Programming with the UNIX system shell

Programming with the UNIX system shell

This topic shows you how the UNIX system shell can help you do routine tasks. For example, it tells you how to use the shell to manage your files, to manipulate file contents, and to group commands together in programs.

The topic is organized in two major sections:

``Shell command language'' describes the use of the shell as a command interpreter. It tells you how to use shell commands and characters with special meanings to manage files, redirect standard input and output, and execute and terminate processes.
``Shell programming'', details the use of the shell as a programming language. It tells you how to create, execute, and debug programs made up of commands, variables, and programming constructs such as loops and case statements. Finally, it tells you how to modify your login environment.

To get the most benefit from this tutorial you should log into your UNIX system and recreate the examples as you read the text.

Exercises are provided for the Shell Command Language and Shell Programming. Answers are listed at the end of each section.

NOTE: Your UNIX system might not have all the commands referenced in this section. If you cannot access a command, check with your system administrator to find out whether it is available.