jim@hoptoad.UUCP (02/25/87)
Though I posted a previous version before, some questions about What to Read
Next have prompted me to post this updated list.
Books on Shell: An Annotated Guide
Jim Joyce
Jim Joyce's UNIX* Bookstore
47 Potomac Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415/626-7581
Using this Guide
This is a guide to learning the UNIX shell. The focus is on book-
length treatment of either the Bourne or C shell, though I do mention
some other books that use the shell in particularly interesting or
useful ways. Except for Bourne, I omit introductory UNIX books.
=> indicates the best book of its type.
Introductory Shell
=> UNIX C Shell Field Guide, Gail Anderson and Paul Anderson, 1986,
374pp ($23.95). The most thorough treatment of C shell available.
(Prentice-Hall)
UNIX Shell Programming, Lowell Jay Arthur, 1986, 261pp ($22.95). Good
presentation of Bourne shell, and covers shell functions. (Wiley)
The UNIX System V Environment, Stephen R Bourne, 1986, 378pp ($23.95).
Chapter 8's scripts are stellar, especially the tennis ladder. (Up-
date of Version 7 book.) (Addison-Wesley)
=> UNIX Shell Programming, Stephen G Kochan and Patrick H Wood, 1985,
422pp ($24.95). The best single book on shells. Bourne shell, with
chapters on C shell and Korn shell. Covers shell functions. (Hayden)
The UNIX Shell Programming Language, Rod Manis and Marc H Meyer, 1986,
300pp ($24.95). Bourne shell, with chapters on System V shell, Korn
shell, and C shell. Has 76 pages of VERY handy shell scripts. Also
treats named pipes. (Sams)
Advanced UNIX-A Programmer's Guide, Stephen Prata, 1986, 484pp
($21.95). Half shell, half C. (Sams)
Advanced Programmer's Guide to UNIX System V, Rebecca Thomas, Lawrence
R Rogers and Jean Yates, 1986, 575pp ($21.95). Treats Bourne and C
shell. (Osborne)
Intermediate Shell
Tricks of the UNIX Masters, Russell Sage, 1987 (22.95). A treasure of
useful shell scripts. (Sams)
=> The UNIX Programming Environment, Brian W Kernighan and Rob Pike,
1984, 357pp ($22.95). Must-read for serious UNIX users. Well written
and insightful. (Prentice-Hall)
Shell for System Administration
UNIX System Administration, David Fiedler and Bruce H Hunter, 1986,
320pp ($24.95). Chock full of useful scripts. (Hayden)
UNIX System Security, Patrick H Wood and Stephen G Kochan, 1985, 299pp
($34.95). Appendices have valuable Bourne shell scripts. (Hayden)
_________________________
Copyright 1987 by Jim Joyce. Permission to reprint this in its
entirety is granted so long as author's name, affilia-
tion, address, and phone number are included.
*UNIX is a Registered Trademark of AT&T
Reading List #2 February 25, 1987 Books on Shell