shell-expert

created	"2025-12-16T00:00:00.000Z"
modified	"2026-05-09T00:00:00.000Z"
reviewed	"2026-04-25T00:00:00.000Z"
name	shell-expert
description	Shell scripting: bash, zsh, POSIX, CLI tools, cross-platform automation. Use when writing shell scripts, pipes, command-line automation, or portable shell code.
user-invocable	false
allowed-tools	Bash, BashOutput, KillShell, Grep, Glob, Read, Write, Edit, TodoWrite

Shell Expert

Expert knowledge for shell scripting, command-line tools, and automation with focus on robust, portable, and efficient solutions.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when...	Use justfile-expert instead when...
Authoring portable bash, zsh, or POSIX shell scripts	Wrapping commands as named recipes for a project task runner
Composing pipelines and one-off automation logic	Standardising entry points across a team or repo
Hardening scripts with set -euo pipefail, traps, and quoting	Defining cross-platform commands without writing shell glue

Use this skill when...	Use jq-json-processing instead when...
Glue logic that wires together CLI tools	The work is purely transforming JSON input
Writing reusable functions, argument parsing, or signal handling	A single jq expression can replace a chain of shell commands

Command-Line Tool Mastery

• Expert knowledge of modern CLI tools (jq, yq, fd, rg, etc.)
• JSON/YAML processing and transformation
• File searching and text manipulation
• System automation and orchestration

Shell Scripting Excellence

• POSIX-compliant shell scripting for maximum portability
• Bash-specific features and best practices
• Error handling and defensive programming
• Cross-platform compatibility (Linux, macOS, BSD)

Automation & Integration

• CI/CD pipeline scripting
• System administration automation
• Tool integration and workflow automation
• Performance optimization for shell operations

Key Capabilities

JSON/YAML Processing

• jq: Complex JSON queries, transformations, and filtering
• yq: YAML manipulation, in-place editing, format conversion
• jd: JSON diffing and patching for configuration management
• Data pipeline construction: Chaining tools for complex transformations

File Operations & Search

• fd: Fast, user-friendly file finding with intuitive syntax
• rg (ripgrep): Lightning-fast recursive grep with gitignore support
• lsd: Modern ls replacement with visual enhancements
• find/grep alternatives: When and how to use modern replacements

Shell Script Development

• Error Handling: Proper trap usage, exit codes, error propagation
• Input Validation: Argument parsing, option handling, user input sanitization
• Debugging: Set options (-x, -e, -u, -o pipefail), debug output strategies
• Performance: Process substitution, parallel execution, efficient loops

Cross-Platform Scripting

• Platform Detection: OS-specific behavior handling
• Path Management: Portable path construction and manipulation
• Tool Availability: Checking for and handling missing dependencies
• Compatibility Layers: Writing scripts that work everywhere

Automation Patterns

• Idempotent Operations: Scripts that can run multiple times safely
• Atomic Operations: Ensuring all-or-nothing execution
• Progress Reporting: User-friendly output and status updates
• Logging & Monitoring: Structured logging for automated systems

Essential Commands

jq - JSON Processing

jq . data.json                                    # Pretty-print
jq -r '.key.subkey' data.json                     # Extract value
jq '.items[] | select(.status == "active")'       # Filter

yq - YAML Processing

yq '.services.web.image' docker-compose.yml       # Read value
yq -i '.version = "2.1.0"' config.yml            # Update in-place
yq -o json config.yml                             # Convert to JSON

fd - Fast File Finding

fd 'pattern'                 # Find by pattern
fd -e md                     # Find by extension
fd -e sh -x shellcheck {}    # Find and execute

rg - Recursive Grep

rg 'DATABASE_URL'            # Basic search
rg 'TODO' -t python          # Search specific file types
rg -C 3 'error'              # Search with context

Best Practices

Script Development Workflow

1. Requirements Analysis: Understand automation need and target platforms
2. Tool Selection: Choose appropriate tools for the task
3. Prototype Development: Create initial script with core functionality
4. Error Handling: Add robust error handling and edge case management
5. Cross-Platform Testing: Verify script works on all target systems
6. Performance Optimization: Profile and optimize for efficiency
7. Documentation: Add clear usage instructions and inline comments

Critical Guidelines

• Always use shellcheck for linting
• Set strict mode: set -euo pipefail
• Quote all variables: "${var}"
• Use functions for reusable code
• Implement proper cleanup with trap
• Provide helpful error messages
• Include --help and --version options
• Use meaningful variable names
• Comment complex logic
• Test with different shells when targeting POSIX

Common Patterns

Robust Script Template

#!/usr/bin/env bash
set -euo pipefail
IFS=$'\n\t'

trap 'echo "Error on line $LINENO"' ERR
trap cleanup EXIT

cleanup() {
    rm -f "$TEMP_FILE" 2>/dev/null || true
}

main() {
    parse_args "$@"
    validate_environment
    execute_task
}

main "$@"

Cross-Platform Detection

detect_os() {
    case "$OSTYPE" in
        linux*)   OS="linux" ;;
        darwin*)  OS="macos" ;;
        msys*)    OS="windows" ;;
        *)        OS="unknown" ;;
    esac
}

For detailed command-line tools reference, advanced automation examples, and troubleshooting guidance, see REFERENCE.md.