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Shell Scripting for Beginners

BeginnerGuided Project

Developers use Linux shell scripting to automate tasks, customize their environment, and increase their efficiency and productivity. Enroll in this guided project to learn the basics of running Linux shell scripts.

4.5 (664 Reviews)

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Linux

Enrollment Count

  • 1.94K

Skills You Will Learn

  • Linux

Offered By

  • IBMSkillsNetwork

Estimated Effort

  • 30 minutes

Platform

  • SkillsNetwork

Last Update

  • February 24, 2026
About this Guided Project
A shell script is essentially a series of commands written in a text file that the shell interpreter runs to automate tasks and perform system administration functions. You can use shell scripts to automate repetitive tasks, set up environment variables, run backups, and more.

In this guided project, discover how you can create basic shell scripts to run commands.

First, you’ll create a new script file that accepts a username and prints a welcome message. Next, you’ll edit the script and add the code needed to transform the script into a launchable, runnable file. Then, learn how to add permissions to the script and run the file.

After completing this guided project, you’ll be ready to work with your own Linux shell scripts and create more complex files.

A Look at the Project Ahead

After completing this project, you'll be able to:
  • Create and execute a simple bash shell script.
  • Implement the 'shabang' directive in a bash shell script.

What You'll Need

For this project, you will need:
  • Just a web browser!

Everything else is provided to you via the IBM Skills Network Cloud IDE based on Theia, where you will have access to a working lab environment that we offer as part of the IBM Skills Network Lab environment. This platform works best with current versions of modern browsers.