How to Run an Sh (Shell) File: A Beginner’s Guide

Sh files, also known as shell scripts, are executable files that contain a series of commands that can be executed in a Unix-based operating system. These files are commonly used to automate repetitive tasks or to execute a series of commands in a specific order. In this article, we will discuss how to run sh files in a Unix-based operating system.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into how to run sh files, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the following concepts:

• Unix-based operating system: This includes operating systems such as Linux and macOS, which are based on the Unix operating system.
• Terminal: A command-line interface that allows users to interact with the operating system using text commands.
• Text editor: A program used to create and edit text files. Examples include vi, nano, and emacs.

Creating an Sh File

Before we can run an sh file, we need to create one. To create an sh file, we will use a text editor such as vi or nano. Let’s create a simple sh file called hello.sh that prints “Hello, World!” to the console:

#!/bin/sh
echo "Hello, World!"

The first line #!/bin/sh tells the operating system that this file should be executed using the sh interpreter. The second line echo "Hello, World!" is the command that will be executed when the sh file is run.

Save the file in a directory of your choice. For this example, we will save it in the home directory.

Making the Sh File Executable

Before we can run the sh file, we need to make it executable. To do this, we will use the chmod command. Open the terminal and navigate to the directory where the sh file is located. Then, run the following command:

chmod +x hello.sh

This command gives the user permission to execute the file. Now that the file is executable, we can run it.

Running the Sh File

To run the sh file, we will use the terminal. Open the terminal and navigate to the directory where the sh file is located. Then, run the following command:

./hello.sh

The ./ tells the operating system to look for the file in the current directory. If the file is located in a different directory, you will need to specify the path to the file.

If everything is working correctly, you should see “Hello, World!” printed to the console.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running an sh file in a Unix-based operating system is a simple process that involves creating the file, making it executable, and running it using the terminal. By automating repetitive tasks or executing a series of commands in a specific order, sh files can save time and increase productivity. With this beginner’s guide, you should now have a basic understanding of how to run sh files in a Unix-based operating system.