Best resource for learning UNIX shell scripting?

[AStar617]

I'm considering a potential leap from support to administration, and looking to learn shell-level programming. Specifically Bourne on Solaris/SPARC, with BASH on Linux as a secondary familiarity. Any leads to net resources, books, etc. would be appreciated.

 

[drag]

In the 'The Linux documentation project' in my link there are a couple very good guides to the Bash shell. A beginner and then a more advanced guide.

Keep in mind though that bash and sh are not the same things and unless your using GNU Bash on that Solaris box (which is entirely possible) then it's going to be a bit different. But if you keep it in mind then it'll be usefull.

Otherwise google can find you lots of stuff.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Learn Bourne style programming. Bashisms may just limit you and the portability of your scripts.

There are plenty of books out there on this, although I don't have any suggestions at the moment.

 

[AStar617]

Yes, well aware that sh != bash. My preference would be Bourne for portability reasons, but I figure I should be familiar with BASH as well in case I ever run into any Linux boxes in my future fold. I'm hoping to deal primarily with Solaris tho, so conversational familiarity is all I'd need. I'd be seeking actual proficiency in Bourne scripting.

Edited OP to reflect this better.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Bash can do most of what Bourne can do, so Bourne scripts _should_ work under bash (bash's sh compatibility might be required, I guess it depends on the complexity of the script).

 

[AStar617]

I think I'm gonna play with this for a while. I also appreciate that it has a link to Steve Bourne's original tutorial from Bell Labs in '78 or so 🙂