# Telling a Computer to Do Things

> Learning shell scripting unlocks powerful automation without heavy tooling.
- Title: Telling a Computer to Do Things · will keleher | Shortify
- Summary: Learning shell scripting unlocks powerful automation without heavy tooling. Shell scripts are 20% syntax and 80% knowing the right tools to stitch together.
- Keywords: shell, scripting, npm, bash, zsh, build, automation, command-line, fzf, tldr, rsync, xargs
- Source: will keleher — https://will-keleher.com/posts/telling-your-computer-to-do-things
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: shell, scripting, npm, bash, zsh, build, automation, command-line, fzf, tldr, rsync, xargs
## Early Shell Struggles
For years, the author could only run simple terminal commands one at a time without logic or automation.
## Basic Script Logic
The author wrote a simple script checking npm install success with exit codes and error messages.
## Shell vs. NodeJS
A shell script runs tests until failure with minimal syntax, while NodeJS requires more complex error handling.
## Tool Ecosystem
Tools like fzf, tldr, and rsync let engineers automate tasks without writing complex scripts.
## Why Shell Scripts?
Shell scripts are easier for simple command chaining but become complex for sophisticated logic.
## Tool Knowledge Matters
Knowing the right tools like xargs or sed -i makes shell scripts more powerful and maintainable.
## Simplified Script
The author later simplified a script using direct command checks instead of complex error handling.
## Shell Expertise
The author emphasizes that shell mastery is 80% tool knowledge, not syntax.
## Tool Recommendations
Tools like zx help JavaScript teams write maintainable scripts without shell complexity.
## Why Not Shell?
For complex logic, higher-level languages like JavaScript offer better data handling and testing.
## Key Insight
The author argues that shell scripts are 20% syntax and 80% knowing the right tools to stitch together.
## Real-World Impact
Engineers who skip shell scripting struggle with automation, leading to inefficient workflows.
## Key takeaway

Shell scripts are 20% syntax and 80% knowing the right tools to stitch together.