A build systems is a functional program or scripts developed to automate and simplify compiling and linking source code. A meta-build system like CMake generates native makefiles and workspaces that can be used in the compiler environment of your choice. CMake is a powerful open-source cross-platform set of tools designed to build, test and package…Read more Understanding ROS Build Systems
Tools
GNU Screen Magic
GNU Screen is a terminal multiplexer. Simply put, it allows you to run multiple persistent sessions and each session can have multiple screen (shell) windows. These sessions will continue to run even if your SSH connection gets disconnected. This setup is very useful for running processes that take a long time on a remote machine.…Read more GNU Screen Magic
Secretly searching for a domain name
Have you ever searched for a domain name, discovered it was available, only to see it vanish (or drastically increase in price) a couple of hours later as you were about to buy it? Registering a domain can unexpectedly turn into a frustrating game of cat and mouse. This is mainly due to a practice…Read more Secretly searching for a domain name
A comprehensive guide to overcoming Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Part II
This three part series is a comprehensive guide to beating RSI with hardware, software, and physiotherapy exercise strategies. Part I outlined the hardware strategies so this article will focus on software interventions for overcoming RSI. Regular breaks and rest The best way to combat repetitive strain injury is to interrupt the strain cycle by taking…Read more A comprehensive guide to overcoming Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Part II
A comprehensive guide to overcoming Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Part I
Writing algorithms for robots is fun, so fun that one can really loose track of time spent at a computer. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a gradual process of straining tendons and muscles in the wrist, hand and arm due to repetitive strenuous motions such as using a computer mouse or typing. This can result…Read more A comprehensive guide to overcoming Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Part I
Setting up CLion for ROS and GitHub
CLion is a cross-platform C/C++ IDE that natively supports CMake (which ROS Catkin is based on), and also supports Python code. Creating or opening ROS projects within CLion makes it easy to debug code, execute nodes, and view packages and classes within a ROS workspace in an intuititve way. More details on the setup can…Read more Setting up CLion for ROS and GitHub
Tools for accelerated learning
Learning new tools, programming languages, algorithms, middle-ware, or even math is a way of life for any roboticist. And learning fast is equally important. Here are some useful platforms for learning. Programming languages Assuming you already know how to code, learning a new language involves getting familiar with new syntax, libraries and sometimes new paradigms.…Read more Tools for accelerated learning
Useful tools and hacks
A collection of useful tools and hacks I've come across recently (list updated): Resetting an administrative password in Ubuntu It is possible to reset an administrative password you forgot, provided you have access to the physical machine (this is obviously a security measure). To reset simply restart the machine and on the GNU GRUB screen…Read more Useful tools and hacks
Robotics. And other stuff too. 