Shell Scripting best practices

shell_scripting_best_practices.md

Ensure a consistent execution environment

1. Always start the script with a shebang line

   #!/bin/bash
   

2. Always run the script directly

   chmod +x path/to/script.sh
   path/to/script.sh
   

Error out early

# causes script to exit with error code of any failed command, even in a pipeline
set -e

doesnotexist | grep foo
=> [1] line 5: doesnotexist: command not found

Debugging tips

# echo every line before execution
set -x

CRON

cron jobs should ...