Re:Ask HN: Do you automate most of your routine tasks?
by bartl on Thursday March 31, 2011 @08:27AM
(#2391234)
Yes I do. For example, I have a little script to install Drupal modules, which is nothing more than downloading the tarball from the Drupal website, and untarring it in the proper directory.
Likewise, I've got scripts to extract strings to translate (with gettext()) using xgettext from various project directories, and merging it with older, already existing translations; and for installing edited translations afterwards (with msgfmt).
I also have a script to upload files that were changed locally to a remote server.
No, it didn't take me 2 weeks to code them.
Most of the time I just do the task once, and store the commands in a file. Next I edit that file replacing values with script arguments. Tada! Instant script. For lists of values that depend on the project, I create presets (one argument determines what set of values to use).
Likewise, I've got scripts to extract strings to translate (with gettext()) using xgettext from various project directories, and merging it with older, already existing translations; and for installing edited translations afterwards (with msgfmt).
I also have a script to upload files that were changed locally to a remote server.
No, it didn't take me 2 weeks to code them.
Most of the time I just do the task once, and store the commands in a file. Next I edit that file replacing values with script arguments. Tada! Instant script. For lists of values that depend on the project, I create presets (one argument determines what set of values to use).