| name | bash-defensive-patterns |
| description | Master defensive Bash programming techniques for production-grade scripts. Use when writing robust shell scripts, CI/CD pipelines, or system utilities requiring fault tolerance and safety. |
| risk | safe |
| source | community |
| date_added | 2026-02-27 |
Bash Defensive Patterns
Comprehensive guidance for writing production-ready Bash scripts using defensive programming techniques, error handling, and safety best practices to prevent common pitfalls and ensure reliability.
Use this skill when
- Writing production automation scripts
- Building CI/CD pipeline scripts
- Creating system administration utilities
- Developing error-resilient deployment automation
- Writing scripts that must handle edge cases safely
- Building maintainable shell script libraries
- Implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring
- Creating scripts that must work across different platforms
Do not use this skill when
- You need a single ad-hoc shell command, not a script
- The target environment requires strict POSIX sh only
- The task is unrelated to shell scripting or automation
Instructions
- Confirm the target shell, OS, and execution environment.
- Enable strict mode and safe defaults from the start.
- Validate inputs, quote variables, and handle files safely.
- Add logging, error traps, and basic tests.
Safety
- Avoid destructive commands without confirmation or dry-run flags.
- Do not run scripts as root unless strictly required.
Refer to resources/implementation-playbook.md for detailed patterns, checklists, and templates.
Resources
resources/implementation-playbook.md for detailed patterns, checklists, and templates.
Limitations
- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
- Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
- Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.
