1. What is shellmod

Shellmod is a Linuxconf module as well as a stand-alone utility. Its goal is to allow easy writing of other Linuxconf modules and stand-alone utilities using sh (/bin/sh, the shell interpretor).

The benefit of writing Linuxconf modules (or simply administration utilities) this way are:

• Nice interface: Your script will work both in text and graphical mode, with a much better appearance than an usual shell script. When used as a module in Linuxconf, it will even work in HTML, completely transparently.
• Simplicity: It is possible to write useful stuff in a 10-15 lines shell script. It is possible to turn an non interactive existing 10-15 lines shell script into a 15-20 lines cool interactive script, running both in text, GUI mode, and even HTML mode.
• Used as a module, your script will be able to hook itself in various Linuxconf menus, making it fully integrated in the administration scheme.
• Not only the script can enhance Linuxconf menus, it can even participate as a co-manager in some dialogs. This means that a simple script can add new fields in the user account dialog for example.

Normal C++ Linuxconf module can do more things obviously, but scripts offers a nice and efficient solution for custom installation and on site support. A new Linuxconf module may be develop with the user/friend/customer looking over your shoulder.