The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Modern Unix tools (Interview)

7 snips
Jul 31, 2021
Nick Janetakis, a freelance developer and host of the Running in Production podcast, dives deep into modern Unix tools. He discusses the pros and cons of Bash vs. Zsh and shares fascinating insights on command line tools like 'cat' vs. 'bat.' Nick reveals how using modern alternatives like 'exa' and 'gping' can streamline workflows. He emphasizes the importance of command history and custom aliases for productivity. With a blend of humor and practical advice, the conversation unveils the evolution of Unix and its impact on today's development practices.
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ANECDOTE

Custom CD Function

  • Jerod Santo uses a custom cd function that automatically lists directory contents after changing directories.
  • This function improves his workflow by combining two frequent commands.
ADVICE

Command Line Tool Selection

  • Prioritize tools that offer new features while maintaining existing functionality.
  • Remembering numerous command line flags can be challenging, exemplified by the tar command.
ADVICE

Cat for MP3s

  • Cat can concatenate MP3 files, merging them into a single, longer file.
  • This is achieved by treating MP3 files as text during concatenation.
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