A shell script, typically named “install.sh,” facilitates the automated setup and configuration of software applications or system components. The process involves retrieving this script, often from a remote server or online repository, to a local machine. Upon execution, the script undertakes a series of commands designed to install necessary files, configure settings, and establish dependencies required for the targeted software to function correctly. For instance, obtaining an installation script from a project’s GitHub repository is a common practice for deploying software on a personal server.
The practice provides significant advantages in terms of efficiency and consistency. It streamlines the installation process, reducing the potential for human error and ensuring that all necessary steps are executed in the correct order. Historically, manual installations were prone to inconsistencies across different systems, but standardized scripts mitigate this problem. The adoption of this method accelerates deployment cycles and simplifies maintenance tasks, particularly in environments where software is deployed on a large number of machines.