Python vs Shell: Full Comparison Guide (Beginner to Intermediate, 100 Topics)

This expanded guide includes 100 scripting topics comparing Python and Shell side by side. Each section
includes:
- Clear description of the concept
- Real working code examples with comments
- Detailed comparison of syntax and purpose

At the end of this guide, 30+ references are provided for further learning.
Topic 1: Print Output
Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 2: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 3: If Condition
Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 4: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 5: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 6: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 7: Functions
Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
 echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 8: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 9: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 10: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 11: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 12: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 13: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 14: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.
Topic 15: Reading a File
Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 16: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 17: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 18: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 19: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 20: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 21: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 22: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 23: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 24: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 25: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 26: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 27: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 28: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 29: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 30: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 31: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 32: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 33: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 34: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 35: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 36: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.
Topic 37: Functions
Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 38: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 39: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 40: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 41: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 42: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 43: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 44: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.
Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 45: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 46: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 47: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 48: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 49: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 50: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 51: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 52: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 53: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 54: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 55: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.
Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 56: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 57: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 58: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 59: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 60: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 61: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 62: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 63: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 64: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 65: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.
Topic 66: Writing a File
Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 67: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 68: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 69: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 70: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 71: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 72: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 73: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 74: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 75: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 76: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 77: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 78: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 79: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 80: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 81: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 82: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 83: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 84: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 85: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 86: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 87: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 88: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.

Topic 89: Error Handling

Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 90: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Topic 91: Print Output

Description: Display a message to the console.

Python Example:
# Python
# Prints a string to the standard output
print("Hello, World!")
Shell Example:
# Shell
# Outputs a string to the terminal
echo "Hello, World!"
Comparison:
Both commands output text. Python uses the print() function, while Shell uses the echo command.

Topic 92: Declare Variables

Description: Define and print variables.

Python Example:
# Python
name = "Alice"
print("Name is:", name)
Shell Example:
# Shell
name="Alice"
echo "Name is: $name"
Comparison:
Python uses dynamic typing and print formatting. Shell uses variables with a `$` prefix.

Topic 93: If Condition

Description: Conditional execution based on a test.

Python Example:
# Python
x = 10
if x > 5:
print("Greater than 5")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=10
if [ $x -gt 5 ]; then
echo "Greater than 5"
fi
Comparison:
Python uses `if` with colons and indentation. Shell uses `if [ ]` with `then` and `fi`.

Topic 94: For Loop

Description: Loop through a sequence of values.

Python Example:
# Python
for i in range(1, 4):
print("Iteration:", i)
Shell Example:
# Shell
for i in {1..3}; do
echo "Iteration: $i"
done
Comparison:
Python loops with `range(start, stop)`, Shell uses `{start..end}` or `seq`.

Topic 95: Reading a File

Description: Read and print file contents.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("data.txt") as f:
for line in f:
print(line.strip())
Shell Example:
# Shell
while IFS= read -r line; do
echo "$line"
done < data.txt
Comparison:
Python uses context managers and file iterators. Shell uses `while read` with redirection.

Topic 96: Writing a File

Description: Write text to a file.

Python Example:
# Python
with open("output.txt", "w") as f:
f.write("Hello World\n")
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Hello World" > output.txt
Comparison:
Python uses `open()` with `write()`. Shell redirects output using `>`.

Topic 97: Functions

Description: Create and call a reusable block of code.

Python Example:
# Python
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}")
greet("Bob")
Shell Example:
# Shell
greet() {
echo "Hello, $1"
}
greet "Bob"
Comparison:
Python functions use `def`, Shell defines functions with `()` and braces.

Topic 98: Command-line Arguments

Description: Accept arguments passed to the script.

Python Example:
# Python
import sys
print("Argument:", sys.argv[1])
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "Argument: $1"
Comparison:
Python uses `sys.argv`, Shell uses `$1`, `$2`, etc.
Topic 99: Error Handling
Description: Gracefully handle execution errors.

Python Example:
# Python
try:
1/0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
Shell Example:
# Shell
x=0
y=$((1 / x)) || echo "Error: Division by zero"
Comparison:
Python uses `try/except`. Shell uses logical OR (`||`) to catch errors.

Topic 100: Environment Variables

Description: Access and use environment variables.

Python Example:
# Python
import os
print("PATH:", os.getenv("PATH"))
Shell Example:
# Shell
echo "PATH: $PATH"
Comparison:
Python uses `os.getenv()`, Shell accesses variables with `$`.

Further Reading & References

1. Python Official Docs - https://docs.python.org/3/
2. GNU Bash Manual - https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/
3. W3Schools Python - https://www.w3schools.com/python/
4. W3Schools Shell - https://www.w3schools.com/linux/linux_shell.asp
5. Real Python - https://realpython.com/
6. Learn Shell - https://www.learnshell.org/
7. GeeksForGeeks Python - https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/python-programming-language/
8. GeeksForGeeks Shell - https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/shell-scripting/
9. Linuxize Shell - https://linuxize.com/post/bash-scripting-tutorial/
10. Python TutorialsPoint - https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/index.htm
11. Shell TutorialsPoint - https://www.tutorialspoint.com/unix/shell_scripting.htm
12. Python Cheatsheet - https://www.pythoncheatsheet.org/
13. Bash Guide for Beginners - https://tldp.org/LDP/Bash-Beginners-Guide/html/
14. Stack Overflow Python - https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/python
15. Stack Overflow Bash - https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/bash
16. Codecademy Python - https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-python-3
17. LinuxCommand.org - http://linuxcommand.org/
18. Automate the Boring Stuff (Python) - https://automatetheboringstuff.com/
19. Python on GitHub - https://github.com/python
20. Awesome Python - https://github.com/vinta/awesome-python
21. Awesome Shell - https://github.com/alebcay/awesome-shell
22. ShellCheck Linter - https://www.shellcheck.net/
23. PyPI - https://pypi.org/
24. Python Package Index - https://pypi.org/
25. Termux Shell Reference - https://wiki.termux.com/wiki/Shells
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Python - https://docs.python-guide.org/
27. Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide - https://tldp.org/LDP/abs/html/
28. Linux From Scratch Shell - https://www.linuxfromscratch.org/
29. Python Exceptions Guide - https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/errors.html
30. Shell Trap Guide - https://linuxhint.com/bash_trap_command/