Description

The Unix shell is a text-based interface that is used to interact with a computer without requiring a graphical user interface. It has features that allow users to do complex things with only a few keystrokes, combine existing programs in new ways, and automate repetitive tasks. Use of the shell is fundamental to using a wide range of other powerful tools and computing resources (including “high-performance computing” supercomputers). These lessons will start you on a path towards using these resources effectively.

To be successful, you should have:

• A computer you can use for the workshop, with either the ability to connect to MSI via Open Ondemand (https://www.msi.umn.edu/content/using-open-ondemand) or with the bash shell installed to the computer itself (You can find instructions for installing bash for different operating systems here: https://carpentries.github.io/workshop-template/install_instructions/#shell) 
• A basic familiarity with computer file systems. If you have stored files on a computer at all and recognize the word “file” and either “directory” or “folder” (two common words for the same thing), you’re ready for this lesson
• The Zoom videoconferencing client installed on your computer, if attending remotely

Objectives

This workshop will cover how to:

• Use the shell to navigate a file system and manipulate files
• Automate and script processes using features of the shell
• Assemble a data-analysis workflow using the shell
• Use specific command line tools that are general useful to all MSI users, such as ssh and environment modules