My experience with Shell Scripting as a beginner.

It has always been my desire to learn programming and giving that a chance two weeks ago has been challenging but, a good shot. After learning about the computer language from the basics, we dived into the world of operating systems. In operating system, I have been able to learn a whole new way of interacting with the computer. Through user interaction, I have come across Graphic User Interface and Command Line Interface.

As someone who has used windows operating system for sixteen years, it was a tough start trying to navigate the computer. It is a whole is new world, when you are used to clicking the mouse and then you have to step that up with inputting commands that do same thing as you would have clicked.

When we first touched the command line interface, the first day was tough but I found myself going home with at least, three commands. “pwd” which is a command used by a user to print their current working directory, “ls”, a command used to list items and the “clear” command which clears up the terminal. As I progressed daily, it has become more enjoyable to use the command line interface, and for sure, one needs to appreciate the teaching method used at Blockfuse labs. They are specific, teach with precision and ensure proper understanding and use of concepts.

There is no way you are not active in learning at Blockfuse labs as everything is deployed to engage everyone, whether you are home or in class. That was by the way. After a week plus and I can now confidently navigate through my terminal, create new files, make directories, echo notes and whatever that I want to do and the interesting thing about command line interface is the ability for it to allow you run multiple tasks with just a command. For example, I can make up to a hundred directories at a go, and create over a hundred files with just a command. As long as the command is correct, it executes like a blink of an eye.

Let’s say I type the command “mkdir” in a terminal, I can add over a hundred different directory names that I want after the command and it will create then at ago. Also, I can give permissions to files with the command “chmod u+o filename” command. With grep, it is easier to locate files with keywords, for example, you can use the command “grep “hello” filename” to locate a file with such variable. It is just that easy with the command line interface. Oh yes! Before I forget, you can also use the command “touch filename” to create as much files as possible. It is also important to include the file extensions while creating them. Extensions like .docx, txt, .sh, .js, .html and as much as you can recall.

I have also dived into the world of shell scripting. At first it looks tough but with several trials, you get to see how fascinating it is and then you feel motivated to get it more than you already have done. As I uncover more in my learning journey, I will do more to share with you how my software engineering journey is moving and how everyone with a functioning and willing motive can get through the process of learning.

See you in my next article, I wish you a great week ahead.