Summary

Constructing your own commands with scripts and shell programs is a powerful and flexible tool to assist you in system administration. First you need to select the shell that is the most comfortable for you to use. Choose from the Bourne shell, bash, C shell, T shell, or the Korn shell. An important note, however, is that most system administrators choose the Bourne shell because of its wide use and availability.

Shell variables were described in this chapter. As a system administrator, you’ll be setting and using variables regularly. Most of your Solaris and third-party programs will rely on these variables. If they are set incorrectly, programs will go awry and the system might not function properly.

Finally, shell built-ins and conditionals were described. You’ll use these built-ins in your scripts to set variables, obtain input, and perform repetitive tasks and other operations necessary to automate routine tasks.

Using all of these tools, routine tasks can be simplified and automated to free up your time and to enable you to attend to more demanding tasks. Shell programming is a skill that all UNIX system administrators must have, and it is one of the keys to becoming a sophisticated UNIX user.