name: shell-scripting description: Best practices for writing shell scripts. Use when writing bash, sh, zsh, or other shell code for automation, scripting, or command-line tasks.

Shell Scripting

Best Practices

Favor Long Options

When writing shell scripts, prefer long options (e.g., --verbose) over short options (e.g., -v) for improved readability and maintainability.

Why long options?

• Self-documenting: grep --ignore-case is clearer than grep -i
• Easier maintenance: Future readers understand intent without checking man pages
• Reduced errors: Less likely to misinterpret what a short flag does

Example:

# Good: Clear and self-documenting
find /var/log --name "*.log" --type f --mtime +30 --delete

# Avoid: Requires knowledge of what each flag means
find /var/log -name "*.log" -type f -mtime +30 -delete

Exception: Short options are acceptable for:

• Extremely common commands where the short form is universally understood (e.g., ls -la)
• Interactive terminal usage where brevity matters
• Commands without long option equivalents