Can shell scripts do the same job? yes.<p>Do I want to deal with writing the code &#x2F; instructions to:<p>* Explain how to setup&#x2F;install the build tools.
* Account for differences in shell env.
* Explain to windows users to get cygwin&#x2F;whatever, or make a separate set of scripts for them.<p>No.<p>Grunt&#x2F;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.