What does 'shell scripting' involve?

Shell scripting involves writing scripts specifically for a command line interpreter, which is used in Unix/Linux environments. These scripts are essentially sequences of commands that automate tasks, streamlining processes such as file management, system monitoring, and application deployment. The primary purpose of shell scripting is to manipulate the operating system and tasks directly through its command line interface.

In the context of Unix/Linux, shell scripts typically utilize various shell environments, such as Bash or Zsh, and leverage command line utilities to carry out complex operations efficiently. By automating repetitive tasks, shell scripting increases productivity and reduces the potential for human error, making it a powerful tool for system administrators and developers alike.

Other options do not align with the definition of shell scripting. Writing scripts for word-processing software pertains to different scripting contexts (like macros), graphical interface scripting doesn’t involve command line interaction, and while Python can be used for automation, shell scripting is distinctly tied to command line interpreters specific to Unix/Linux environments.