When it comes to coding, you can never be too skilled, so why not add Bash to your repertoire?
From Perl and Ruby, to Java and Python, there are too many worthwhile coding languages to list, but each comes with its own pros and cons. Bash, as a powerful command interpreter, enables users to execute commands, navigate file systems and run scripts that automate mundane or repetitive tasks.
Used primarily on Linux and MacOS devices, it is a diverse language that gives its users a wide range of flexibility and the power to maximise low or crucial computing resources. So, if you are a busy professional, how can you maximise your own resources but still beef up on those Bash skills?
Does it meet your needs?
Before you adopt a new language, it is important that first you make note of its various attributes, the good and the bad, so you know that it can meet your personal and professional criteria. Bash, for example, while it can be used on other systems, is a default for Linux and may run smoother on that platform, as it is better supported.
Additionally, while it is a high-functioning programme that can handle complex tasks, it may also be more difficult to pick up and master. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t suited to you, just that you might have to give yourself a little more slack as you work to perfect it.
It can help to write out what you are looking for and what you can give in terms of personal resources. If you find that you don’t have the time, or that its pros are not outweighing the cons, perhaps consider a different language or put Bash on the backburner for now.
Command the language
To get started, make sure you have a decent understanding of the Linux command line and Bash syntax. This is essentially where you learn the basic commands that will help you navigate the interface, where lines of text can be processed as instructions.
Online resources that offer an index of the most popular commands can be incredibly useful. Additionally, organisations such as Coursera, Udemy and Codecademy, among others, offer free and paid courses on a wide range of related topics.
Know your concepts
Anyone interested in learning Bash should be aware of a number of key concepts integral to the language. Commands, as mentioned above, is one such concept. In addition to that there is the idea of arguments which governs additional information that is given to a command in order to change its behaviour.
Functions are also important, as they are used to group together commands with the intention of performing a specific task. For increasingly complex workflows, a concept such as pipes enables users to chain commands together.
For those looking to save time, redirection does what it says on the tin and reorients the result of a command, to be redirected and used again, for a separate file or as part of a different prompt.
There are a number of core concepts professionals looking to brush up on Bash need to know, for example variables, if-else-if statements and loop, so make sure that you have the foundational knowledge needed to really have an impact when you start your further learning journey.
Gradual learning
As with a spoken language, learning how to code using Bash is going to take time and should be viewed as a form of continuous learning, rather than an instant skill you can pick up at will. A great way to start off small with the intention of moving on to bigger and better, is individual and group projects.
Over time you will notice your skills improving and you will become far more confident about your abilities. This is the time to start engaging with like-minded peers, so you have an outlet to not only share your new interest, but to benefit from the knowledge and experience of others, in a fun and social setting.
You should also make sure that you don’t become too complacent. Always challenge yourself to tackle difficult topics, as if you don’t your growth will stall. When you have the basics down pat, it might be time to consider an advanced online course, networking opportunities, micro-credentials or even a third-level degree.
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