your script:

bashchmod u+x hello.sh

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Step 4: Run Your Script

You can run it in two ways:

Using Bash explicitly:

bashbash hello.sh

Or execute it directly (if executable + shebang present):

bash./hello.sh

Expected output:

textHello, World!

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Step 5 (Optional): Run Script from Anywhere

To run scripts as if they’re built-in commands:

1. Find your scripts folder path:

bashpwd

2. Add it to $PATH:

bashexport PATH=$PATH:/home/user/scripts

Now you can run:

bashhello.sh

from anywhere.

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Essential Bash Concepts You Should Know

• Shebang (#!/bin/bash) → Tells system to use Bash.
• Echo → Print messages.
• Variables → Store and reuse values (NAME="Linux").
• Permissions → Must set execute permission (chmod).
• Script naming → .sh is common but optional.

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Pro Tips for Cleaner Scripts

• Use comments (#) to document your code.
• Organize scripts into dedicated folders.
• Break repetitive sections into functions for reuse.
• Test scripts before scheduling with cron.

👉 Read next: Bash Functions – A Complete Guide for Shell Scripting