Running the Git Bash shell on a Windows system gives you access to much ofthe power of Linux without the headaches of administering a virtual machineor setting up a dual-boot system. Learn how easy it is to install andconfigure Git and the Bash shell, and the power of many of the Linuxutilities that are included with your installation.

Learn the basics of Bash shell scripting, and the many conveniences thatBash provides for its users, such as easy command history manipulation,auto-completion, and job control, while continuing to use your favoritegraphical tools. Freely cut and paste between your command line window andyour favorite Windows applications.

If you wish, learn the basics of the Git version control system as well,but rest assured that you can get all the benefits of using Bash withouthaving to learn Git at all.

Become a Command Line Commando, and never fear the command line again!

While much of this book applies to using Bash on any operating system,Linux and Macintosh users will probably already be familiar with a lot ofthe material. Windows users, especially those who are hesitant to workfrom the command line, will get the most benefit from this book. While theGit version control system and the Bash shell are conceptually two separateproducts, one Windows installer will provide you with both, along withdozens of additional Linux utilities.

One of the challenges for an author is not only deciding what material tocover, but also what to leave out. Thoroughly covering all the topicsinvolved would have resulted in a 1500-page book. Instead, I have tried topare the coverage down to the essentials and ignore more advanced featuresthat many people will never use. However, I have retained some of the moreadvanced topics such as regular expressions, which are critical forprogrammers to understand, and which will reappear in many other contexts.If you don't agree with my choices, feel free to skip sections that aren'tappropriate for your needs.

You will notice that I haven't stuffed the page with fake reviews fromfriends who haven't even read the book. So if you order it and find ituseful, I would be very grateful if you would take a few minutes to post apositive review. And in the event you don't like it, well, I hope you canat least offer some constructive criticism. Thank you, and I hope you enjoythe book!