The Korn Shell: User and Programming Manual (2nd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Start somewhere else
Review: People who write compter books often make one classic error -- in explaining a topic they refer to other commands and topics briefly, with no explanation. If you are new to the subject you are left bewildered. If you have some experience you know what they are talking about.

Apparently most authors find it impossible to comprehend that people are reading their books to learn. They write as if people already understand most of the material.

This is a good book if you already have worked with another book on shell programming, have taken a class or have some experience. But if you are just starting out try Teach Yourself Shell Programming in 24 Hours. The author of the 24 Hours book has the rare ability to have each of the chapters cover one topic, without dropping references to other topics he has yet to explain, so you keep learning and learning, one thing at a time.

If you already have a knowledge of the basics this is a good book. I found many of the explanations to be clear and crisp, and understood with ease a few things I was fuzzy on. But that was only because I already had enough knowledge so that when the author just dropped some command into the discussion without explaining it, I already knew the command so I could follow along.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Intro book AND reference
Review: Provides the beginner with an excellent insight into the kornshell, making it possible to start using complex commands in a short space of time.

For the more advanced user, it provides an excellent reference source with a clear concise structure without appearing to be too basic.

Rating:
Summary: Great book, but a couple of typos
Review: This is a great book. It has a couple of typos, but nothing major (although it may confuse a few novices). If you need a book that gives you all the syntax and commands for programming the korn shell then I would recommend this.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Intro book AND reference
Review: This is the best Korn Shell book I've seen I presently have at least 5 different books on shell programming in Unix. I actually was able to read this book cover to cover AND am able to use this as a reference. The O'Reilly Korn shell book is good BUT, you have to read TOO MUCH to find what you're looking for. I found this book to be very complete.