As programmers we optimize repetitious code by creating libraries, classes, functions, etc... and call that code over and over. However, most of us don't optimize the tasks and activities we do repeatably.
There are many activities that fall into this category;
- Scanning log files for specific data.
- Editing blocks of text to be compatible with other programs or languages.
- Analysing code or data for specific patterns
- ...
I'm sure we can all remember a time typing on the keyboard and feeling like a monkey. This is not only a waste of time, it's boring!!! Wouldn't it be more rewarding using your brain to find a way to automate that task and complete the work in a fraction of the time?If you have Microsoft Windows, you already have a powerful automation tool installed;
WScript.exe - This program is installed in your Window\System folder and all *.js and *.vbs files a associated with it. JScript and VBScript are powerful scripting technologies that can be uses to improve your efficiency.
Visit: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/default.mspx
There is a scripting guide, tools and lots of examples. Check out the script repository, I'm sure you will find something there that would be useful.
Not everything requires scripting, sometimes a quick, simple keyboard macro will do the trick and stop you from feeling like a monkey. Many programs support keyboard marcos, I suggest LargeEdit ;)
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