ABOUT BASH CARDS
What Are Bash Cards
Bash Cards are scannable QR cards that trigger Bash scripts on Linux systems. Each card handles one focused job, such as a system check, setup routine, scan task, or quick automation step.
Core Concepts
What Is Bash and a Shell?
Bash (Bourne Again SHell) is the standard Linux command-line shell. The shell is the interface used to run commands, launch programs, and control the operating system.
What Is an Interpreter?
An interpreter executes code as it reads it. Bash interprets .sh scripts line-by-line, so scripts run directly without a separate compile step.
Delivery Model
What Is a Side-Loaded Program?
Side-loading means running a program from outside a package repository or app store. Bash Cards are side-loaded directly into a shell session through a scanned payload.
What Is Sneakernet?
Sneakernet means physically moving data instead of transferring it over the internet. A printed QR card is a Sneakernet delivery method: scan and run, even in low-connectivity environments.
How To Use Bash Cards
- Open your scanner tool (webcam reader or barcode scanner input)
- Scan the card’s QR code
- Review the command/script if your workflow requires confirmation
- Run the payload in your Linux shell
QR Capacity Limits
Largest Standard QR
Version 40 (177x177 modules) is the maximum standard QR symbol size and can store about 2,953 bytes of binary data or 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
Maximum Data Size
Most practical cards stay around a few KB. For larger workflows, use a bootstrap script in the QR that fetches the full payload.
Why This Exists
Bash Cards remove repetitive command entry and reduce operator error. They allow fast, repeatable execution for setup, diagnostics, and operations work. The same payloads can also be delivered by curl when a scanner is not being used.
What Should Be in Bash Cards
Good card content includes training utilities, system administration tasks, diagnostics, package/config helpers, security tooling, and controlled automation routines for repeatable operations.
3D Viewer
Browse deck previews below. Click a card to focus and flip.