This is an online version of the Bash Shell Scripting class. It is a series of short videos that can be watched in any order, although we present them in a somewhat logical order.

Questions? Users can email the HPC staff (staff@hpc.nih.gov) to get help, or join us at one of the monthly Walk-In Consults.

While not necessary, to try the video demonstrations, you could benefit from obtaining an HPC account and setting up a terminal-based connection. For information on connecting to Biowulf, see this page.

If you notice fuzzy or unreadable text, particularly during the terminal-based demonstrations, we recommend watching the video off VPN.

What is a shell?

• Shells
     Understanding what a Bash shell is and how it works
      Video (7:59)
• Environment
     Understanding the Bash shell environment
      Video (5:21)

A guide to the essential features of a Bash shell.

• Logging In and Environment Setup
     What happens after you log in
      Video (7:52)
• Shell Options
     Displaying and configuring shell options
      Video (12:00)

A practical guide to using the Bash shell command line.

• Simple Commands
     An introduction to simple, useful commands on the Bash shell
      Video (9:36)
• Brace Expansion
     Taking advantage of brace expansions and sequence expressions
      Video (8:14)
• Arithmetic Expansion
     A brief demonstration of arithmetic expansion
      Video (4:15)
• Command Substitution
     Understanding command substitution
      Video (5:36)
• History Interaction & Expansion
     The history feature of Bash shell and how to use it
      Video (10:57)

Not to be confused with Slurm or batch jobs, Bash jobs string together processes and allow higher order controls over those processes.

• Processes
     An introduction to processes, process state codes, and process trees
      Video (8:09)
• Input/Ouput & Redirection
     Understanding standard input, output, and error, and how redirection works
      Video (13:53)
• Pipes
     Extending redirection to bash pipes, named pipes, and process substitution
      Video (13:38)

Additional topics? Anything insufficiently covered? Please send any comments regarding this online class to staff@hpc.nih.gov