Which language is best for linux administration?

[bigb89]

Hi, I have a basic experience with programming. I've done programming with Java, C++, PHP, and a few other languages like html and css. I really working with Linux, especially when it comes to servers. My question is: If I want to be a Linux administrator, which programming language would help me the most?

[ghostdog74]

if you want to become linux administrator, learn the shell and shell scripting.

[bigtomrodney]

You should check out Basic Unix commands. A good shell to learn would be Bash but there are many aspects of the system that you could check out. C is particularly important to Unix (as their histories are completely intertwined) but for administration it is probably unnecessary. A good start on shell scripting would be great. Check out the Advanced Bash Scripting guide on tldp.org

[wje_lf]

If shell scripting fills all your needs, then that's a good thing.

Sometimes you might find you need to do something a little more complicated than bash will do for you. If that's the case, consider Perl. Choosing Perl as the next step has one advantage for your employer: If you get hit by a truck, many of your potential successors already know Perl, so your employer's investment in any Perl scripts you write will be preserved.

My son the network administrator, on the other hand, uses ruby as his beyond-bash scripting language of choice, all my lectures to the contrary notwithstanding.

Young whipper-snapper.

grumble grumble

[daark.child]

I agree with others, learning shell scripting is very valuable if you want to be a sysadmin. Perl is also widely used and over the years Python has also become very popular.

[bigb89]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I'll be concentrating on shell scripting, and then as I get good with that I may also try to learn Perl, since I heard this is a really good language for string manipulation.