Learn and practice talking directly to your computer via command line in this interactive, hands-on workshop.

Registration link.

Description

The Unix shell is a powerful tool for using scientific software, working with large datasets, and controlling remote servers. It is primarily used to manage files and run programs, and it allows for automation of repetitive tasks. This workshop is a prerequisite for many of DataLab’s workshops, including Introduction to Version Control with Git, Reproducible Research for Teams with GitHub, and the Remote Computing series.

By the end of the workshop, learners should be able to:

• Explain the directory structure of their computers
• Navigate across and within files and directories
• Create, copy, and delete files
• Use command line tools to edit files
• Identify where to go for help and to learn more

Prerequisites

No prior coding experience is necessary. All participants will need a computer with a Unix shell scripting program (Terminal, Bash, etc.) installed and the latest version of Zoom. A workshop reader will be provided to registered learners to read through prior to the workshop and complete any necessary pre-workshop software installation.

Software

If you are using Windows, you will need to install the Git Bash software prior to the start of the workshop. Instructions can be found in DataLab’s installation guide. You can get help troubleshooting your installations at DataLab’s weekly office hours.

Pre-Workshop Activity

Read sections 1-4 of the workshop reader in advance. The remainder of the reader content will be covered live during the session.

Can’t make it to this event? Check out upcoming workshop schedule. Recordings of prior workshops are also available in DataLab’s training archive.