Master the tools. Build the workflow. Own the shell.
Master the tools. Build the workflow. Own the shell.
Effective Shell is the hands-on guide for developers who want to master the command line-not just to get around, but to build a fast, flexible, and portable development environment.
This isn't a tour of shell commands. It's a blueprint for creating workflows that scale across machines, teams, and projects. You'll go from keystroke-level efficiency to composing powerful pipelines, writing reliable scripts, and automating common development tasks. Then you'll take it further- managing your configuration with Git, customizing your shell setup, and working seamlessly across remote sessions using tools like Vim and tmux.
By the end, your shell won't just be a tool; it'll be an extension of your thinking.
You'll learn how to-
Find, filter, and reshape data using grep, regular expressions, and shell pipelines Write scripts that automate setup, configuration, and repetitive tasks Create Python-based CLI tools to pull and process structured data Manage your environment with Git and version-controlled dot files Edit quickly with Vim and multitask efficiently using terminal multiplexers Use AI tools to generate commands, debug faster, and enhance automation
Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all toolkit, Effective Shell teaches you the tools, practices, and strategies to build a shell environment that fits the way you work-efficient, portable, and entirely yours.
Whether you're leveling up from the basics or refining your craft, this book will help you think clearly, automate confidently, and work more effectively in the shell.
By:
David Kerr
Imprint: No Starch Press,US
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 177mm,
Weight: 369g
ISBN: 9781718504141
ISBN 10: 1718504144
Pages: 456
Publication Date: 29 July 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: Core Skills Chapter 1: Flying on the Command Line Chapter 2: Thinking in Pipelines Chapter 3: Finding Files Part II: Manipulating Text and Streams Chapter 4: Regular Expression Essentials Chapter 5: Getting to Grips with grep Chapter 6: Slicing and Dicing Text Chapter 7: Advanced Text Manipulation Chapter 8: Building Commands on the Fly Part III: Shell Scripting Chapter 9: Shell Script Fundamentals Chapter 10: Variables, Reading Input, and Mathematics Chapter 11: Mastering Conditional Logic Chapter 12: Using Loops with Files and Folders Chapter 13: Functions, Parameters, and Error Handling Chapter 14: Useful Patterns for Shell Scripts Part IV: Building Your Toolkit Chapter 15: Configuring Your Shell Chapter 16: Customizing the Command Prompt Chapter 17: Managing Dotfiles Chapter 18: Controlling Changes with Git Chapter 19: Managing Remote Git Repositories and Sharing Dotfiles Part V: Advanced Techniques Chapter 20: Understanding Shell Expansion Chapter 21: How to Avoid Scripting Chapter 22: The Secure Shell Chapter 23: The Power of Terminal Editors Chapter 24: Mastering the Multiplexer Appendix A: Setup Appendix B: Shell Basics Index
Dave Kerr is a software engineer and consultant with over 15 years of experience helping teams design modern platforms, scale infrastructure, and automate everything from deployment to developer onboarding. He has led high-stakes engineering initiatives, from launching digital banks to building telco backends, and today focuses on agentic AI, developer experience, and open source. Outside the terminal, you'll find him in the mountains or clinging to a rock face.
