Bash the Terminal: Create Your Own Linux Commands

For many Linux users, the terminal is a gateway to endless possibilities—but it can also be a place where repetitive tasks consume unnecessary time.

Whether it’s cleaning up logs, pulling updates, or running customized workflows, you may find yourself typing the same sequence of commands repeatedly.

Why not streamline these tasks with your own Linux commands?

By using Bash scripting, you can turn a sequence of commands into reusable, shareable tools, saving time and minimizing errors.

While aliases are useful for simple tasks, Bash scripts excel at handling more complex workflows.

Let’s dive into how you can elevate your Linux experience by creating custom commands.

Why Bash Scripting?

Bash scripting allows you to bundle multiple commands into a single script file, effectively creating your own mini-programs. These scripts can:

• Simplify repetitive tasks.
• Provide a persistent record of your workflows.
• Allow you to share functionality with colleagues or friends.

For example, imagine you frequently update your system with a series of commands.

Instead of typing them out each time, you could create a custom command, such as updateAll, to execute everything in one go.

Bash the Terminal: Create Your Own Linux Commands

Ready tobecome a Linux master by creating your own Linux commands?

Step 1: Create Your Scripts Directory

To keep your scripts organized, start by creating a dedicated directory:

mkdir ~/scripts  

This directory will house all your custom scripts.

Step 2: Write a Basic Script

Create a new script using a text editor like nano:

nano ~/scripts/updateAll  

Here’s a simple script to update your system:

#!/bin/bash  

echo "Updating your system..."
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y && sudo apt autoremove -y
echo "System update complete!"

This script uses:

• Shebang (#!/bin/bash): Specifies that the script should be executed with Bash.
• echo statements: Provide user-friendly messages during execution.
• System update commands: Run updates automatically.

Step 3: Make the Script Executable

After saving the file, make it executable:

chmod +x ~/scripts/updateAll  

Step 4: Add Your Scripts Directory to the PATH

To run your script from anywhere, add the scripts directory to your PATH. Open your .bashrc file:

nano ~/.bashrc  

Add the following line:

export PATH=$HOME/scripts:$PATH

Save and reload the configuration:

source ~/.bashrc  

Now, you can run your script from anywhere by simply typing updateAll.

Step 5 (Optional): Add Interactivity

To make your script more user-friendly, add a confirmation prompt. Update the script as follows:

#!/bin/bash
read -p "Are you sure you want to update your system? (y/n): " choice
if [[ $choice == "y" || $choice == "Y" ]]; then
    echo "Updating your system..."
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y && sudo apt autoremove -y
    echo "System update complete!"
else
    echo "Update canceled."
fi

This version prompts the user to confirm before proceeding, adding an extra layer of control.

If you're excited about boosting your Linux skills even further, check out the rest of our Linux Mastery articles tutorials, including:

- 10 Crucial Linux Commands for Troubleshooting

- The 10 Most Dangerous Linux Commands

Wrapping Up

With Bash scripting, you’re not just creating shortcuts — you’re building tools.

Scripts like these can transform your workflows, making tasks faster and more intuitive. Better yet, they’re portable and sharable. Take your script to another system, or share it with others to spread the efficiency.

Whether you’re an administrator streamlining processes or a hobbyist exploring Linux, Bash scripting is an essential skill. Start small, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

So, what’s your first script going to be?