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Configuration Directories and Files in Shell Scripting

The document discusses the importance of configuration files and directories in Linux/Unix systems, detailing their roles in system behavior and application settings. It provides examples of common configuration files and directories, along with shell script examples for backing up these files and modifying user settings. Best practices for managing configuration files and real-life applications of shell scripting are also highlighted.

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Raghuraman
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0 views

Configuration Directories and Files in Shell Scripting

The document discusses the importance of configuration files and directories in Linux/Unix systems, detailing their roles in system behavior and application settings. It provides examples of common configuration files and directories, along with shell script examples for backing up these files and modifying user settings. Best practices for managing configuration files and real-life applications of shell scripting are also highlighted.

Uploaded by

Raghuraman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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🗂️ Configuration Directories and Files in Shell Scripting

🧾 1. Introduction
In Linux/Unix systems, configuration files and directories play a vital role in
system behavior, application settings, and shell environments. Shell scripts often
read, modify, or back up these files for automation, deployment, or system
administration tasks.

📂 2. What Are Configuration Files?


• Configuration files store settings and preferences for:
o System behavior
o User environments
o Application-specific parameters
• Most configuration files are plain text files located in:
o /etc (system-wide configs)
o /home/username (user-level configs like .bashrc)
o Application-specific folders like /var/lib/, /usr/local/etc/

📁 3. Important Configuration Directories


Directory Purpose
/etc/ Main directory for system-wide configurations
/etc/init.d/ Scripts for starting/stopping services
/etc/network/ Network configurations
/etc/cron.d/ Scheduled job definitions
/home/user/ User's personal configuration (dotfiles)

📝 4. Common Configuration Files


File Description
/etc/passwd User account information
File Description
/etc/fstab Disk and filesystem mount info
/etc/hosts Static hostname-to-IP mapping
/etc/resolv.conf DNS settings
~/.bashrc User shell behavior and aliases
~/.profile Login shell configuration
/etc/crontab System-wide cron jobs

🧪 5. Shell Script Example: Backup Key Configuration Files


Let’s write a shell script to back up critical configuration files.
#!/bin/bash

# Directory to store backups


BACKUP_DIR="/home/user/config_backup_$(date +%F_%T)"
mkdir -p "$BACKUP_DIR"

# List of important config files to back up


CONFIG_FILES=(
"/etc/passwd"
"/etc/fstab"
"/etc/hosts"
"/etc/resolv.conf"
"/etc/ssh/sshd_config"
"/etc/crontab"
)

# Copying config files


echo "Backing up configuration files..."
for file in "${CONFIG_FILES[@]}"; do
if [ -f "$file" ]; then
cp "$file" "$BACKUP_DIR"
echo " Backed up $file"
else
echo " $file not found"
fi
done

# Logging the backup


echo "Backup completed on $(date)" >> "$BACKUP_DIR/backup_log.txt"
echo "Files stored in: $BACKUP_DIR"

🧠 6. Explanation of the Script


• Creates a timestamped backup folder.
• Iterates through a list of common configuration files.
• Checks if each file exists and copies it to the backup folder.
• Logs the activity.
This script can be scheduled using cron for regular backups.

🧰 7. Advanced Use Case: Modify .bashrc to Add Alias


#!/bin/bash

BASHRC="$HOME/.bashrc"

# Add custom alias if not already present


if ! grep -q "alias ll='ls -alF'" "$BASHRC"; then
echo "alias ll='ls -alF'" >> "$BASHRC"
echo " Alias added to .bashrc"
else
echo " Alias already exists in .bashrc"
fi

After editing .bashrc, use:


source ~/.bashrc

⚠️ 8. Best Practices
• Always backup before modifying config files.
• Use version control (like git) for tracking config changes.
• Use full paths in shell scripts for reliability.
• Use chmod to protect sensitive config files.
🧵 9. Real-Life Applications in Shell Scripting
Task How Shell Scripts Help
Automated backups Copy files to backup locations
Configuration management Read/modify configs during app setup
Remote server setup Push config files to target machines
Setting aliases and PATH Modify .bashrc or .profile
Cron job setup Modify /etc/crontab or user crontabs

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