Linux Shell Scripting Cookbook - Third Edition

Automating interactive input

We looked at commands that accept arguments on the command line. Linux also supports many interactive applications ranging from passwd to ssh.

We can create our own interactive shell scripts. It's easier for casual users to interact with a set of prompts rather than remember command line flags and the proper order. For instance, a script to back up a user's work, but not to back up and lock files, might look like this:

$ backupWork.sh

• What folder should be backed up? notes
• What type of files should be backed up? .docx

Automating interactive applications can save you time when you need to rerun the same application and frustration while you're developing one.