Bash Defensive Patterns

1---
2name: bash-defensive-patterns
3description: 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.
4---
5 
6# Bash Defensive Patterns
7 
8Comprehensive guidance for writing production-ready Bash scripts using defensive programming techniques, error handling, and safety best practices to prevent common pitfalls and ensure reliability.
9 
10## Use this skill when
11 
12- Writing production automation scripts
13- Building CI/CD pipeline scripts
14- Creating system administration utilities
15- Developing error-resilient deployment automation
16- Writing scripts that must handle edge cases safely
17- Building maintainable shell script libraries
18- Implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring
19- Creating scripts that must work across different platforms
20 
21## Do not use this skill when
22 
23- You need a single ad-hoc shell command, not a script
24- The target environment requires strict POSIX sh only
25- The task is unrelated to shell scripting or automation
26 
27## Instructions
28 
291. Confirm the target shell, OS, and execution environment.
302. Enable strict mode and safe defaults from the start.
313. Validate inputs, quote variables, and handle files safely.
324. Add logging, error traps, and basic tests.
33 
34## Safety
35 
36- Avoid destructive commands without confirmation or dry-run flags.
37- Do not run scripts as root unless strictly required.
38 
39Refer to `resources/implementation-playbook.md` for detailed patterns, checklists, and templates.
40 
41## Resources
42 
43- `resources/implementation-playbook.md` for detailed patterns, checklists, and templates.
44