title: How useful/difficult would it be for me to learn linux shell scripting? Alternative recommendations?
body: <p>I am in desperate need of some advice.</p>
  
  <p>I'm almost done with my junior year as a CS major.  I sort of feel like a late comer because I didn't really get into computer science until sophomore year...   Through hard work, lots of credit hours during the year and summer school I am almost caught up to my peers but here come the worries:</p>
  
  <p>All of my school work has taught me a lot about computer science but little about practical programing.  Although I have a lot of motivation, I simply have almost no free time to allow me to pick up side projects. This upsets me for 2 reasons, 1) I genuinely am becoming very passionate about the field and 2) I understand that many employers like to see students with some experience outside of school.  </p>
  
  <p>So I recently had an idea:  what if I were to make Linux my primary OS but restrict myself to the terminal as much as possible in an attempt to naturally (with the help of google) become familiar with the command line and hopefully gradually pick up shell scripting using online tutorials.</p>
  
  <p>How beneficial do you think this would be to an aspiring programmer?  How realistic is it?  Do you have any other suggestions for small projects a student with barely any free time can pick up outside of school?</p>
  
  <p>Thank you so much, I love this website (and podcast), and will appreciate any feedback.</p>