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  • 2 min read

Replace Text in XML Files with PowerShell

Yesterday, I was working at a client site that has a Windows server isolated from the external network. Installing any third-party software on the machine is not permitted.

PowerShell Script

However, I was tasked with replacing all XML file names from "My Report" to "My Report (New)". The original file, temp.xml, looks like this:

    <ReportList>
      <Report Name="My Report">
      </Report>
    </ReportList>

The expected output file, temp-new.xml, should have a structure like this:

    <ReportList>
      <Report Name="My Report (New)">
      </Report>
    </ReportList>

Without access to any specialized tools and facing the prospect of manually editing hundreds of files, I turned to PowerShell for scripting. Here are a few lines of code that accomplish the task:

Step 1: Load all XML files from my Test folder

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

Step 2: Modify all report names by adding " (New)" after the original name

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

Step 3: Change the file name from temp.xml to temp-new.xml

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

That's it! All the files have been changed. Happy coding! 😃

  • in podcast
  • 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]

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

使用PowerShell替換XML文件中的文本

昨天，我在一個客戶現場工作，那裏有一個與外部網絡隔離的Windows伺服器。不允許在該機器上安裝任何第三方軟件。

PowerShell腳本

然而，我被交付了一項任務，要將所有XML文件名從“我的報告”換成“我的報告（新）”。原始文件，temp.xml，是這樣的：

    <ReportList>
      <Report Name="My Report">
      </Report>
    </ReportList>

預期的輸出文件，temp-new.xml，應有這樣的結構：

    <ReportList>
      <Report Name="My Report (New)">
      </Report>
    </ReportList>

沒有專門工具的訪問權限，並面對手動編輯數百個文件的前景，我轉向了PowerShell來編寫腳本。以下是完成此任務的幾行代碼：

步驟1：從我的測試文件夾中加載所有XML文件

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

步驟2：通過在原始名稱後添加"（新）"來修改所有報告名稱

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

步驟3：將文件名從temp.xml 改成 temp-new.xml

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

就是這樣！所有文件都已被更改。開心編碼！😃

  • 2 min read

Replace Text in a File Using a Batch Script

Yesterday, I was working at a client site. The site had a Windows server that was isolated from external internet access, and installing new software was prohibited.

I was tasked with removing all the id values in YAML files, setting them to null. For instance, the input file temp.yaml looks like this:

    something
      id: 4
    something else
      id: 64
    next one
      id: 231
    another one
      id: 34

The target file (result.yaml) that I wanted would look like this:

    something
      id:
    something else
      id:
    next one
      id:
    another one
      id:

The file was large, so removing each id value manually would be time-consuming. The only tool accessible on that Windows server was the CMD command prompt. Hence, I wrote a simple batch script to complete the task. Create a file called convert.bat in a text editor with the following content:

    @echo off
    for /f "tokens=1* delims=:" %%a in (temp.yaml) do (
      if "%%b"=="" (
        echo %%a
      ) else (
        echo %%a | find " id" > null && echo %%a: || echo %%a: %%b
      )
    ) > result.yaml

You can replace the text temp.yaml and result.yaml in the script with your target input and output files, respectively. Double-click to execute the script, and you're done!

For those unfamiliar with Batch scripts, here are some basic explanations:

  • @echo off means to suppress the command prompt display, effectively hiding it.

  • The for loop has some options. The tokens= parameter specifies which numbered items to read from each line (default is 1), and delims= specifies the delimiter character (default is a space).

  • The %%a and %%b variables are similar to arguments in batch files.

The last line exports the result to the desired file. This simple script saves a lot of time compared to doing the work manually. :)

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

Replace Text in a File Using a Batch Script

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore ways to enhance our productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness. I'm your host, Victor. In today's episode, we'll discuss a clever solution to a common problem. But before we dive in, I want to thank our sponsor, Productivity Pro.

Yesterday, I encountered a situation that many of us can relate to. I was at a client site, working on a Windows server with no internet access. The task at hand was to remove all the id values from YAML files and set them to null. With a large file and no convenient software options, it seemed like a time-consuming task.

But fear not, fellow productivity enthusiasts! I came up with a simple solution that saved me a tremendous amount of time. I wrote a batch script to automate the process. Let me walk you through the steps.

First, in your text editor, create a file called convert.bat. Make sure you have the necessary permissions on your Windows server. Now, let's take a closer look at the script itself.

Inside the convert.bat file, start with the line @echo off. This will suppress the command prompt display, allowing the script to run in the background without cluttering your screen.

Next, we'll use a for loop to read each line of the YAML file. Remember to replace the text temp.yaml with the name of your target input file and result.yaml with the desired output filename.

Within the loop, we check each line for the presence of the id value. If the value is empty, we echo the line without modification. However, if there is an id value present, we check for the phrase " id" using the find command. This ensures that only lines containing id are modified. If the phrase is found, we replace the line with %%a: followed by %%b, effectively setting the id value to null.

Finally, we redirect the output of the script to the desired file using > result.yaml.

And there you have it! By executing this script, you can effortlessly remove id values from YAML files without the need for additional software. It's a simple but effective solution that can save you valuable time and effort.

Remember, continuous improvement is all about finding innovative ways to work smarter, not harder. So next time you encounter a repetitive task, think outside the box and explore scripting or automation options. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a time-saving gem like this batch script.

Well, that wraps up today's episode of "Continuous Improvement." If you found this batch script helpful or have any other tips to share, feel free to reach out to me on social media. Don't forget to tune in next week for another insightful episode.

Until then, stay productive and keep striving for continuous improvement.

Thank you for listening to "Continuous Improvement." This podcast is brought to you by Productivity Pro, your go-to source for all things productivity. Visit our website at productivitypro.com for more resources and tools to supercharge your efficiency. And remember, a little improvement every day goes a long way.

Note: The script mentioned in this episode is for illustration purposes only. Always exercise caution when running scripts on your system and ensure they comply with your organization's policies and security measures.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

使用批次腳本替換檔案中的文字

昨天，我在客戶的地點工作。該地點有一台Windows伺服器，該伺服器已與外部互聯網隔離，並禁止安裝新的軟體。

我被委託將YAML文件中的所有id值刪除，將它們設置為null。例如，輸入文件temp.yaml如下所示：

    something
      id: 4
    something else
      id: 64
    next one
      id: 231
    another one
      id: 34

我想要的目標文件（result.yaml）應該如下所示：

    something
      id:
    something else
      id:
    next one
      id:
    another one
      id:

該文件很大，因此手動刪除每個id值將非常耗時。該Windows伺服器上可訪問的唯一工具是CMD命令提示符。因此，我寫了一個簡單的批次腳本來完成這項任務。在文本編輯器中創建一個名為convert.bat的文件，其內容如下：

    @echo off
    for /f "tokens=1* delims=:" %%a in (temp.yaml) do (
      if "%%b"=="" (
        echo %%a
      ) else (
        echo %%a | find " id" > null && echo %%a: || echo %%a: %%b
      )
    ) > result.yaml

你可以在腳本中替換文本temp.yaml和result.yaml，分別代表你的目標輸入和輸出文件。雙擊執行腳本，你就完成了！

對於不熟悉批次腳本的人，這裡有一些基本解釋：

  • @echo off表示要抑制命令提示符的顯示，有效地將其隱藏。

  • for循環有一些選項。tokens=參數指定從每行讀取哪些編號項目（默認為1），delims=指定分隔符字符（默認為空格）。

  • %%a和%%b變量與批次文件中的參數類似。

最後一行將結果輸出到所需的文件。與手動做這項工作相比，這個簡單的腳本節省了很多時間。:)

  • 4 min read

A Look into Chile’s Startup Ecosystem

In retrospect, my trip to Chile was fantastic. Although flying for over 30 hours from Hong Kong and dealing with jet lag was challenging, the adventure proved to be worthwhile. I learned a great deal, not just in a formal setting but also through intelligent and educational discussions. The tour enriched my understanding of the startup ecosystem, B-corporations, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Chile's startup ecosystem is truly remarkable. During my visit, I learned that Santiago is the sixth-largest VC center in terms of dollars raised. Its proximity to Brazil, a significant market, makes it an ideal place for launching businesses in Latin America. Brazil and Argentina together account for 82% of the total value and represent over 80% of the regional ecosystem. Many successful startups, such as Mercado Libre, Despegar.com, and Arch Daily, either emulate successful business models from other countries or are world-firsts. Despite their geographical remoteness, Chilean firms like Lunna, Bluesmart, Poliglota, Recorrido.cl, and Destacama have a strong international presence. The growth of "Chilecon Valley," fueled by government support, has impressed me.

One discussion that particularly struck me revolved around B-corporations. I am aligned with the ideas of social impact and sustainability. When I had the opportunity to speak with the General Manager of a Venture Capital firm, I found that he prioritizes quick profitability and commercial viability. He had an interesting perspective on B-corporations, suggesting that balancing both the social ("B") and corporate ("corp") aspects is challenging. I agree with his viewpoint, as it resonates with my own experiences regarding the complexities of developing a long-term business model.

Reflecting on my journey, I've noticed that the primary cultural difference between Chile and Hong Kong lies in the entrepreneurial spirit of the inhabitants. In Hong Kong, most graduates aim for secure jobs with good income and a steady paycheck. In contrast, only 12% of Chileans were self-employed in 2008. The Hong Kong government offers limited support for the startup scene, as most of its GDP is concentrated in financial services and real estate, with little diversification. In contrast, the Chilean government heavily invests in the Startup Chile program, which backs two out of every ten enterprises.

Despite Chile's economy being primarily copper-based, the government has made extensive investments to import entrepreneurs to diversify the economy and improve people's quality of life in the long term. Hong Kong's culture is more risk-averse compared to Chile, where failure is viewed as an opportunity for learning.

I am interested in starting a business in Chile and have applied for a one-year visa under the Startup Chile program. After engaging with Fundacion Mi Parque, I'm considering launching a company that specializes in technical consultancy for non-profits (NGOs). We live in a digital world where technology is utilized to revolutionize traditional industries. However, many NGOs may not have the resources to employ an IT staff to build their websites, mobile apps, or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. If I can secure government funding and donations, I plan to help these NGOs establish an online presence, thus reducing their cost per donation and increasing their societal impact.

One of the main reasons I pursued an MBA was to find a solution for balancing technology and business. I believe that technology itself is merely a tool and insufficient for solving problems on its own. It requires a mix of project management, cross-sectional skills, and the ability to scale business operations. According to the speakers, Chile ranks 37th in service exports, with IT accounting for 28% of the service export industry. Additionally, Chile is ranked 7th worldwide in terms of digitization, boasting some of the best programmers. I see a great opportunity to establish an IT consulting firm in Chile and create synergies with the Hong Kong startup community. My international experiences in Chile have given me a new perspective, and I continue to search for answers.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

A Look into Chile’s Startup Ecosystem

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore personal growth, entrepreneurial journeys, and the pursuit of excellence. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll be discussing my recent trip to Chile and the valuable insights it offered. From the vibrant startup ecosystem to the concept of B-corporations, there was much to learn. So let's dive in!

Chile's startup scene left me in awe. Did you know that Santiago is the sixth-largest VC center in terms of capital raised? It's a hub for launching businesses in Latin America, thanks to its proximity to major markets like Brazil and Argentina. From emulating successful business models to pioneering world-firsts, Chilean startups have made a significant impact. And with government support behind the growth of "Chilecon Valley," the country's startup ecosystem is thriving.

One conversation that struck a chord with me during my trip revolved around B-corporations. As someone passionate about social impact and sustainability, I was intrigued by the balance between social and corporate aspects. Speaking with the General Manager of a Venture Capital firm, we delved into the complexities of developing a long-term business model that prioritizes both profitability and positive social change. It's a delicate balance that requires careful consideration.

Reflecting on my journey, I couldn't help but notice the stark difference in entrepreneurial spirit between Chile and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, most graduates seek secure jobs with a steady paycheck. In contrast, Chileans embrace risk, with only 12% being self-employed in 2008. The Chilean government has made tremendous investments in the Startup Chile program, aiming to diversify the economy and foster entrepreneurship. It's remarkable to see how failure is viewed as an opportunity for learning and growth.

Inspired by my experiences, I've decided to apply for a one-year visa under the Startup Chile program. I'm eager to launch a company specializing in technical consultancy for non-profits. In today's digital world, technology is essential for revolutionizing traditional industries, but many NGOs lack the resources to harness its potential. My goal is to help these organizations establish an online presence, reducing their cost per donation and amplifying their societal impact.

An MBA has always been my quest for finding that delicate balance between technology and business. Technology alone is just a tool; it requires a strategic blend of project management, cross-sectional skills, and scalability to solve real-world problems. And Chile offers a remarkable opportunity. With premium IT talent, ranking 7th worldwide in digitization, and 28% of service exports attributed to IT, establishing an IT consulting firm in Chile seems like a natural fit. Moreover, connecting with the vibrant startup community in Hong Kong can help create synergies and foster collaboration.

My journey to Chile has broadened my horizons, and I continue to seek answers, both for myself and for making a positive impact. Join me in the coming episodes of "Continuous Improvement," where we'll explore more entrepreneurial journeys, personal growth stories, and strategies for achieving excellence. Until then, keep striving for continuous improvement!

Thank you for listening to "Continuous Improvement," hosted by Victor. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for the next episode, and remember, growth starts with the willingness to improve.

  • in zh
  • 2 min read

深入探討智利的創業生態系統

回顧過去，我對智利的旅行感到非常滿意。雖然從香港飛行超過30小時，並且要應對時差讓人感到有挑戰性，但這次冒險確實值得。我學到了很多東西，不僅在正式的環境中，也通過聰明和教育性的討論。這次旅行豐富了我對創業生態系統、B類公司和創業精神的理解。

智利的創業生態系統確實令人矚目。在我的訪問中，我了解到聖地亞哥是以籌集到的資金規模來看的第六大風險資本中心。其與巴西的鄰近，這個重要的市場，使它成為在拉丁美洲啟動業務的理想地點。巴西和阿根廷共同占該區域生態系統的82％的總價值，並代表超過80％的區域生態系統。許多成功的創業公司，如Mercado Libre、Despegar.com和Arch Daily，要么模仿來自其他國家的成功業務模式，要么是世界首創。儘管地理位置偏遠，像Lunna、Bluesmart、Poliglota、Recorrido.cl和Destacama這樣的智利公司在國際間有強烈的存在感。"Chilecon Valley"的增長，得到了政府的支援，給我留下了深刻的印象。

其中一個特別打動我的討論圍繞著B類公司。我非常認同社會影響力和可持續性的理念。當我有機會與一家風險資本公司的總經理交談時，我發現他更優先考慮快速的盈利能力和商業的可行性。他對B類公司有一種有趣的視角，認為在社會（"B"）和公司（"corp"）兩個方面之間找到平衡是有挑戰性的。我同意他的觀點，因為這與我自己對於開發長期商業模式的複雜性的經驗相吻合。

回顧我的旅程，我注意到智利與香港的主要文化差異在於居民的創業精神。在香港，大多數畢業生都希望找到一份有著良好收入和穩定工資的安全工作。相比之下，2008年只有12%的智利人自己創業。香港政府對創業場景的支持有限，因為其大部分GDP都集中在金融服務和房地產上，而且幾乎沒有多元化。相反，智利政府對Startup Chile計劃投入了大量資金，該計劃支持每十家企業中的兩家。

儘管智利的經濟主要基於銅礦產業，但政府進行了大量投資以進口創業者，以多元化經濟並改善人們長期的生活品質。與在智利視失敗為學習機會的文化相比，香港的文化更加地風險規避。

我有興趣在智利開業，並已經在Startup Chile計劃下申請了一年的簽證。在接觸Fundacion Mi Parque後，我考慮創建一家專業為非營利組織（NGOs）提供技術諮詢的公司。我們生活在一個數位的世界，技術被用於革新傳統行業。但是，許多NGO可能沒有資源來聘請IT人員來構建他們的網站、手機應用程式或者客戶關係管理（CRM）工具。如果我可以獲得政府的資金和捐款，我計劃幫助這些NGO建立在線存在感，從而降低他們每筆捐款的成本並增加他們對社會的影響力。

我追求MBA的主要原因之一是找到平衡技術和業務的解決方案。我相信技術本身只是一種工具，並不足以獨立解決問題。它需要項目管理、跨部門技能和能力來擴展業務操作的混合。根據演講者的說法，智利在服務出口方面排名第37，其中IT佔服務出口行業的28%。此外，智利在數位化方面位於世界第7，擁有一些最好的程式員。我看到在智利建立IT諮詢公司並與香港的創業社區創造協同效應的巨大機會。我在智利的國際經驗給了我新的視角，我繼續尋找答案。

  • 4 min read

Upgrade AppMon from Version 6.5 to 7.1

I am working on upgrading Dynatrace AppMon from version 6.5 to 7.1. AppMon is a performance data gathering tool trusted by many clients; it assists developers in troubleshooting issues within applications. This version upgrade includes new features and a new UI dashboard. Below are the steps to guide you through the process:

First, it's important to consult the system requirements for hardware and the operating system. System Requirements April 2018. For example, if you're running a legacy Java Virtual Machine (JVM), the help desk may not be able to assist you with issues. Make sure you have a 64-bit client and sufficient disk space.

Additionally, move the session storage location out of the installation directory before starting. It's recommended to back up both the session storage and configuration data. Be sure to consult the component compatibility matrix Component Compatibility beforehand.

Second, install the new AppMon 7.1 version. For Linux, run the command:

java -jar dynatrace-full-7.1.0.1803-linux-x86–64.jar

Then deactivate and upgrade the licenses. This will place your server into a grace period before shutting it down.

Click on the "Upgrade" button for the license.

And for the vouchers as well:

Third, shut down the old version 6.5 collector, server, and front-end server. This would be an ideal time to create backups, including those for the Performance Warehouse DB and Session Store.

Fourth, use the migration tool that can be downloaded from here.

Run the command:

java -jar dynatrace-migration.jar -migration -sourceDTHome "<DT_HOME_OLD>" -targetArchiveDir "<ARCHIVE_DIR>"

Here, DT_HOME_OLD is the old AppMon installation path and ARCHIVE_DIR is the backup directory. Note that on a Windows machine, administrator rights are needed to perform this step.

Next, move the backup files to the new 7.1 installation using the command:

java -jar dynatrace-migration.jar -migration -sourceArchive "<ARCHIVE_DIR>/<MIGRATION_ARCHIVE>" -targetDTHome "<DT_HOME_NEW>"

Where ARCHIVE_DIR/MIGRATION_ARCHIVE is the location of the ./dtma file and DT_HOME_NEW is the path for the new Dynatrace 7.1 installation.

Then register and auto-start any additional collector instances.

Fifth, start the new components like the collector and the front-end server.

The client migration step can usually be skipped, and you can activate licenses for the new servers:

Finally, double-check the settings on the server to ensure that the Performance Warehouse and session storage have been migrated and connected.

It's also recommended to restart and update the agent. Last but not least, check and validate that everything is working as expected.

Please let me know if you have any questions.