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Coursera

Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting

This course provides a practical understanding of common Linux / UNIX shell commands.

Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Linux. It is structured in 4 modules with 4 stated learning outcomes, over 17h 7m. Learners rate it 4.6/5 from 1.8K ratings on Coursera.

Part of our Linux courses collection, where we compare it against 3 other courses.

★★★★★4.6(1.8K reviews) English

Course highlights

Provider Coursera
Duration 17h 7m
Level Beginner
Mode Self-paced
Language English
Certificate Yes — shareable certificate
Rating 4.6★ (1.8K reviews)
Price Check price Free

What you’ll learn

Describe the Linux architecture and common Linux distributions and update and install software on a Linux system.
Perform common informational, file, content, navigational, compression, and networking commands in Bash shell.
Develop shell scripts using Linux commands, environment variables, pipes, and filters.
Schedule cron jobs in Linux with crontab and explain the cron syntax. 

Level and time commitment

Coursera lists this course at Beginner level.
No prior experience in the subject is assumed — this is where the provider expects a newcomer to start.
What the provider says you need first:
  • Computer and IT literacy.
Time commitment: 17h 7m.
It is self-paced, so that figure is the material, not a fixed schedule.

Skills you’ll gain

UnixFile ManagementOperating SystemsgrepNetwork ProtocolsScriptingShell ScriptLinux CommandsPackage and Software ManagementLinuxBash (Scripting Language)Unix Commands

What this course covers

4 modules

The 4-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 17h 7m.

Module 1 · Introduction to Linux
Module 2 · Introduction to Linux Commands
Module 3 · Introduction to Shell Scripting
Module 4 · Final Project and Final Exam

What learners rate it

4.6
★★★★★
1.8K ratings

Rated 4.6/5 by 1.8K learners on Coursera (checked 25 Aug 2026).

This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →

How this page is put together

Compiled by the 10courses editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 25 August 2026.

How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure

Compare with alternatives

Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.

Course Provider Rating Price Duration Why pick this one
Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting This Coursera 4.6★ Check price 17h 7m Quickest to finish (17h 7m)
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) Coursera 4.8★ Check price 2 months Highest rated (4.8★ from 15 reviews)
Linux for Developers Coursera 4.5★ Check price 18h 52m Beginner-friendly · 18h 52m
Linux Foundation Certified Systems Administrator - LFCS Udemy 4.5★ Free Free — and still gives a certificate
See all Linux courses →

Common questions

How much does Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting cost?

Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.

Does Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting come with a certificate?

Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.

How long does Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting take?

Coursera lists it at 17h 7m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.

Is Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting suitable for beginners?

Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.

What does Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting cover?

It is organised into 4 modules, starting with Introduction to Linux and going on to Introduction to Linux Commands, Introduction to Shell Scripting, Final Project and Final Exam. The full outline is on this page.