Bash Scripting

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

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.

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

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.

Step 3: Make the Script Executable

Before running your script:

bashchmod u+x hello.sh

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!

Step 5 (Optional): Run Script from Anywhere

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

  1. Find your scripts folder path:
bashpwd
  1. Add it to $PATH:
bashexport PATH=$PATH:/home/user/scripts

Now you can run:

bashhello.sh

from anywhere.


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.

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

0xSnow

0xSnow is a cybersecurity researcher with a focus on both offensive and defensive security. Working with ethical hacking, threat detection, Linux tools, and adversary simulation, 0xSnow explores vulnerabilities, attack chains, and mitigation strategies. Passionate about OSINT, malware analysis, and red/blue team tactics, 0xSnow shares detailed research, technical walkthroughs, and security tool insights to support the infosec community.

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