Can shell scripts do the same job? yes. Do I want to deal with writing the code / instructions to: * Explain how to setup/install the build tools. * Account f

Can shell scripts do the same job? yes. Do I want to deal with writing the code / instructions to: * Explain how to setup/install the build tools. * Account for differences in shell env. * Explain to windows users to get cygwin/whatever, or make a separate set of scripts for them. No. Grunt/Gulp have the benefit of having a consistent cross OS package manager (npm), in a language that the coder is likely to be familiar with should they need to tweak it.