Programming

A collection of 74 posts

Programming

Parsing XML in Python with ElementTree

This post covers how to parse XML in Python using the built-in ElementTree module. It walks through loading XML from files and strings, extracting element text and attributes, and using key methods like findall(), find(), and iter(). Practical examples use a networking-themed XML dataset to keep th

Programming

JavaScript Objects: Key-Value Data

JavaScript objects allow you to group related data as key-value pairs, making them one of the most essential structures in the language. This post covers creating objects, accessing and updating properties using dot and bracket notation, nested objects, and looping through object data. It is writte

Programming

Grep: Searching for Text in Bash

This post introduces the grep command in Bash, covering its core syntax, the most useful flags like -i, -n, -v, -r, and -c, and how to combine grep with pipes to filter command output. Practical examples throughout make it immediately applicable for anyone working in a Linux terminal.

Programming

Pretty Printing JSON for Readability

Pretty printing JSON reformats compact, hard-to-read JSON data with indentation and line breaks to make it human-friendly. This post covers how to pretty print JSON using Python's json module, the json.tool command-line utility, and the jq tool, including practical options like indent levels and ke

Programming

Working with Strings in Python

This post introduces Python strings for beginners, covering how to create them, use indexing and slicing, apply common built-in methods, and format them dynamically using f-strings. Practical examples focus on real-world use cases like parsing log lines and building device messages. It is part of a

Programming

Validating JSON with Online Tools

Online JSON validators are essential tools for catching syntax errors before they break your scripts. This post covers the most common JSON mistakes, the best free browser-based validators, and a practical workflow for keeping your JSON clean.

Programming

Piping Commands Together in Bash

This post explains how piping works in Bash, using the | character to chain commands together so the output of one feeds directly into the next. It covers practical examples including filtering with grep, counting with wc, sorting with sort and uniq, and chaining multiple pipes in a single command.

Programming

JavaScript Array Methods

This post covers the most essential JavaScript array methods every beginner should know, including map(), filter(), reduce(), find(), and more. Each method is explained with a clear, practical code example. By the end, readers have a solid reference for working with arrays in real-world JavaScript

Programming

XML Schema (XSD) Basics

XML Schema (XSD) is a W3C standard that defines the allowed structure, element order, and data types in an XML document. This post explains simple and complex types, sequence and occurrence controls, and shows how to validate XML against an XSD using Python's lxml library.

Programming

Python Data Types: An Overview

This post introduces Python's core built-in data types, including integers, floats, strings, booleans, lists, dictionaries, tuples, and None. Each type is explained with practical code examples to help beginners understand how Python handles and categorises data. A clear reference summary ties ever

Programming

Common JSON Errors and How to Fix Them

JSON errors are common but predictable. This post covers the six most frequent JSON syntax mistakes, including trailing commas, single quotes, unquoted keys, and invalid data types, with clear before-and-after examples and practical tools to validate your JSON quickly.

Programming

Redirecting Output in Bash

This post covers the fundamentals of redirecting output in Bash, including stdout, stderr, and how to send both to files or discard them entirely. It walks through practical examples including appending to log files and separating output streams in scripts. Ideal for beginners building their comman

Programming

JavaScript Arrays: Storing Multiple Values

JavaScript arrays allow you to store multiple values in a single variable, making it easy to manage lists of data. This post covers how to create arrays, access and modify elements, loop through them, and use them in practical examples. It's a foundational concept for anyone learning JavaScript.

Programming

Validating XML with DTD

This post explains how Document Type Definitions (DTDs) are used to validate XML documents beyond basic well-formedness. It covers internal and external DTDs, key syntax elements like ELEMENT and ATTLIST declarations, occurrence indicators, and how to run validation using the xmllint command-line t

Programming

Python Variables: Storing and Using Data

This post introduces Python variables for beginners, covering assignment, common data types, naming conventions, and reassignment. Practical networking-flavoured examples show how variables form the foundation of any Python script. By the end, readers can confidently create and use variables in the

Programming

How to Read and Write JSON Manually

JSON is a universal data format that appears in APIs, configuration files, and automation tools. This post teaches beginners how to read and write JSON manually, covering objects, arrays, data types, and common mistakes to avoid.

Programming

Bash Exit Codes and Error Handling

Every Bash command returns an exit code — 0 for success, non-zero for failure. This post covers how to read exit codes with $?, use them in conditional logic, set them in your own scripts, and use set -euo pipefail to make scripts fail safely and early.

Programming

JavaScript For...of and For...in Loops

This post covers the JavaScript for...of and for...in loops, explaining what each one iterates over, when to use them, and how to avoid the common mistake of using the wrong loop for the wrong data structure. Practical code examples show both loops in action, including a combined use case.

Programming

XML Namespaces Explained Simply

XML namespaces solve naming conflicts by grouping related elements together using unique identifiers. This beginner-friendly guide explains the syntax, default namespaces, and real-world examples to help you understand this fundamental XML concept.

Programming

How to Run a Python Script from the Terminal

Learn how to execute Python scripts from the command line terminal. Covers basic commands, navigation, common issues, and passing arguments to scripts.

Programming

JSON vs XML: What Is the Difference

JSON and XML are both data formats for storing and transmitting structured data, but JSON offers simpler syntax, smaller file sizes, and better performance for modern applications. XML provides more robust document structure and validation capabilities, making it suitable for enterprise systems and

Programming

Bash Arithmetic Operations

Learn how to perform mathematical calculations in Bash scripts using double parentheses, expr command, and bc for floating-point operations. Includes practical examples and common use cases.

Programming

JavaScript While Loops

Learn JavaScript while loops from the ground up. This beginner guide covers syntax, practical examples, common pitfalls like infinite loops, and best practices for writing effective loop code.

Programming

XML Attributes vs Elements: When to Use Each

Learn when to use XML attributes versus elements in your documents. This guide covers practical decision-making rules and shows real examples of how to structure XML data effectively for both human readability and machine processing.

Programming

Understanding the Python Interactive Shell

Learn how to use the Python Interactive Shell (REPL) for immediate code execution, experimentation, and learning. Covers starting the shell, basic usage examples, and practical tips for effective Python development.