Description: The ‘Not Equal’ operator in shell scripting refers to a condition that checks if two values are not equal. This operator is fundamental in script programming as it allows developers to make decisions based on comparisons. In the context of shell scripting, it is commonly used in control structures like ‘if’ to evaluate conditions and execute different blocks of code based on the comparison result. The typical syntax for using ‘Not Equal’ is ‘!=’ in various scripting languages and shells. This operator is essential for programming logic, enabling the creation of more dynamic and adaptive scripts, facilitating task automation and system management. By using ‘Not Equal’, programmers can ensure that certain actions are only performed when the compared values do not match, which is crucial for data validation and executing conditional commands. In summary, ‘Not Equal’ is a key operator in programming that allows for inequality comparisons, contributing to the logic and functionality of scripts.