If you are a Unix or Linux Shell programmer, this book will provide you with the practical advice and technical tips you will need in order to become proficient in all aspects of the Korn Shell and enhance your programming skills. From basic introductory concepts through to advanced programming techniques, you will learn how to:

• Customize your Unix and Linux environments

• Write and debug Korn Shell scripts

• Fine-tune Korn Shell scripts for faster execution

Illustrated throughout with expansive sample programs and easy-to-apply examples, plus complete ready-to-run scripts, this book will prove an indispensable guide and technical reference for the Korn Shell.

• NEW! Chapter on pdksh, the public domain Korn Shell for Linux

• NEW! Appendices of Pdksh quick reference and Man Page

• NEW! CD containing pdksh source code and evaluation version of U/WIN commands.

"This is the best Korn Shell book I've seen. I presently have at least five different books on Shell programming in Unix. I actually was able to read this book cover to cover AND am able to use this as a reference...I found this book to be very complete."
John A. Siegel, Solution Engineer, Pershing, a Division of Donaldson Lufkin and Jenrette

0201675234B05022001

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 4 Ratings

Full coverage & an easy read - 2001-02-21
Reviewer Rating:
Each "piece" of ksh syntax is presented with a good, full explanation and a tiny example. This makes it an "easy read" for me, and easy to jump on the particular bit of syntax which I'm interested in at the moment. There's [just] a few longer examples of useful scripts in an appendix. I like the inclusion of the man(1) page for ksh & pdksh (in an appendix). Overall, a fully worthwhile purchase (although nothing earth-shaking beyond what you could probably get from the online man page.)

Not bad... but has shortcomings - 2002-12-05
Reviewer Rating:
I'm not a heavy duty shell programmer... Perl, and especially Python, are my preferred scripting languages. However, every once in a while the appropriate tool for the job is a shell script.

I've found that this book covers all the bases, but doesn't go deep. I was frustrated by the book yesterday when I need to write a script to check all the executable files in a directory for what libraries they were linked to.

On page 172 the author says: "Because manipulating files is so important in programming, the Korn shell provies a whole range of file operators." Absolutely right. He then shows examples of only 5 of the tests in small code examples. No others are mentioned or even alluded to. My "Learning Perl" book (O'Reilly) has a table listing 25 file tests (including the one I needed).

I also needed to do some string comparisons and manipulations. A pretty common task. Head for the index and look for entries for "string". You get one: string length.

What is in the book is well presented and an easy read, but the lack of depth will limit your productivity.

Not enough coverage - 2003-06-04
Reviewer Rating:
I purchased this book as a quick reference that has enough detailed explanation.
It does exactly that - but only for a limited number of system calls/commands.
And for others, they aren't even mentioned.
I guess it might be a good "beginner" book, but not a reference.

A good book - 2002-12-24
Reviewer Rating:
This book has several code examples broken down into their smallest form. It has an easy to read, easy to learn lay-out. It is a great book for beginners to read or for experts to use as a reference. This is the best computer book which I have ever bought.

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