[SOLVED] Do you think it’s worth it to learn bash scripting in 2015?

Nexusfactor · 01-23-2015, 10:52 AM

I really am interested in getting a Linux job, so I started learning bash scripting on my own, but, I did a search recently, and found that a lot of people recommended using Perl or Python, because it’s more powerful. I don’t mind learning those two languages, but concepts such as multi-threading seem difficult, and it will take time for me to understand it.

As of right now, should I stop learning bash and start learning Python or Perl? Would an employer look highly on someone who has knowledge in shell scripting?

TobiSGD · 01-23-2015, 11:04 AM

Learn Bash. It simply is the standard in scripting on Linux for administrative tasks and you will need it. While it is true that you can write scripts for those tasks in Perl or Python, those languages are usually used for more complex tasks, especially when it comes to string handling. You will likely never need multi-threading in scripts doing administrative tasks, so forget about that now.

In short: Learn Bash first, if you are proficient with that think about learning one of the other languages.

Nexusfactor · 01-23-2015, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TobiSGD

Learn Bash. It simply is the standard in scripting on Linux for administrative tasks and you will need it.

That's what I wanted to here. I was getting discouraged, and the idea that I might have to switch seemed daunting.

Thanks.

DavidMcCann · 01-23-2015, 11:46 AM

I'd add further encouragement. Bash, like vi, is always there. You cannot guarantee that, in an emergency, you will actually have Perl or Python.

Nexusfactor · 01-23-2015, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMcCann

I'd add further encouragement. Bash, like vi, is always there. You cannot guarantee that, in an emergency, you will actually have Perl or Python.

Never thought of that! Very true.

jlinkels · 01-23-2015, 12:50 PM

Since Bash essentially executes cli commands in sequence, it is very well suited for repetitive system tasks. Any system administrator should master that.
System tasks can be done in Perl or Python but in a less direct way. That is not to say Bash is a better language for everything which is usually coded in Perl or Python.

jlinkels

Bret W · 01-24-2015, 04:09 PM

I would learn a little from each: bash, python, perl, etc...the more knowledge you have, the better.

I'm not in IT, but bash, sed, awk, and other gnu utilities is enough for me to get the job done.

To really learn, mimic what you can do in bash and research on how to do it in python and/or in perl. For example, if you know how to do a for loop in bash, research on doing loops in python.

Good luck on your linux job search

Habitual · 01-24-2015, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexusfactor

should I stop learning bash and start learning Python or Perl? Would an employer look highly on someone who has knowledge in shell scripting?

No, stay with Bash and learn perl/python. and Yes.

dijetlo · 01-24-2015, 05:17 PM

I'll chime in in support of bash on this one as well.
The other thing I'd suggest is most large shops I'm aware of use RHEL, so combining bash knowledge with famililariety with the RHEL or RHEL derived interface would probably make you stand out in any "entry level admin" cattle call.