install_scripts.md

Install scripts

This document will guide you to configure shell scripts as global, so you can run them wherever you are.

1. Move a script

The first thing to do is to copy or move your script into /usr/local/bin with one of these commands:

cp /path/to/script.sh /usr/local/bin

# or

mv /path/to/script.sh /usr/local/bin

2. Enable the execute permission

Unix-Like systems provide the chmod command which is used to change file and folder permission. The +x parameter is used to add the x permission which is the symbol for the execute permission. The execution permission will give the execution ability to the owner user or group of the file. The + will add provided ability and - minus will remove the provided ability.

Thus enable the script permission running this command:

chmod +x /usr/local/bin/script.sh

After this command, you are able to run your script wherever you are, simply calling it:

script.sh

3. Provide an alias

Finally, you can configure an alias for your script. An alias is a name provided to the script. "Launching" the alias is exactly like launching the original script.

This step is based on your shell environment.

So if you are using bash, execute this command:

vi ~/.bash_profile

If you are using zsh instead, execute this one:

vi ~/.zshrc

4. Confirm changes

Confirm previous changes launching this command:

source ~/.bash_profile

Or this if you are using zsh:

source ~/.zshrc

Note

• Option+5 to type ~ (tilde)
• This guide uses vi but you can use your favorite editor.

After opening the file, enter this line wherever you want (typically at the end of the file):

alias <alias-name>=<script>

Where <alias-name> is the alias you will use and <script> is the name of script, like script.sh