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This is the place where I publish articles about my findings and progress in the awesome world of technology and beyond! Also, check out my projects or get in touch.
My latest articles //
The complete introduction to Vagrant
Vagrant is a tool that automatically downloads and configures virtual machines, according to a recipe file. It is similar to Docker, but with extended support for different, virtualized operating systems. Use cases include setting up virtual test beds, or CI build machines. This article provides an introduction to Vagrant’s concepts and how it works, as well as many tips and…
Google Docs for code: the best collaborative code editors in 2020
Collaborative code editors let developers write code together in real time, just like Google Docs. This article compares Microsoft Live Share, Atom TeleType, Floobits, CodeTogether, and CodeInterview. I clearly demonstrate the limitations and benefits of each tool, including how it integrates into existing IDEs, end-to-end encryption and pricing. I’ll conclude with recommendations for different use cases, such as coding interviews,…
Git submodule tutorial – from zero to hero
Git allows a repository to include other Git repositories as submodules. However, the submodules mechanism is complicating several workflows that are usually straightforward, like committing or checking out changes. This Git submodule tutorial explains the concept of submodules and helps you navigate the most important workflows. All steps and commands are demonstrated by example, using a typical use-case for submodules:…
How to download video and audio streams from virtually any website with youtube-dl
It is possible to download video and audio streams from streaming platforms, using third-party tools. You need these tools if the streaming site does not officially support downloading. This article focuses on the powerful tool named youtube-dl. It explains the compatible graphical user interfaces Downline and YDL-UI. They make it easy to download videos (or audio) from sites like YouTube,…
How to commit executable shell scripts with Git on Windows
Whenever you develop UNIX shell scripts on Microsoft Windows and commit them with Git, they lack the UNIX execute permission bit. When you check out the file with Git on a UNIX-based system, these scripts cannot be started, and the software breaks. This article explains how to set the execute permission bit on Windows, and how to automate the process….
How to boost development productivity with the 36 best keyboard shortcuts
This article helps software developers to boost development productivity in their IDE. It presents many keyboard shortcuts and functionalities you don’t know about yet. Although the examples are tailored to the PyCharm IDE, you will learn the methodology for discovering and adopting shortcuts for any tool. I will demonstrate how to effectively create your own cheat sheet, and why this…
An introduction to the micro:bit for software developers
The micro:bit is a microcomputer programmable in C/C++, TypeScript and Python. This article discusses hard- and software capabilities and limitations of the micro:bit. Software developers not yet familiar with the device will get a first orientation on how to get started with each programming language, together with Dos and Don’ts I learnt from first-hand experience. Table Of ContentsIntroducing the micro:bitLimitationsDeveloping…
Android without Google: replace Google Android apps for better privacy
This article explains reasons why you should replace Google Android apps with alternatives – most notably to protect your privacy. I’ll point out how to change privacy-related settings on Android, and provide replacements for Maps, YouTube, Gmail, Find My Device, and Gboard. For other apps like Chrome or Drive, and replacing Google’s services in general, read my Without Google article….
Without Google: replace Google services for better privacy
This article explains reasons why you should replace Google services with alternatives – most notably to protect your privacy. I will review possible replacements for Google’s most used services on desktop devices, Chrome, Drive and Gmail, including mail, calendar and contacts synchronization. I will also cover a few other services, like Google Keep and Hangouts. Table Of ContentsWhy replace Google’s…
How to protect your Windows machine with antivirus and firewall software
With Windows 10 it is no longer strictly necessary to install antivirus or firewall products by third party vendors. While this used to be good practice for Windows 7 and earlier, Windows 10 already contains malware protection and a firewall that provides sufficient protection. Avoiding third party products saves you money and avoids that your system is slowed down (due…