Bash Scripting for Beginners: Complete Guide to Getting Started - Hello World (Part 2)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a simple "Hello World" script using Bash scripting. This foundational skill is essential for anyone looking to delve into programming or scripting, especially in a Linux environment. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to write and execute your own Bash scripts.

Step 1: Understanding the Shell

• A shell is a command-line interface that allows users to interact with the operating system.
• In Linux, the most commonly used shell is Bash (Bourne Again SHell).
• Familiarize yourself with basic shell commands, as they will be the foundation for your scripts.

Step 2: Creating Your First Bash Script

• Open your terminal.
• Use a text editor to create a new file. You can use editors like nano, vi, or gedit. For example, to use nano, run:

  nano hello_world.sh
  

• In the text editor, type the following code:

  #!/bin/bash
  echo "Hello, World!"
  

• The #!/bin/bash line is called a shebang and tells the system to use Bash to execute the script.

Step 3: Making the Script Executable

• Save and exit the text editor (in nano, press CTRL+X, then Y, and Enter).
• Now, you need to make your script executable with the chmod command:

  chmod +x hello_world.sh
  

Step 4: Running Your Bash Script

• To execute your script, type the following command in the terminal:

  ./hello_world.sh
  

• You should see the output:

  Hello, World!
  

Step 5: Writing Proper Bash Scripts

• Use comments to explain your code. Comments start with # and are ignored by the interpreter.
• Keep your code organized by using clear variable names and structure your scripts logically.
• Test your script after making changes to ensure everything works as expected.

Practical Tips

• Always check permissions if your script does not run as expected.
• Use echo statements for debugging to understand the flow of your script.
• Practice writing more complex scripts as you become comfortable with the basics.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve learned how to create and run a simple Bash script that outputs "Hello, World!". This foundational skill is the first step in mastering Bash scripting. As you progress, explore more complex scripts and concepts such as variables, loops, and conditionals. Happy scripting!