Mooaz Sayyed

Title: Automating GitHub Operations with Bash: A Handy Script

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Mooaz Sayyed
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3 min read

Introduction

GitHub, a widely used platform for version control and collaboration, offers an API that empowers users to interact with their repositories programmatically. With the help of Personal Access Tokens (PATs), we can create scripts to streamline various tasks, such as managing collaborators, listing branches, creating new repositories, or even forking existing ones. In this blog post, we'll explore a versatile Bash script that utilizes GitHub's API to automate common repository operations. This script can save you time and reduce the manual effort required for these tasks.

Github Link to script

The Setup

Before we dive into the script, there are a few prerequisites. You need to have a GitHub account, and it's essential to generate a Personal Access Token (PAT) to authenticate your API requests. PATs act as secure keys that grant access to your GitHub resources. Make sure to keep your PAT confidential to maintain the security of your account.

The Script: Breaking It Down

Let's break down the essential components of the Bash script:

  1. API URL: The script sets the API URL to the GitHub API endpoint.

  2. GitHub Credentials: It requires you to set your GitHub username and Personal Access Token (PAT) as environment variables, ensuring secure authentication.

  3. User and Repository Information: The script expects two command-line arguments, the owner of the repository and the repository name.

  4. GET Request Function: The github_api_get function performs GET requests to the GitHub API. It takes an endpoint and constructs the URL for the request. Authentication is achieved using the PAT.

  5. Listing Users with Read Access: The list_users_with_read_access function lists users with read access to the repository. It queries the collaborators, filtering those with "pull" permissions.

  6. Listing Repository Branches: The list_repository_branches function lists the branches in the repository.

  7. Create New Repository: The create_new_repository function demonstrates how to create a new repository. You can customize the repository name and description as needed.

  8. Fork a Repository: The fork_repository function showcases how to fork a repository.

Running the Script

To execute the script, you need to provide the owner and repository name as command-line arguments. It will list users with read access and repository branches. Additionally, you can uncomment and modify the example sections to create a new repository or fork an existing one.

./github-automation.sh <REPO_OWNER> <REPO_NAME>

Conclusion

With this script, GitHub operations that were once manual can be automated effectively. From managing collaborators and listing branches to creating new repositories and forking existing ones, the script provides a robust foundation for further customization.

In the world of DevOps and automation, this Bash script is a valuable tool. It simplifies common GitHub tasks and allows you to focus on the bigger picture: your projects and contributions. So, the next time you need to perform GitHub operations, consider running this script and enjoy the time-saving benefits it offers. Happy automating!

Disclaimer: Always exercise caution while handling access tokens and remember to follow GitHub's best practices to maintain the security of your account and data.

This script and blog post are provided for educational purposes. Make sure to review and understand the GitHub API documentation and relevant security practices when using personal access tokens.

Linuxshell scriptingGitHubGitDevops