What are the differences between shell scripting and command line usage?
Understanding the basics of software development often involves getting to grips with the command line, a text-based interface used to execute commands on a computer. For those who are new to this environment, it can be puzzling to distinguish between using the command line for one-off tasks and writing shell scripts, which automate a series of commands. While they share a common language and syntax, their purposes and methods of execution differ significantly. This article aims to clarify these differences, helping you to decide when to use each tool effectively in your software development projects.
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Batch processing:Shell scripting allows for automating repetitive tasks by executing a series of commands in one go. It's like setting up dominoes; you line them up once, knock the first one down, and watch the rest fall without further effort.
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Interactive troubleshooting:Using the command line is ideal for immediate tasks that require on-the-spot alterations. It’s akin to cooking by taste - you add a pinch of this or that until it’s just right, adjusting as you go along.