Overview
This lecture covers the fundamentals of automation and scripting in information technology, focusing on various scripting languages and their appropriate uses across different operating systems.
Scripting and Automation Basics
- Automation uses scripts to perform repetitive IT tasks without manual intervention.
- The choice of scripting language depends on the operating system, application, and task requirements.
- Learning multiple scripting languages increases your ability to automate diverse tasks.
Windows Scripting Technologies
- Batch files (.bat) automate tasks at the Windows command line, with extensive documentation from DOS and OS2 days.
- PowerShell (.ps1) provides advanced command-line automation for Windows, especially useful for system administrators.
- PowerShell commandlets are built-in functions that extend scripting capabilities beyond standard batch files.
- PowerShell scripts can be distributed as standalone executables.
- Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript, .vbs) is common for Windows desktop and Office automation.
Linux and macOS Scripting
- Shell scripts automate tasks in Linux/Unix shells and commonly use a .sh extension for identification.
- Shell scripts usually begin with a shebang (#!) to specify the script interpreter.
Web Scripting
- JavaScript (.js) enables interactivity in browsers and runs on web pages.
- JavaScript is distinct from Java; the former is for scripting in browsers, while the latter is a separate programming language for applications.
Cross-Platform Scripting
- Python (.py) is a general-purpose, cross-platform scripting language widely used for automation in Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Python's popularity is due to its flexibility and minimal need for code changes across operating systems.
Example: Interactive Shell Script
- A simple shell script can prompt user input, display responses, and loop until a specific exit command is entered.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Batch file — Script run at the Windows command line with a .bat extension.
- PowerShell — Advanced Windows scripting environment using .ps1 files and commandlets. For system Administrators
- VBScript — Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition, often used in Office automation, with .vbs files.
- Shell script — Script for automating Unix/Linux tasks, typically with a .sh extension and a shebang.
- Shebang (#!) — First line in some scripts indicating the script interpreter.
- JavaScript — Scripting language for adding interactivity to web pages, with .js files.
- Python — General-purpose scripting language used on multiple operating systems, with .py files.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice creating simple scripts in a scripting language relevant to your operating system.
- Research and review documentation for PowerShell, shell scripts, or Python based on your interests.