How to Display the Current git Branch on the Command Line

howchoo   (467)

August 24, 2023

3 minutes

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When you’re using git routinely, it’s helpful to know which branch you’re currently on without having to type git status or git branch.

Fortunately, there’s a convenient way to add your current git branch to your command line prompt. For help with remote branches, check out this guide on how to check out a remote branch.

1 – Open your .bashrc to edit

The .bashrc file contains many of your bash settings. You can open the file to edit using your command line text editor of choice. The file should be located in your home directory.

vim ~/.bashrc

2 – Add the following to your .bashrc

function parse_git_branch () {
  git branch 2> /dev/null | sed -e '/^[^*]/d' -e 's/* (.*)/ (1)/'
}
YELLOW="[33[0;33m]"
GREEN="[33[0;32m]"
NO_COLOR="[33[0m]"
PS1="$GREENu@h$NO_COLOR:w$YELLOW$(parse_git_branch)$NO_COLOR$ "

You can add this to the end. Then save and close.

3 – Source your .bashrc

If you’re in a folder with an initialized git repo, you can source your bashrc file and see the difference.

source ~/.bashrc

How to Set up Git Tab Completion

howchoo   (467)

November 26, 2023

How to Choose Which Calendars to Sync in Google Calendar

howchoo   (467)

August 24, 2023

2 minutes

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I’m the kind of person who uses both Google and Apple products. All of my calendar data is saved to a few different Google calendars, but I generally use Apple’s Calendar on my Mac and iPhone. Syncing is fairly simple, but it took my quite some time to figure out how to select which calendars to sync. What I mean by that is each Google Calendar has multiple sub-calendars that seem to get included in the sync process even when they are deselected from the Google Calendar interface. This resulted in duplicate calendar events like Birthdays and Holidays. Fortunately, I found a solution hidden deep in the Google Calendar docs.

1 – Log in to your Google account

Make sure you’re logged in to the Google account you want to manage.

2 – Visit this link

https://www.google.com/calendar/syncselect

3 – Deselect the calendars you don’t want to be synced

Now you can enjoy a more organized calendar!

How to Search in Google Docs (Find Words)

howchoo   (467)

December 13, 2023

How to Check Your Python Version

howchoo   (467)

August 24, 2023

3 minutes

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It’s good to know what version of Python you’re running. Sometimes you may need a specific version to support an application. To check which version you currently have, we’ll be using command line.

tl;dr

python --version

or

python3 --version

1 – Check Python version on MacOS

MacOS users can verify their Python version through the Terminal application. To launch Terminal, open Finder, go to Applications, choose Utilities, and select Terminal.

Run the following command to retrieve your current version of Python.

python --version

If you’ve installed Python 3 alongside the system Python, the command is usually python3 and you can check the exact version using:

python3 --version

2 – Check Python version on Windows 10

Windows 10 users will need to use Windows PowerShell to check the Python version. To launch Windows PowerShell, go to the Start Menu and type powershell. Select it from the list of applications.

Type the following command and press Enter to find your current Python version.

python --version

3 – Check Python version on Linux

If you’re using a Linux-based OS, this includes Raspberry Pi users, you can use the Terminal application to check your Python version. To open Terminal, press Ctrl + Alt + T.

Type this command into the Terminal window and press Enter. This will return info containing your current Python version.

python --version

Secure Your Sensitive Data with Kubernetes Secrets

howchoo   (467)

November 26, 2023

How to Make Your Own Vinyl Record Clock

howchoo   (467)

August 24, 2023

6 minutes

What you’ll need

Interests

Drill bit, 5/16″ x 1

Cordless drill x 1

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Clock movement kit – 1/4 x 1

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If you’re a music enthusiast (or know somebody who is and expects a gift from you), nothing beats a vinyl record clock. I’m a huge fan of simplicity and this clock takes the cake. Note: I chose to purchase a clock movement kit since it was inexpensive and I didn’t have any old clocks lying around to cannibalize parts from.

1 – Choose a record

There’s no point destroying a perfectly good record (let alone one you like), so I recommend choosing one that’s no longer playable. I chose a “Hit Explosion” record that had a pretty big gouge on one side.

2 – Expand the record’s hole

I chose a 1/4″ clock movement kit because most vinyl record holes are approximately 1/4″ in diameter. This size clock kit includes a clock movement that has a 1/4″ spindle. Using your drill and a 5/16″ drill bit, widen the record’s center hole so that the spindle will more easily fit into the record.

3 – Attach the clock movement to the record

Push (or screw) the clock movement’s spindle through the record’s center hole. Using the supplied hardware (normally a nut and washer), secure the clock movement to the record. You can tighten the nut with your fingers — using a wrench is unnecessary and might crack the record.

4 – Paint the clock hands (optional)

Most clock movement kits come with black hands and, since most vinyl records are black, you might want to paint them. I painted my clock hands orange to match the label of the record I’m using. If you don’t feel like breaking out the spray paint, you can order a clock movement with silver or gold hands (though I’ve found the 1/4″ kits to be hard to find in these colors).

5 – Attach the clock hands

Clock movement kits vary — I recommend checking the instructions that came with your kit to ensure that you don’t break the very fragile tiny hands.

6 – Hang up your clock

The clock movement kit I ordered (which I’ve linked to at the top of this guide) has an integrated hanger. This is super useful and saves a ton of time. Now you just need to hammer a nail into the wall and voila! You’re finished!

How to Make Whiskey Simple Syrup

howchoo   (467)

November 20, 2023

How to Make a To-Do List in Slack

howchoo   (467)

August 23, 2023

13 minutes

What you’ll need

Interests

Slack x 1

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So many tasks arise during the course of the day while I’m using Slack that I wanted to find an easy way to add things to a to-do list. Now, whenever some task arises in a Slack conversation I’m having, I can just add it to my to-do list and feel confident that I will not forget it.

Why you should make a to-do list in Slack

The first thing you should do is hand-write an apology to every task that you’ve ever forgotten about. The second apology you should make is to the countless notebooks full of hand-written tasks that are never looked at again. Even the sharpest among us tend to forget things sometimes. It’s how our brains work! I operate best when I’m able to organize my tasks in a to-do list based on priority. I also appreciate the ability to set goals and deadlines for myself on certain tasks.

Slack Todo app

If Slack is the remote work tool your organization used, then you should take advantage of it by really utilizing its work-management features. While there is no built-in to-do feature, there is a great, free app called Todo** that integrates with Slack wonderfully.

That’s the app I’m going to introduce you to in this guide. Check out my other guides on creating a Slack poll and setting up recurring reminders to see more Slack apps in action!

1 – Get the Todo app

I should note that there other app options out there in terms of to-do lists for Slack. I have not tested them all. I’m recommending this one because it is the easiest, free app I’ve used.

In Slack:

• Click the Add apps button on the bottom-left side of the window.
• Search for “Todo”.
• Select the app that appears at the top called “Todo”. (See image above.)

You should get redirected to the installation page where you can add “Todo” to your Slack apps.

2 – To-do list options

When you create a to-do list using “Todo” in Slack, you’re given a number of options for the to-do. I’ll walk you through what those options are and what they mean.

1. Due date (This is the day you want to set as the deadline for your to-do.)
2. Assignee (If this to-do is for someone else to complete, then select their name here.)
3. Project (If this to-do is part of a larger project that you need to keep organized, then select the project here.)
4. Note (Add any additional notes for yourself or assignee.)
5. Reminders (Decide how often and at what times you want Slack to send you a reminder notification.)
6. Watchers (Do you want someone to be notified when you complete the task? If so, select their name here.)

That’s it. It’s really simple to set this up, and I tend to use the same settings for each of my to-dos within Slack.

3 – Create a to-do list from a conversation

The real benefit of using an app like Todo to create to-do lists in Slack is being able to make to-dos out of anything that emerges in a conversation. So the next time your boss says, “Hey! Would you mind having this done by Friday?,” you can easily add that as a to-do without having to type anything!

When you want to add a to-do in Slack from a conversation:

1. Hover over the text you want to save as a to-do.
2. Click on the three dots on the right side (“More actions).
3. Scroll down and click Add task todo.

Now, you’ll be given the to-do list options as described in the previous step from which to choose.

Select your options and click Submit.

4 – Create a to-do list you write yourself

While the option to create to-do lists out of a conversation in Slack is great, you might need to make your own to-do list. There are two ways to do that.

Option 1: Write yourself a note

When you begin a conversation with yourself, only you can see the text. What I like to do is put any to-dos as separate messages in those private conversations. Then, when you need to turn them into to-dos, you simply:

1. Hover over the text you want to save as a to-do.
2. Click on the three dots on the right side (“More actions).
3. Scroll down and click Add task todo.

Now, you’ll be given the to-do list options as described in the previous step from which to choose.

Select your options and click Submit.

Option 2: Use /todo or /todo today

From any channel, you can simply type the Slack slash command, /todo [you desired to-do task] to create a general to-do.

If you want to specify the task be done on that day, then use /todo today [your desired to-do task].

5 – Access your to-dos

Once you’ve set yourself some to-dos in Slack, you’ll want to be able to see them of course! There are two ways to view your to-dos in Slack.

To see all your to-dos

If you want to see all of your to-dos that you still have not completed:

• Click on the “Todo” app at the bottom-left of the Slack window.
• By default, the home screen for the app will show you your to-do list in order by the deadline.

To see to-dos associated with a specific channel

You can also view to-dos you’ve created just in specific channels by:

• Going into that specific channel.
• Typing /todo list

You’ll be given a list of to-dos associated with that Slack channel.

To see completed to-dos

If you need to see your completed to-dos:

• Go into the “Todo” app by clicking it on the bottom-left of the Slack window.
• Select Messages.
• Scroll up to see the to-dos you’ve completed.

How to Set Up Recurring Reminders in Slack

howchoo   (467)

September 14, 2023

How to Install Multiple Fonts at Once on Mac into Font Book

howchoo   (467)

August 23, 2023

2 minutes

What you’ll need

Interests

Finder x 1

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If you have several fonts to install, why install each one manually? You can batch install a bunch of fonts at once.

This guide will show you how to install multiple font files at once into Font Book on Mac.

1 – Locate your fonts in Finder

Open a new Finder window and locate the fonts you’d like to install.

2 – Open Font Book

Navigate to Applications > Font Book (or open it using Spotlight).

3 – Batch install the fonts

In Finder, highlight all the fonts you’d like to install and drag them into the Font Book window. You’re done!

How to Enable the “Popping” Sound When Adjusting the Volume on Your Mac

howchoo   (467)

December 13, 2023

How to Install pip on Mac, Windows, and Linux

howchoo   (467)

August 23, 2023

6 minutes

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The Python standard library includes a great set of modules, but many projects will require the use of third-party modules. Python modules are grouped into packages, so in order to use external modules, we’ll need to install the appropriate package. That’s where pip comes in.

What is pip?

Python packages are maintained in a central repository call PyPI (Python Package Index). It can be pronounced “pie pee eye” or “pie pie”, but not “pie pee” or “pee pee” or anything like that. Now, you could download packages directly from this repository yourself, but that would be a pain.

What is PyPI (Python)?

Pip stands for “pip installs packages”. It’s a command-line tool that allows you to install, upgrade, and uninstall Python packages.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to install pip for Python on all major platforms.

To instead learn how to install Python 3 on Windows 10, then check out our guide.

1 – Install pip on macOS

There are a few options to install pip on MacOS:

Option 1: Use Homebrew (recommended)

Install Homebrew

Homebrew is one of the better package managers for Mac. To install Homebrew, open Terminal and type:

How to Install Homebrew on Mac

ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"

Read more here.

Install pip using Homebrew

Using Homebrew to install python will install the latest Python (Python 3.7 currently), pip, and Setuptools.

brew install python

Option 2: Use easy_install

easy_install is the predecessor to pip, and it comes preinstalled on macOS (along with Python 2). You can use easy_install to install pip for Python 2.

sudo easy_install pip

2 – Install pip on Windows

Download the installer script

Right click on this installer script and select Save As….

Run the installer script

Open the Command Prompt, then navigate to the directory where you downloaded the script.

Now run:

python get-pip.py

3 – Install pip on Linux

The command to install pip on Linux will vary based on the distribution you’re using (and the package manager). Below I’ll list the common package managers.

APT (Advanced Packaging Tool)

Python 2.x

sudo apt-get install python-pip

Python 3.x

sudo apt-get install python3-pip

Pacman

Python 2.x

sudo pacman -S python2-pip

Python 3.x

sudo pacman -S python-pip

Yum

Python 2.x

sudo yum upgrade python-setuptools
sudo yum install python-pip python-wheel

Python 3.x

sudo yum install python3 python3-wheel

4 – Learn how to install Python packages using pip

Now that pip is installed, learn how to install Python packages using pip.

How to Install Python Packages with pip

Secure Your Sensitive Data with Kubernetes Secrets

howchoo   (467)

November 26, 2023

How to Preview in InDesign

howchoo (467)

August 23, 2023

3 minutes

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1 – Press “W” on your keyboard

2 – Change via the View menu

• Go to View in the top toolbar.
• Go to Screen Mode.
• Select either Preview or Normal.

How to Resize an Image in InDesign

howchoo (467)

December 7, 2023

How to Set Up Your Work Email on Your Android Phone

howchoo (467)

August 23, 2023

7 minutes

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Android Phone x 1

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How to Update Apps on Android Keep your favorite apps up to date.

1 – Open the add account screen

1. Open the Gmail app.
2. Select your profile photo in the top-right corner.
3. Choose Add another account.

2 – Choose the account type

3 – Add the account details

Supported email providers

Other email providers

• Email protocol (IMAP or POP3)
• Incoming server address
• Outgoing server address

1. Enter your email address, and choose Next.
2. You will be prompted to confirm if the account is POP3 or IMAP. Tap Next.
3. Enter the password associated with the email account. Tap Next.
4. Confirm the incoming server address for your work email. Tap Next.
5. Enter the outgoing server address for your work email. IT support should have this address, as well.
6. Tap next and confirm the notification/sync settings for the email account.

4 – How to switch between inboxes

1. Tap your profile photo in the top-right corner.
2. Choose an account to switch to.

5 – How to add a signature

1. Open Gmail.
2. Open the Main Menu.
3. Choose Settings.
4. Select your account, and go to Signature settings.
5. Set Mobile Signature to on.
6. Create a custom mobile signature to use with the account.
7. Press the back button to save the changes.

6 – Troubleshooting

How to Reset Network Settings on Android devices Network trouble on your Android device? Try this.

Everything You Need to Know About Amazon Household

howchoo (467)

September 19, 2023