FI1DEGS75 Git and Scripting Fundamentals

FI1DEGS75 Git and Scripting Fundamentals

  • Course description
    • Course Code
      FI1DEGS75
    • Level of Study
      5.2
    • Program of Study
      DevOps Engineering
    • Credits
      7,5
    • Study Plan Coordinator
      Frederick Johannes Botha
Teaching Term(s)
2026 Autumn
About the Course

This course equips candidates with the core tools and practices required for effective software development and automation in DevOps environments. Candidates will learn the fundamentals of Version Control Systems (VCS) with Git, including repository management, branching, merging, and working with remote projects. In parallel, candidates will develop proficiency in UNIX-style command line operations and scripting using Bash to automate tasks, manage file systems, and optimise workflows. By integrating Git with scripting techniques, candidates will gain practical experience in building reliable, automated processes that support collaborative development, pipeline management, and deployment workflows.

Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge

The candidate…

  • has knowledge of the fundamental principles and benefits of Version Control Systems (VCS) in collaborative software development.
  • has knowledge of Git developer environments, commands, and repository structures.
  • has knowledge of branch management, merging techniques, and conflict resolution strategies.
  • has knowledge of Git pipelines and automation, including their role in CI/CD workflows.
  • has knowledge of UNIX-style command line concepts, processes, and tools used in scripting and automation.
  • has knowledge of shell scripting in both general programming syntax and Bash scripting language.
  • has knowledge of directory management processes, file system structures, and operational tools.
  • has knowledge of advanced scripting techniques, including schedulers and cron jobs.
  • has insight into relevant industry standards, conventions, and best practices for version control and scripting.
  • can update his/her vocational knowledge through documentation, manuals, and industry resources.
  • understands the importance of version control and scripting in ensuring quality, efficiency, and collaboration in digital workflows.
Skills

The candidate…

  • can apply vocational knowledge of Git and scripting to solve practical and theoretical development problems.
  • masters Git commands, repository management, Bash commands, scripting syntax, and automation utilities.
  • can find information and resources relevant to solving version control, scripting, and automation challenges.
  • can study a situation, identify issues or automation opportunities, and determine what measures should be implemented.
General Competence

The candidate…

  • understands the ethical principles that apply to version control and automation, including attribution, ownership, reliability, and responsible system access.
  • has developed an ethical attitude in relation to practising version control and automation in professional contexts.
  • can carry out version control and scripting work based on the needs of selected target groups or project requirements.
  • can build relations with peers, including those in related disciplines, and with external stakeholders when contributing to shared codebases or automation solutions.
  • can develop work methods, repository structures, scripts, and workflows of relevance to the practising of version control and automation in professional settings.
Learning Activities

Digital Learning Resources
The learning management system (LMS) is the primary learning platform where students access most of their course materials. The content is presented in various formats, such as text, images, models, videos or podcasts. Each course follows a progression plan, designed to lead students through weekly modules at their own pace. Exercises and assignments (individual or in groups) are embedded throughout the courses to support continuous practice and assessment of the learning outcomes.

Campus Resources
In addition to the digital learning resources, campus students participate in physical learning activities led by teachers as part of the overall delivery.

Guidance
Guidance and feedback from teachers support students' learning journeys, and may be provided synchronously or asynchronously, individually or in groups, via text, video or in-person feedback.

Reading List

Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.