Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting Bible, 4th Edition

CHAPTER 24Writing Simple Script Utilities

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Automating archives
• Scripting Account Removal
• Auditing your system

Shell scripts are all about automating tasks, making your life easier, and letting the system handle the boring jobs.

We've included several sample useful scripts throughout the book, and this chapter adds some additional ones. Learning how to write Bash script utilities will pay you back many times over. And the beauty of shell scripts is that they are easily customized for your particular needs — especially now that you are almost a Bash script-writing guru!

Performing Backups

Whether you're responsible for a Linux system in a large corporate environment or a small mom-and-pop shop, or you're just using it at home, the loss of data can be catastrophic. To help prevent bad things from happening, it's always a good idea to perform regular backups (also called archives).

However, what's a good idea and what's practical are often two separate things. Trying to arrange a backup schedule to store important project files can be a challenge. This is another place where shell scripts often come to the rescue.

NOTE

There are several fancy GUI and/or web-based programs you can use to conduct and manage backups, such as Amanda, Bacula, and Duplicity. However, at their core are Bash shell commands. If don't want or need anything that flashy, or you'd like to understand the engine within these programs, this chapter section is for you.

If you desire ...