01.Coding standards.md

Linux Scripting Coding Standards

Coding standards are essential for maintaining consistency, readability, and collaboration in scripting projects.

1. File Naming Conventions:

Choose meaningful and descriptive names for your script files.

• Correct:

  • backup_script.sh
  • log_analysis.py

• Avoid:

  • script1.sh
  • file123.py

2. Shebang Line:

Include a shebang line at the beginning of your script to specify the interpreter.

#!/bin/bash

This line helps the system understand which interpreter to use when executing the script.

3. Comments:

Use comments to explain complex sections, provide context, and document your code.

# This is a comment explaining the purpose of the following code
variable=$(command)

Ensure your comments are concise, relevant, and kept up-to-date with the code.

4. Indentation:

Use consistent indentation for better readability. The most common practice is using four spaces.

if [ condition ]; then
    echo "Indented code block"
fi

Avoid using tabs for indentation to prevent inconsistencies between different editors.

5. Whitespace:

Use whitespace to improve code readability. Add spaces around operators and after commas.

result=$(command -a "$arg1" -b "$arg2")

Consistent use of whitespace enhances code clarity and makes it easier to scan.

6. Naming Conventions:

Follow a consistent naming convention for variables, functions, and other identifiers.

• Variables: Use descriptive names, prefer lowercase with underscores (my_variable).
• Functions: Follow the same guidelines as variables.
• Constants: Use uppercase with underscores (MAX_SIZE).

7. Quotes:

Always quote variables to handle spaces and special characters.

directory="/path with spaces/"
file_count=$(ls "$directory" | wc -l)

Quoting ensures that the script works correctly even if variables contain spaces or special characters.

8. Error Handling:

Include proper error handling to make your scripts robust.

if ! command; then
    echo "Error executing command."
    exit 1
fi

Check return codes and handle errors gracefully to avoid unexpected behavior.

9. Modularity:

Break down your script into functions or separate scripts to promote modularity.

# Function to backup files
backup_files() {
    # Implementation
}

# Call the function
backup_files

Modular code is easier to understand, test, and maintain.

10. Consistent Style:

Adopt a consistent style throughout your script. If collaborating, follow a shared style guide.

• Correct:

  if [ condition ]; then
      echo "Code block"
  fi

• Avoid:

  if [ condition ]
  then echo "Code block"
  fi

Consistency in style makes the codebase more cohesive and readable.

Conclusion:

Adhering to coding standards in Linux scripting ensures that your code is maintainable, readable, and collaborative. Choose a style guide or create one for your projects, and always strive for consistency in your coding practices. This enhances the quality and longevity of your scripts.

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