tmuxinator: Manage complex tmux sessions easily

Once upon a time, I used GNU screen to provide terminal multiplexing – running multiple terminal sessions in the same terminal process. This allows a number of handy features, including being able to switch between different sessions, keep processes running in the background, and maintain a highly organized command-line environment. GNU screen was the utility to do this.

As with everything else in Linux, GNU screen was supplanted by tmux – usage statistics indicate that tmux is now the most used terminal multiplexer. tmux provides all of the features that screen provided and more. It’s also slightly easier to configure. tmux runs into some of the same problems screen had though, including trying to manage complex tmux sessions.

Enter tmuxinator to provide this functionality. tmuxinator allows a user to easily define session configuration – including setting up tabs, windows and screens – to easily launch and reuse configurations and to make switching between sessions simple. (Well, a little simpler. The readme.md for tmuxinator is needlessly complex and it takes time to learn how to configure settings and how the settings work in tmux.)

I use tmuxinator to launch three sessions on startup: Personal (applications like mutt for email and vimwiki for journaling), Work and writing. Each session is a window, and allows for creating multiple panes for each window, allowing multiple terminals to run at the same time. Once tmuxinator is configured, it will save a lot of time.

If only that readme.md were less complex.

Create and manage tmux sessions easily (github).

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Three very good todo.txt applications for Linux

Screenshot from the Linux todo task app Sleek

I have been using Gina Trepani’s Todo.txt as my task list system for quite a while now. I decided I wanted something that could present an easier-to-grok task list. Thanks to Trepani’s standard Todo.txt file conventions, it is easy to write applications that use the Todo.txt file as a data source, and display/manipulate tasks within it.

There are Todo.txt task managers available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, but since I’m a Linux geek, I am going to stick to talking about three todo.txt applications for Linux: Sleek, Pter, and Xpter.

Sleek is a simple and easy-to-use to-do list application. It is perfect for users who want a basic to-do list without any bells and whistles. Sleek has a clean and uncluttered interface, and it is very easy to add, edit, and delete tasks. Sleek also supports due dates and priorities, and it can be integrated with a variety of other applications, such as Google Calendar and Todoist.

Sleek Linux to-do list application

Pter (an acronym for Personal Task Entropy Reducer) is a more powerful to-do list application than Sleek. It has a wider range of features, including support for subtasks, recurring tasks, and attachments. Pter also has a more customizable interface than Sleek. However, Pter is also more complex to use than Sleek.

Pter Linux to-do list application

Qpter is a QT-based GUI companion to the terminal-based to-do list application Pter. It is perfect for users who want a lightweight and portable to-do list application. Qpter is very fast and efficient, and it supports a wide range of features, including support for due dates, priorities, and tags.

The best to-do list application for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-use to-do list application, Sleek is a good choice. If you need a more powerful to-do list application with a wider range of features, Pter is a good option. If you want a lightweight and portable to-do list application, Xpter is a good choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which to-do list application is right for you is to try them all out and see which one you like best. Personally, I find Pter to be the most powerful so I use it whenever I need to add/edit tasks, but if I just want to view my to-do list, then Sleek does this elegantly.

How I Landed a Tech Job After Being Laid Off

Graphic of a recruiter and three job candidates

How I Landed a Tech Job After Being Laid Off

I was laid off from my tech job in 2023. I was devastated, but I knew I had to get back on my feet. I started my job search, but I quickly realized that things had changed since I was last looking for a job. The tech job market was more competitive than ever, and I needed to find a way to stand out from the crowd.

I did some research and learned about applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS are software programs that scan resumes for keywords that match the job requirements. If your resume does not contain enough keywords, it will be rejected by the ATS and you will not even have a chance to be considered for the job.

I also learned about the importance of tailoring your resume to each job you apply for. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific job. You can do this by using keywords from the job description throughout your resume and by highlighting your accomplishments in a way that is specific to the job.

I took all of this information to heart and made some changes to my resume. I also started practicing my interview skills. I was determined to get a tech job, and I knew that I had to be prepared.

Resume Tips

Make your resume ATS-friendly! Try the following:

  • Use keywords throughout your resume that are relevant to the job you are applying for. You can find these keywords by reading the job description carefully and looking for words and phrases that are used repeatedly.
  • Use a clear and concise writing style. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the ATS.
  • Format your resume in a way that is easy for the ATS to scan. Use white space and headings to break up your resume and make it easy to read.

Yes, it is often painful to tailor every single resume you submit. However, doing so, increases your chance of getting a call back for an interview.  In other words: tailor your resume for each job you apply for. Some ways you can tailor your resume are:

  • Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific job.
  • Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.
  • Highlight your accomplishments in a way that is specific to the job.

A rejected resume is in no way a judgement of you personally. No matter how perfect you are for a job listing, odds are that you still won’t get an interview. over 90% of resumes submitted do not lead to an interview.
D. Now, regarding interviews…

Interview Tips

Interview invitations are as rare as four-leaf clovers. If you are invited to interview for a position cultivate it just like you would a clover. Some tips for doing so:

  • Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the company and the position you are interviewing for. This will help you answer questions intelligently and show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the job.
  • Be prepared to answer common interview questions. There are a few questions that are commonly asked in interviews. Practice answering these questions in advance so that you can give confident and polished answers.
  • Use stories to answer interview questions, for example, if you are asked “how do you handle conflicts with teammates”, tell the story of a time where you had to help calm an argument between co-workers. (Note: do not make up stories.)
  • Be yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you. So relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through.
  • Ask questions. At the end of the interview, the interviewer will likely ask you if you have any questions. This is your chance to learn more about the company and the position. Be sure to ask thoughtful questions that show you are interested in the job. e.g. “How would you describe the responsibilities for this position”?

Conclusion

Searching for jobs in 2023 is very different than in the past. With so many qualified candidates applying for each job, it’s more important than ever to have a strong resume and interview skills. By following the tips in this blog post, you can improve your chances of getting a tech job and starting your dream career.

Additional Tips

  • Get feedback on your resume from a trusted friend or colleague.
  • Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member.

[Note: most of my interview tips are paraphrased from videos on the Self-Made Millenial YouTube channel. Resume tips are based off resume improvement articles on LinkedIn and FlexJobs]