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bash-defensive-patterns

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.

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name:bash-defensive-patternsdescription: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.

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.