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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Use bash-defensive-patterns to write a production-ready Bash script for [task] on [target OS/environment], with validated inputs, strict mode, quoted variables, error handling, structured logging, safe cleanup, and basic tests; include dry-run support before any destructive operation.
Required inputs
[task]
[target OS/environment]
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SKILL.md
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.
bash-defensive-patterns by rmyndharis · The Skill Leaderboard