I would agree with this and use python instead, but for uuhh "python problems with strings". IF you are 'blue sky' open, making new things, yes, sure. no BASH. But for things I built 8 years ago that are non-trivial, and I don't prioritize an entire rewrite, BASH works very well. And guess what, every two years that 8-years-ago just comes along with it. BASH is here to stay.