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  • 3 min read

Installing Ubuntu 19.10 on a MacBook Pro 13,1

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore ways to make our lives better, one step at a time. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to talk about a topic that might interest our fellow software developers out there. Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a particular operating system? Well, I certainly have, and today I want to share with you my journey from macOS to Ubuntu on my MacBook Pro.

As a software developer, having the right tools and environment to work in is essential. But sometimes, the operating system you're using can prove to be a roadblock to your productivity. That's when I decided to explore an alternative, and after some research, I found that Ubuntu could be the answer.

One of the reasons I wanted to switch from macOS Catalina to Ubuntu was the amount of disk space that Xcode and its bundled tools were taking up. Up to 10GB of disk space just for one software package! As a developer, I couldn't afford to waste precious time waiting for slow downloads and updates to finish.

Now, the first concern that popped into my mind was whether my MacBook Pro hardware would be compatible with an open-source Linux distribution like Ubuntu. But to my surprise, thanks to the efforts of the community, many features worked right out of the box with a fresh Ubuntu install. The screen, keyboard, touchpad, and Wi-Fi all worked seamlessly. The only feature that required a workaround was audio, which I managed to solve by using USB Type-C headphones or connecting to an external monitor with built-in speakers.

If you're curious about trying Ubuntu on your MacBook Pro, the process is actually quite simple. First, you'll need to download Ubuntu 19.10 from the official Ubuntu website. Once you have the ISO file, you'll create a bootable USB stick using a tool called Etcher. There's a helpful guide available on the Ubuntu website that will walk you through this step-by-step. After that, restart your MacBook, press the Option key, and select the USB stick as the boot device. From there, you can try Ubuntu and proceed with the installation if it suits your needs.

As a developer, I found that setting up essential tools like Git on Ubuntu was a breeze. With a simple command, you can install Git and start using it right away. This is a much more straightforward process compared to macOS, which can restrict your freedom in various ways.

It's important not to become too comfortable with a single platform. By exploring alternative operating systems like Ubuntu, you can embrace the open-source community and experience the freedom of choice. At times, big corporations may not always act in our best interest when it comes to protecting our personal data from government surveillance. That's where open-source software shines, giving us the opportunity to take control of our own digital lives.

Before we wrap up, I want to share a couple of additional resources if you decide to make the switch to Ubuntu on your MacBook Pro. If you want to get Bluetooth working, there's a handy script available on GitHub that you can use. And if you're also looking to get your camera working, there's a detailed guide available to help you install the necessary driver.

Well, that's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope that this discussion on transitioning from macOS to Ubuntu has given you some valuable insights. Remember, don't be afraid to explore alternatives and continuously improve your work environment. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll tackle another exciting topic. Until then, keep striving for continuous improvement in all aspects of your life.

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  • 2 min read

Setting Up MongoDB with Koa.js

Welcome back to another episode of Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore the world of software development and find ways to level up our coding skills. I'm your host, Victor. In today's episode, we're going to dive into connecting a Koa.js server to a MongoDB database. If you're ready to learn, let's get started!

Before we begin, make sure you have Koa.js and MongoDB installed. Once that's done, let's jump right into the steps.

Step one, connect to the database before initializing the Koa app. To do this, you'll need to create a database.js file. Inside that file, import Mongoose, an Object Data Modeling (ODM) library, and your connection string from the configuration file. Remember to install Mongoose by running npm install --save mongoose.

const mongoose = require('mongoose');
import { connectionString } from './conf/app-config';

const initDB = () => {
  mongoose.connect(connectionString);

  mongoose.connection.once('open', () => {
    console.log('Connected to the database');
  });

  mongoose.connection.on('error', console.error);
};

module.exports = initDB;

Step two, create a schema in Koa. For example, let's create a user schema inside the /models/users.js file.

const mongoose = require('mongoose');
const Schema = mongoose.Schema;

const UserSchema = new Schema({
  username: String,
  email: String,
  picture: String
});

module.exports = mongoose.model('User', UserSchema);

Step three, create a service to query the data. In this example, we'll create a /service/user.service.js file.

import User from '../models/users';

export const getUserFromDb = async (username) => {
  const data = await User.findOne({ username });
  return data;
};

export const createUserInDb = async (user) => {
  const newUser = new User(user);
  await newUser.save();
  return user;
};

And finally, step four, call the service in the Koa controller. For instance, let's say we have a /controller/user.controller.js file.

import { getUserFromDb, createUserInDb } from '../service/user.service';

static async getUser(ctx) {
  const user = await getUserFromDb(ctx.query.username);
  ctx.body = user;
}

static async registerUser(ctx) {
  const user = await createUserInDb(ctx.request.body);
  ctx.body = user;
}

And there you have it! By following these steps, you should be able to connect your Koa.js server to a MongoDB database. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.

That's it for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found this information helpful in your journey as a developer. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more valuable insights and tips. Until next time, happy coding!

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  • 3 min read

Migrating Your Blog from Medium to Ghost 3.0

Welcome back to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore ways to enhance our personal and professional lives. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we're diving into the exciting world of blogging platform migration. Specifically, we'll discuss how to migrate your blog from Medium to Ghost 3.0.

But before we begin, let me share why I prefer Ghost over WordPress. Ghost, unlike WordPress, is built using Node.js instead of PHP. It's not only open-source, but it also offers a sleek and stylish dark theme. So, if you're ready to regain control of your content and make the jump to Ghost, let's get started.

Step one: Exporting your posts from Medium. Head over to the Settings section on Medium's platform and locate the section that enables you to download your data. Click on it, and your post data will be exported to a file.

Moving on to step two: Importing the exported file to WordPress.com. Create a free account on WordPress.com, and within the Import section, you'll find an option to import content from Medium. Follow the prompts to successfully import your posts. Once completed, you can then export the file from WordPress.com in a format compatible with Ghost.

Step three: Importing the file to WordPress.org via a plugin. Begin by downloading the open-source WordPress software from wordpress.org. Run it locally using MAMP, a tool that allows us to set up a local server environment. Once set up, copy all the WordPress files and place them in the htdocs folder within MAMP. Start the server, and voila! You should now be able to run your WordPress instance on your local machine.

Within the WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Import section and select the option to import from WordPress. Follow the instructions to import the file you previously exported from WordPress.com.

Now, it's time to prepare for the final export. Install the official Ghost plugin from the WordPress plugin repository. With the plugin installed, you can export your blog posts using it. Though you're provided with an option to download the Ghost file, it may not work as expected. Instead, try clicking on the download .json file option as an alternative.

Step four: Importing your posts to Ghost. In your Ghost dashboard, go to the Settings tab and then navigate to the Labs section. Here, you'll find an option to import files. Select your exported file and initiate the import process. With a little luck, all your posts from Medium should now be beautifully migrated to Ghost 3.0.

And that's it! Congratulations on successfully migrating your blog from Medium to Ghost 3.0. Feel free to explore Ghost's various features and continue your blogging journey with this powerful open-source platform.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Continuous Improvement." I hope you found the information valuable and that it encourages you to embrace new platforms like Ghost. Remember, continuous improvement is all about taking small steps towards a better future, both in your personal and professional endeavors. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes, please reach out to me through our website. Until next time, keep improving!

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  • 2 min read

Setting Up npm Proxy in a Corporate Network

Hello and welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore strategies and techniques to enhance our professional lives. I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll be diving into the topic of working behind a corporate network and overcoming challenges that arise. Specifically, we'll be discussing how to successfully work with proxies when using commands like npm install.

Working within a corporate network often requires additional steps to get things up and running smoothly. For instance, commands that typically work perfectly outside the corporate environment may not function as expected within it. But fear not, because today we'll be sharing some helpful tips to work through proxy issues and ensure you can use npm install without any hiccups.

Assuming that you've already installed node.js on your corporate laptop, the first step is to locate the .npmrc file. On Windows, this file is typically found at C:\Users\<your_user_id>\.npmrc. And on a Mac, you can find it at Users/<your_user_id>/.npmrc.

Open the .npmrc file and add the following lines:

    https-proxy=http://yourcompanyproxy.com:80
    proxy=http://yourcompanyproxy.com:80
    strict-ssl=false
    registry=http://registry.npmjs.org/

These lines will help in configuring the proxy settings necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of npm install. Now, give npm install another try, and you'll see that it works seamlessly!

But wait, there's more! If you have dependencies hosted in your corporate internal Nexus npm repository, there's an additional step you can take to resolve any "dependency not found" errors. Let's say your dependencies are in the @npmcorp scope. To specify the correct registry URL, run the following command:

    npm config set @npmcorp:registry https://your-company-nexus:80/nexus/content/repository/npm-internal

By running this command, you'll ensure that the correct registry URL is used, and any "dependency not found" errors will be resolved. It's a small step that can make a big difference in your work.

So there you have it, a couple of essential tips to overcome proxy issues when working with npm install within a corporate network. By configuring the proxy settings and specifying the correct registry URL for internal dependencies, you'll be able to navigate any obstacles that come your way.

That wraps up today's episode of "Continuous Improvement." I hope you found these tips helpful and will apply them in your work environment. Remember, it's all about continuously improving our professional lives, one step at a time.

If you have any questions or specific topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to reach out to us on our website or social media channels. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful episodes.

Thank you for joining me today. I'm Victor, and until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement.

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  • 3 min read

My MBA Study Trip to Germany

Welcome back to another episode of Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore strategies and insights for personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the fascinating world of antifragility, inspired by a recent study trip to Germany. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's embark on this journey together.

As many of you know, traveling can be an unpredictable adventure. But sometimes, within the chaos, we stumble upon valuable lessons that reshape our perspectives. And that's exactly what happened during my trip to Germany. Despite the flight delays and jet lag-induced presentations, the knowledge and experiences gained during the tour were truly transformative.

Germany, often regarded as a powerhouse in the world economy, holds a secret that sets it apart from many other nations: antifragility. During my travels, I discovered that Germany boasts the highest number of hidden champions—companies that thrive in niche markets, generate substantial revenue, and yet remain relatively unknown to the public.

These hidden champions, mainly small-to-medium enterprises, specialize in deep technology and are spread across the country. Unlike the traditional hierarchical structures of large corporations, these SMEs employ lean structures that foster a high-performance culture, increased employee engagement, and a people-oriented approach.

What truly intrigued me was how this decentralization and focus on specialized markets made these companies resilient to the uncertainties of the global economy. Their ability to adapt and innovate in response to market shifts is a testament to their antifragility.

Another key aspect of Germany's antifragility lies in its vibrant start-up scene. While large corporations may seemingly have more resources and influence, it is the nimble nature of startups and SMEs that allows them to navigate the ever-changing landscape more effectively. Germany's emphasis on vocational training and manufacturing further strengthens their resilience to economic risks.

What I found most striking was the contrast between the mentality I observed in Germany and the one prevalent in Hong Kong, where I reside. While many students in Hong Kong tend to gravitate towards careers in finance and banking, Germany offers a broader spectrum of sectors, including steel, iron, machinery, chemicals, locomotives, automobiles, and electronics.

This diversified approach to job opportunities, along with a strong emphasis on manufacturing and technological innovation, makes Germany less susceptible to risks associated with an over-reliance on a single industry. It's a reminder that a diversified economy can contribute to long-term stability.

The stability of Germany's economy can be attributed to effective state management, low inflation, steady growth, and a robust labor force. A deep understanding of history and the lessons learned from past economic crises have enabled Germany to build a solid foundation for success.

Armed with these insights from my study trip, I'm more determined than ever to bring the principles of antifragility to my own workplace. In a rapidly changing digital environment, it's crucial to foster a culture of experimentation and decentralize decision-making. We must move beyond the notion of resilience or robustness and strive for antifragility, where our organizations not only survive but thrive in unpredictability and uncertainty.

So as we navigate the age of artificial intelligence and automation, remember that the world is evolving at an exhilarating pace. Embrace the opportunities that arise, learn from diverse perspectives, and continuously seek to improve yourself and your organization.

That wraps up today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you've gained valuable insights from our exploration of antifragility inspired by my trip to Germany. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to reach out to me on social media. And remember, growth and improvement are journeys that never truly end. Until next time, stay curious and keep striving for continuous improvement. This is Victor, signing off.

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  • 3 min read

Case Study: Li & Fung Family Business

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore the secrets behind successful businesses and how they navigate the ever-changing landscape. I'm your host, Victor, and today, we delve into the fascinating story of the Li & Fung family business. From its humble beginnings to its current global presence, we'll uncover the lessons we can learn from their journey of reinvention and adaptation.

The Li & Fung family business, founded in 1906, has defied the odds by not only surviving over a thousand years but also flourishing in today's challenging business environment. What makes them different from other family businesses? To help us understand their success, let's dive right into their story.

Li & Fung was the first Chinese trader export company, born out of Guangzhou. Today, it operates across 40 countries and employs over 20,000 people. But what sets them apart is their ability to continually reinvent themselves for survival.

One key factor in their longevity lies in their global perspective and open-mindedness. By capitalizing on significant trends and shifting macro-economic landscapes, Li & Fung positioned themselves as the first Chinese middleman, bridging the gap between Western and Chinese markets. This adaptability allowed them to grow alongside Hong Kong's rise as a manufacturing and clothing export hub.

However, challenges emerged as they ventured into their fourth generation. Their failure to anticipate digital trends became evident when they declined opportunities to invest in Alibaba. This led to struggles in adapting to the e-commerce landscape and declining profits. It's a stark reminder that even successful businesses must stay ahead of the curve.

Despite this setback, the Li & Fung family business has consistently reinvented itself throughout history. For example, during the Korean War, they pivoted from re-exports to exporting local Hong Kong goods when the United States imposed an embargo on China. And as each generation takes the reins, they bring fresh perspectives and modern management theories into this traditional family business.

By introducing a proper management hierarchy and replacing family members with professional managers, Li & Fung successfully transitioned from a "One Boss/Employees" system. This separation of ownership and business management allowed them to go public and establish good governance practices.

The current face of the Li & Fung family business is Spencer Fung, representing the fourth generation. Educated in the United States and with an MBA, he continues to uphold the family values while embracing new opportunities. Despite the trade war between the United States and China, they have diversified their operations into Vietnam and other Asia-Pacific countries.

Looking ahead, Li & Fung recognizes the importance of speed, innovation, and digitalization. The fourth generation strategically invests in new technologies to reduce supply chain lead times and utilizes advanced analytics to improve business metrics. They understand that staying ahead requires constant improvement and staying at the forefront of industry trends.

In conclusion, the Li & Fung family business is a true testament to merging Western modernization with Eastern wisdom. They embrace change and continually seek improvement while remaining true to their core values and building strong relationships. Their longevity and ability to adapt has been guided by a balance of efficiency and emotional intelligence.

Join us next time on "Continuous Improvement" as we explore the inspiring stories behind other successful businesses and uncover the strategies they employ to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Thank you for joining me today. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Remember, success comes with continuous improvement.

[Theme music fades out, podcast ends]

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  • 3 min read

MiFID II — What Is the Impact and What Opportunities Exist for Investors?

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of the financial markets and how they impact investors. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we're diving into the world of MiFID II.

MiFID II, short for Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, is a regulatory framework that aims to bring greater transparency and protection for investors across the financial markets. While it directly affects markets in France, Greece, Malta, and the UK, its impact reaches far beyond Europe.

Joining us today is our expert guest, Emily, who will shed light on the global implications and key areas of impact resulting from MiFID II. Welcome, Emily.

Thank you, Victor. Glad to be here.

Emily, could you brief our listeners on the global reach of MiFID II and its significance beyond Europe?

Absolutely, Victor. While MiFID II is a law in the Eurozone, its new rules have a far-reaching, global impact. The regulation applies not only across the European Union (EU) but also to countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) that are not part of the EU. This means that any firm in the EEA conducting investment activities or services in financial instruments will be subject to the new rules.

Furthermore, MiFID II indirectly impacts regions beyond Europe, such as APAC. While it doesn't directly apply to non-EEA firms, it becomes relevant when employees are involved in the origination of EEA-underwritten MiFID II products and services.

That's fascinating, Emily. So, what are the main areas of impact that investors should be aware of?

There are four main areas of impact resulting from MiFID II, Victor. The first one to look out for is research unbundling. MiFID II introduces restrictions for portfolio managers and independent investment advisers, prohibiting them from receiving free research. Instead, research and sales services must be paid for either from their own resources or through a client-funded Research Payment Account (RPA).

The second area is reporting. Quarterly reports related to holdings and discretionary portfolio management are now mandatory. There are also new requirements regarding reporting of leveraged financial instruments and contingent liability transactions, ensuring that investors are informed when the initial value of the instrument depreciates by 10% or more.

The third area of impact is best execution. Firms now have a regulatory duty to take all necessary steps to obtain the best possible result for clients when executing trades, considering factors such as price, costs, speed, and likelihood of execution and settlement.

Lastly, manufacturing and distribution have also undergone changes. Investors need to be categorized when on-boarded for investment activities or services, affecting the regulatory obligations of firms. Additionally, both manufacturers and distributors must now identify a target market for the products they create or distribute, ensuring suitability for investors.

These are significant changes, Emily. How do you see them shaping the financial markets and investor protection?

MiFID II, at its core, aims to enhance transparency and protection for investors. The restrictions on research unbundling mitigate potential conflicts of interest, ensuring fair compensation for smaller or independent research firms. The introduction of reporting requirements and best execution standards empower investors to make more informed decisions and hold investment firms accountable.

By assigning target market attributes and analyzing products before distribution, MiFID II promotes investor suitability and prevents sales to unsuitable investors. This strengthens overall investor protection and builds confidence in the financial markets.

Well, Emily, thank you for sharing these valuable insights on the impact of MiFID II. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to add?

One key aspect to remember, Victor, is that while MiFID II primarily focuses on Europe, its global impact is undeniable. It is crucial for investors and financial firms around the world to understand the implications, especially when conducting investment activities or services in the European Economic Area.

Absolutely, Emily. Understanding the regulatory landscape is essential for all market participants. Thank you once again for joining us today and shedding light on MiFID II.

That wraps up today's episode of "Continuous Improvement." I hope you found this discussion on MiFID II insightful and informative. If you have any further questions or comments, don't hesitate to leave them below. Until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement in your financial journey.

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  • 2 min read

Retrieving Real-Time Data from the Web to Excel

Welcome back to another episode of Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore tips and strategies for personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll be discussing a simple and free solution for importing real-time data from a website into Excel.

Recently, I received a question from an undergraduate student looking for help with importing real-time data into Excel for a homework assignment. Many financial data sources charge fees, but I had a handy solution that I'm going to share with you today.

To get started, open Microsoft Excel 365 and navigate to the Data tab. Look for the option to Get Data from Other Sources and select Web.

Next, you'll need to input the URL that contains the data you want to retrieve. This could be from a website, an API, or any online source that provides real-time data.

Once you input the URL, the Navigator will display various tables to choose from. For our example, let's select Table 8.

Fantastic! Now, the data will be imported into your Excel spreadsheet. However, please note that it will require manual refreshing. But don't worry, there's a way to automate this process as well.

Right-click on the imported data query and change its properties to refresh every 1 minute.

This works great for minute-by-minute updates. But what if you need nearly real-time updates every second? In that case, we'll need to write some code.

Navigate to File, Options, and then Customize Ribbon. Under Main Tabs, enable the Developer Tab.

Now, in the Developer tab, select Visual Basic.

Choose Insert, then Module, and copy and paste the provided code snippet.

This code snippet will automate the process for you. It selects the appropriate sheet, copies the current value, finds the last row in the first column of another sheet, pastes the value there, refreshes all the data, and triggers itself every second for nearly real-time updates.

And that's it! You now have a way to import real-time data into Excel for your various needs. Whether it's financial data, stock prices, or any other dynamic information, this solution will keep you updated efficiently and effectively.

If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. I'm here to help!

That brings us to the end of another episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found today's discussion on importing real-time data into Excel insightful and practical. Remember, implementing continuous improvement practices in all aspects of our lives can lead to significant growth and success.

As always, thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues. Stay curious, keep learning, and join me next time as we continue our journey of continuous improvement.

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  • 3 min read

Enabling HTTPS on an AWS EC2 Instance with Node.js and Nginx on an Ubuntu Server

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore ways to enhance our skills and make progress in our personal and professional lives. I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll be discussing a topic that's crucial for any website owner – switching from HTTP to HTTPS using Let's Encrypt.

So, why is this important? Well, HTTPS provides a secure connection between your website and your users' browsers, preventing unauthorized tampering and encrypting communication using Transport Layer Security (TLS) Certification. And the best part? Let's Encrypt offers free X.509 certificates.

The first step is to SSH into your AWS EC2 instance running Node.js and Nginx on Ubuntu 16.04. Open your terminal and enter the following command:

ssh -i <keyfile.pem> ubuntu@<public-ip-address>

Great! Now that we're connected, let's clone the Let's Encrypt repository into the /opt/letsencrypt path:

sudo git clone https://github.com/letsencrypt/letsencrypt /opt/letsencrypt

Before we proceed, it's important to make sure there are no processes already listening on port 80. To check, run the following command:

netstat -na | grep ':80.*LISTEN'

If any processes are returned, terminate them. For instance, if you have an Nginx server running on port 80, you can stop it by entering:

sudo systemctl stop nginx

Excellent! Now let's navigate to the Let's Encrypt repository by running cd /opt/letsencrypt, and obtain our certificates with the following command:

./letsencrypt-auto certonly --standalone --email <your@email.com> -d <domain.com> -d <subdomain.domain.com>

If you encounter an error like this:

OSError: Command /opt/eff.org/certbot/venv/bin/python2.7 - setuptools pkg_resources pip wheel failed with error code 1

Simply set the following environment variables before rerunning the script:

export LC_ALL="en_US.UTF-8"
export LC_CTYPE="en_US.UTF-8"

Follow the on-screen instructions, and you should receive your certificates at the path /etc/letsencrypt/live/<domain.com>.

Now, it's time to configure the Nginx settings to redirect your HTTP traffic to HTTPS. Use the following command to open the Nginx configuration file:

sudo vi /etc/nginx/sites-available/default

Inside the file, replace <YourDomain.com> and the root path for your website with your domain and the appropriate paths. Your configuration should look like this:

[nginx configuration]

Wonderful! To ensure that there are no errors in your configuration, run the command:

sudo nginx -t

If everything checks out, restart Nginx by entering:

sudo service nginx stop
sudo service nginx start

Almost there! Don't forget to go to your AWS console and make sure that your security group has port 443 open for HTTPS.

And that's it! You've successfully switched your website from HTTP to HTTPS using Let's Encrypt. To verify that everything is working correctly, navigate to the HTTPS version of your domain. If you encounter any issues, such as a 502 Bad Gateway error, make sure your Node.js application is running correctly. Consider using PM2 to keep it up and running smoothly.

Remember, by securing our websites and making the internet safer, we contribute to a more secure online environment for everyone. Keep up the excellent work, and until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of "Continuous Improvement." If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more valuable insights. And if you have any suggestions for future topics, feel free to reach out. See you next time!

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  • 2 min read

Replace Text in XML Files with PowerShell

Hello everyone and welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore practical solutions for everyday challenges. I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll be discussing a script that helps automate file renaming using PowerShell.

Yesterday, I encountered a scenario where I had to replace specific XML file names for a client's Windows server that had no access to external networks or installations of third-party software. This task seemed daunting at first, but with a little creativity and the power of PowerShell, I found a solution.

Let's take a closer look at the code involved. First, I needed to load all XML files from my designated folder. To accomplish this, I used the following line of code:

$files = Get-ChildItem C:\Users\victorleung\tw\Desktop\Test -Recurse -Include *.xml

This command allowed me to retrieve all XML files from the specified folder and its subfolders.

Next, I moved on to modifying the report names within the XML files. The code snippet below accomplishes this task:

$xmldata = [xml](Get-Content $file);
$name = $xmldata.ReportList.Report.GetAttribute("Name");
$name = $name + " (New)";
$xmldata.ReportList.Report.SetAttribute("Name", $name);
$xmldata.Save($file)

Here, we read the content of each file as XML data. We then access the specific attribute, "Name," of the report element within the XML structure. By appending " (New)" to the original name, we update the attribute value accordingly. Finally, we save the modified XML data back into the file.

Lastly, I wanted to change the file name from its original to a new naming convention. This can be achieved using the following code:

Get-ChildItem *.xml | Rename-Item -NewName { $_.Name -Replace '.xml$','-new.xml' }

This line of code uses the Rename-Item cmdlet to change the file names. We utilize a regular expression pattern to replace the ".xml" extension with "-new.xml."

And voila! With these simple PowerShell lines, we were able to efficiently rename and modify hundreds of files without relying on external software installations or compromising security measures.

I hope you found this PowerShell script useful for your own file management tasks. Remember, continuous improvement is all about finding creative solutions to streamline our work processes.

If you have any questions or comments about today's episode, feel free to reach out to me through our podcast's website or social media channels. I'm always excited to hear from our listeners.

Thank you for tuning in to "Continuous Improvement." Stay curious, stay inspired, and keep striving for improvement in all aspects of your life. Until next time!

[Theme music fades in and out]

[End of episode]