Learning Linux Shell Scripting - Second Edition

When not to use scripts

Shell scripts have certain advantages over compiler-based programs, such as C or C++ language. However, shell scripting has certain limitations as well.

The following are the advantages:

• Scripts are easy to write
• Scripts are quick to start and easy for debugging
• They save time in development
• Tasks of administration are automated
• No additional setup or tools are required for developing or testing shell scripts

The following are the limitations of shell scripts:

• Every line in shell script creates a new process in the operating system. When we execute the compiled program, such as a C program, it runs as a single process for the complete program.
• Since every command creates a new process, shell scripts are slow compared ...