Happy 33-th birthday Linux OS!

Celebrating Linux: the Operating System That Changed the World

Every year on August 25th, the tech community celebrates a significant milestone: the birthday of the Linux operating system. It’s hard to believe that what started as a personal project by a young Finnish student named Linus Torvalds has evolved into one of the most influential operating systems in the world.

The Humble Beginnings

Back in 1991, Linus Torvalds was a 21-year-old computer science student at the University of Helsinki. Frustrated with the limitations of the MINIX operating system, Torvalds decided to create his own, which he humorously described as "just a hobby, won’t be big and professional like GNU." Little did he know, this "hobby" would eventually take on a life of its own.

Torvalds announced his project on August 25, 1991, in a post to the comp.os.minix newsgroup, inviting others to contribute. This collaborative approach set the stage for Linux’s development as an open-source operating system, where anyone could contribute code, suggest improvements, and share their knowledge.

Linux Today

Fast forward to today, and Linux is everywhere. It powers everything from smartphones (Android is based on Linux) to supercomputers, servers, and even IoT devices. The flexibility, stability, and security of Linux have made it a preferred choice for developers, sysadmins, and tech enthusiasts alike.

Moreover, the open-source nature of Linux has fostered a massive community of contributors and users. Distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian have made Linux accessible to the masses, each offering unique features tailored to different needs.

Why Celebrate?

Linux’s birthday isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of the open-source movement and the power of collaboration. Linux has demonstrated how community-driven innovation can compete with, and often surpass, proprietary solutions. Its impact on the tech industry is immeasurable, and its future looks as bright as ever.

So, on this special day, whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or someone just getting started, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable journey of Linux. Here’s to many more years of innovation, collaboration, and open-source excellence!

Happy Birthday, Linux!

How to Extract MP3 Audio from MP4 Video Using FFmpeg: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Extract MP3 Audio from MP4 Video Using FFmpeg: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever needed to extract audio from a video file, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a content creator, podcast editor, or simply someone looking to convert video files to audio, FFmpeg is the perfect tool for the job. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the process of extracting MP3 audio from an MP4 video using FFmpeg, a powerful open-source multimedia framework.

Why Extract MP3 Audio from MP4 Video?

Extracting audio from video files can be useful for various reasons:

  • Creating Podcasts: Convert your video content into audio podcasts.
  • Music Extraction: Extract background music or soundtracks from videos.
  • Content Repurposing: Use audio snippets for social media, presentations, or other projects.

Step 1: Install FFmpeg

Before we dive into the process, make sure FFmpeg is installed on your system. If you haven’t installed it yet, head over to the FFmpeg official website and download the version suitable for your operating system. FFmpeg works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Step 2: The Command to Extract MP3 Audio

To extract MP3 audio from an MP4 video, we’ll use a simple command in FFmpeg. Here’s the command:

ffmpeg -vn -sn -dn -i input.mp4 -codec:a libmp3lame -qscale:a 4 output.mp3

Let’s break down the command:

  • -vn: Ignores the video stream, ensuring only audio is processed.
  • -sn: Ignores subtitle streams.
  • -dn: Ignores data streams.
  • -i input.mp4: Specifies the input file (replace input.mp4 with your file name).
  • -codec:a libmp3lame: Uses the LAME MP3 encoder, known for its quality and efficiency.
  • -qscale:a 4: Sets the audio quality. A lower value means higher quality; 4 is generally a good balance.
  • output.mp3: The name of the output file.

Step 3: Execute the Command

With FFmpeg installed and your command ready, open your terminal (or command prompt) and navigate to the folder containing your video file. Run the command by replacing input.mp4 with your video’s name and hit enter. FFmpeg will process the video, extracting the audio into an MP3 file.

Step 4: Verify Your MP3 File

Once the command completes, check your file explorer or terminal to find your newly created MP3 file. Open the file to verify the audio quality and ensure everything extracted correctly.

Watch the Tutorial Video

For a visual guide on how to extract MP3 audio from MP4 video, check out my YouTube video tutorial where I demonstrate the entire process step-by-step.

Conclusion

Extracting MP3 audio from MP4 video files using FFmpeg is a straightforward process that can save you time and effort. Whether you’re repurposing content, creating podcasts, or just extracting audio for personal use, FFmpeg makes it easy.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with others and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tutorials. For more detailed tech guides and tips, check out the rest of my blog!

Understanding Feature Flags in Laravel: A Comprehensive Guide

Feature flags, also known as feature toggles, are a powerful development pattern that allows developers to enable or disable features in a system without deploying new code. This approach is particularly useful in modern software development, where continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) are crucial.

What Are Feature Flags?

Feature flags are conditional statements within your codebase that control whether a specific feature is active or inactive. This control can be managed through various methods, such as configuration files, admin interfaces, or specialized tools. Feature flags allow developers to release new features safely, perform A/B testing, and gradually roll out changes to users, all without the need for frequent redeployments.

Key Benefits of Using Feature Flags in Laravel

  1. Safe and Controlled Deployments: deploy your code to production confidently, knowing that new features can be toggled on or off at any time.
  2. Continuous Delivery: release code continuously without waiting for every feature to be fully developed and tested.
  3. Effective A/B Testing: implement and test different versions of a feature to determine which performs better.
  4. Instant Rollback: quickly disable a problematic feature without the need for a full rollback or redeployment.
  5. Targeted User Segmentation: roll out features to specific user groups, such as beta testers, to gather feedback before a full release.

Implementing Feature Flags in Laravel

Laravel developers have several options for implementing feature flags, ranging from using pre-built packages to creating custom solutions. Below are some effective methods to get started.

Using a Laravel Package for Feature Flags

One of the simplest ways to implement feature flags in Laravel is by using a package like spatie/laravel-feature-flags. This package provides an easy-to-use interface for managing feature toggles in your Laravel application.

Installation:

composer require spatie/laravel-feature-flags

Example Usage:

use Spatie\FeatureFlags\Feature;

if (Feature::accessible('new-feature')) {
    // The feature is enabled, execute related code
} else {
    // The feature is disabled, fallback to old behavior
}

Creating a Custom Feature Flag System in Laravel

For those who prefer a custom solution, creating your own feature flag system in Laravel is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Create a Migration for a feature_flags Table:

    Schema::create('feature_flags', function (Blueprint $table) {
        $table->id();
        $table->string('feature');
        $table->boolean('enabled');
        $table->timestamps();
    });
    
  2. Develop a Model and Service to Manage Feature Flags:

    class FeatureFlag extends Model {
        protected $fillable = ['feature', 'enabled'];
    }
    
    class FeatureFlagService {
        public function isEnabled(string $feature): bool {
            return FeatureFlag::where('feature', $feature)->value('enabled');
        }
    }
    
  3. Integrate the Service into Your Application:
    $featureFlagService = app(FeatureFlagService::class);
    
    if ($featureFlagService->isEnabled('new-feature')) {
        // Enable the feature
    } else {
        // Disable the feature
    }
    

Environment-Based Feature Flags in Laravel

For simpler use cases, environment variables can be an effective way to manage feature flags.

Example:

  1. Set a Flag in .env:

    NEW_FEATURE_ENABLED=true
    
  2. Check the Flag in Your Code:

    if (env('NEW_FEATURE_ENABLED', false)) {
        // Feature is enabled
    } else {
        // Feature is disabled
    }
    

Best Practices for Feature Flags in Laravel

  • Keep Feature Flags Temporary: remove feature flags once the associated feature is fully deployed and stable.
  • Use Clear and Descriptive Names: name your feature flags descriptively to avoid confusion and ensure easy management.
  • Document the Purpose of Each Flag: always document the purpose and expected removal date of each feature flag.

Conclusion

Feature flags are an essential tool in modern software development, offering Laravel developers the ability to deploy and manage features safely and efficiently. Whether using a package or implementing a custom solution, feature flags in Laravel can significantly enhance your development workflow, making it easier to manage feature releases, perform A/B testing, and ensure a smooth user experience.

How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED and ERR_CONNECTION_RESET Errors: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Encountering network errors like `ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED` and `ERR_CONNECTION_RESET` can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to browse the web or access a critical application. These errors typically indicate issues with the connection between your device and a server, but understanding what they mean and how to fix them can help you quickly resolve the problem.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what these errors mean, common causes behind them, and practical steps you can take to fix them.

Understanding `ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED`

What It Means

The `ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED` error occurs when the server unexpectedly closes the connection before your device completes its request. Essentially, the connection is terminated prematurely.

Common Causes

  • The server is down or undergoing a restart.
  • Network issues, such as firewall restrictions or an unstable internet connection.
  • SSL/TLS handshake failures.
  • Misconfigured server settings or excessive connections to the server.

How to Fix It

  1. Check the Server Status ensure the server you’re trying to connect to is online and functional.
  2. Firewall/Antivirus Settings temporarily disable or reconfigure your firewall or antivirus software to see if they’re blocking the connection.
  3. Network Connection verify that your internet connection is stable. Restart your router if necessary.
  4. SSL/TLS Configuration check that SSL/TLS settings are properly configured on both the client and server sides.
  5. Browser Cache clear your browser’s cache or try accessing the website with a different browser.
  6. Review Server Logs If you’re managing the server, check the logs for any errors that might explain why the connection was closed.

Understanding `ERR_CONNECTION_RESET`

What It Means

The `ERR_CONNECTION_RESET` error occurs when an established connection is unexpectedly interrupted, causing the data transfer between your device and the server to be reset.

Common Causes

  • Network interruptions or packet loss.
  • Server-side issues, such as misconfigurations or overload.
  • Proxy or VPN interference.
  • The server resetting the connection due to security restrictions or other reasons.
  • Incorrect MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) settings.

How to Fix It

  1. Network Stability check for network stability issues, including packet loss. Restart your router if needed.
  2. Server Configuration ensure that the server is configured correctly, especially regarding connection timeouts and rate limits.
  3. Proxy/VPN Settings disable or adjust any proxy or VPN services you might be using to see if they’re causing the issue.
  4. MTU Settings adjust the MTU settings on your network interface to prevent fragmentation issues.
  5. Browser Settings clear your browser’s cache or try a different browser.
  6. Test on a Different Network try connecting to the server from another network to determine if the issue is isolated to your current network.

Conclusion

Both `ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED` and `ERR_CONNECTION_RESET` errors can disrupt your online activities, but they are often fixable with a few troubleshooting steps. By understanding the causes and implementing the solutions outlined above, you can minimize downtime and get back to what matters most.

If these errors persist, it may be time to consult with your hosting provider, network administrator, or review detailed server logs to uncover deeper issues.

Celebrating Achievement: Lean White Belt and Lean Yellow Belt Certifications

I’m excited to share a significant milestone in my professional journey. Recently, I completed two Lean certification courses with Nova company, achieving both the Lean White Belt and Lean Yellow Belt certifications.

Lean White Belt Certification

Lean White Belt Certificate Taras Shkodenko

The Lean White Belt certification is the first step in understanding Lean principles. This foundational course provided me with a broad overview of Lean methodologies, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and waste reduction in business processes. Key takeaways from this certification include:

  • Introduction to Lean Principles: understanding the core concepts of Lean, including value stream mapping and the importance of identifying and eliminating waste.
  • Basic Lean Tools: familiarity with essential Lean tools such as 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and Kaizen (continuous improvement).
  • Cultural Shift: recognizing the necessity of fostering a Lean culture within an organization to drive sustainable improvement.

Lean Yellow Belt Certification

Lean Yellow Belt Certificate Taras Shkodenko

Building on the White Belt, the Lean Yellow Belt certification, which I completed yesterday at our Corporate University, delved deeper into Lean techniques and their practical applications. This course equipped me with a more comprehensive understanding of Lean methodologies and how to implement them effectively within our team and projects. Highlights of this certification include:

  • Advanced Lean Tools: in-depth knowledge of tools like Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Root Cause Analysis, and Process Mapping.
  • Project Management: learning how to apply Lean principles to manage and streamline projects, ensuring efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.
  • Team Collaboration: enhancing skills in leading Lean initiatives and fostering collaboration within teams to drive process improvements.

Applying Lean Principles to Web Development

As a team lead in PHP backend web development, these certifications are invaluable. The principles and tools I’ve learned will help us:

  1. Optimize Workflows: streamline our development processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
  2. Enhance Collaboration: foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within our team, leading to more innovative solutions.
  3. Deliver Better Products: ultimately, these improvements will enable us to deliver higher-quality products to our clients more efficiently.

Moving Forward

Obtaining these certifications is just the beginning. I’m eager to implement what I’ve learned and continue exploring how Lean principles can benefit our projects and team dynamics. I encourage everyone in the PHP Dinos community (our Telegram channel) to consider Lean training—whether you’re just starting with the White Belt or looking to advance with the Yellow Belt, the insights and skills you gain are invaluable.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing more updates on our Lean journey soon!

Resolving Compatibility Issues When Upgrading Laravel from 10.x to 11.x with Composer Libraries

Upgrading Laravel from version 10.x to 11.x can be a smooth process, but some Composer libraries may cause compatibility issues. In this article, we’ll address common problems with two specific packages and provide a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful upgrade.

Problematic Libraries

During the upgrade, I encountered issues with the following Composer libraries:

  • “hedii/laravel-gelf-logger”: “^8.0”
  • “barryvdh/laravel-ide-helper”: “^2.13”

Both libraries were not compatible with Laravel 11.x, causing errors and hindering the upgrade process.

Solution: Remove Incompatible Libraries

To resolve these issues, follow these steps to remove the incompatible libraries, upgrade Laravel, and then reinstall the libraries:

Step 1: Remove Incompatible Libraries

First, remove the problematic libraries using the following commands:

composer remove hedii/laravel-gelf-logger
composer remove barryvdh/laravel-ide-helper

Step 2: Upgrade Laravel to 11.x

Next, proceed with the Laravel upgrade:

composer update

Step 3: Reinstall the Libraries

Finally, reinstall the libraries to ensure compatibility with Laravel 11.x:

composer require hedii/laravel-gelf-logger
composer require --dev barryvdh/laravel-ide-helper

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully upgrade your Laravel application from version 10.x to 11.x without running into compatibility issues with the “hedii/laravel-gelf-logger” and “barryvdh/laravel-ide-helper” libraries. Removing the incompatible versions, updating Laravel, and reinstalling the libraries ensures a smooth transition to the latest Laravel version.

Keep your Laravel applications up-to-date and running smoothly by addressing compatibility issues proactively. If you encounter any other problems, check the library documentation or the Laravel community for additional support.

Check out a few YouTube videos on this subject:

Why Use declare(strict_types=1) in PHP?

Why Use `declare(strict_types=1) in PHP?

In PHP, the `declare(strict_types=1);` directive is used to enforce strict type-checking for the file in which it is declared. By default, PHP uses dynamic typing, which means that it attempts to automatically convert types when they don’t match the expected type. This can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior and bugs that are hard to trace. Enforcing strict types helps to catch type errors early in the development process.

Benefits of Using `declare(strict_types=1)`

  1. Error Prevention: it prevents type coercion, ensuring that the types you specify in function signatures and variable declarations are strictly adhered to.
  2. Code Clarity: it makes the code easier to read and understand, as the types are explicit and enforced.
  3. Better IDE Support: many modern IDEs provide better support and auto-completion when strict types are used, enhancing the development experience.
  4. Consistency: it enforces a consistent coding style across the project, reducing the likelihood of type-related bugs.

Where to Use `declare(strict_types=1)`

  • On top of PHP files: it should be placed at the very top of a PHP file before any other code, including whitespace or comments.
  • In files with function definitions: particularly useful in files where functions or methods are defined, as it ensures that the arguments and return types are strictly checked.
  • In files with class definitions: when defining classes, strict typing ensures that the properties and methods behave as expected with the correct types.

Example with `declare(strict_types=1)`

<?php
declare(strict_types=1);

function addNumbers(int $a, int $b): int {
    return $a + $b;
}

echo addNumbers(5, 10); // 15
echo addNumbers(5, '10'); // TypeError: Argument 2 passed to addNumbers() must be of the type int, string given

In this example, the second call to `addNumbers` with a string `’10’` will throw a `TypeError` because strict typing is enforced.

Example without `declare(strict_types=1)`

<?php

function addNumbers(int $a, int $b): int {
    return $a + $b;
}

echo addNumbers(5, 10); // 15
echo addNumbers(5, '10'); // 15

Without strict types, PHP will automatically convert the string `’10’` to an integer, and the function will return `15` without any error. While this might seem convenient, it can lead to subtle bugs and unexpected behavior, especially in larger codebases.

Conclusion

Using `declare(strict_types=1);` in PHP is a best practice that can help prevent type-related bugs, make your code more readable, and improve overall code quality. It should be placed at the top of files that contain function or class definitions to enforce strict type-checking throughout the file.

By understanding and implementing strict typing, you can write more robust and maintainable PHP code, ensuring that types are explicitly checked and errors are caught early in the development process.

How to fix LF will be replaced by CRLF the next time Git touches it on Windows

To disable Git warnings about line endings on Windows, you can configure Git to handle line endings according to your preference. Here are a few options:

Option 1: Configure Git to Use LF Line Endings

You can set Git to use LF line endings by running the following command:

git config --global core.autocrlf input

This setting ensures that Git will convert CRLF to LF on commit but will not modify line endings when checking out files.

Option 2: Configure Git to Use CRLF Line Endings

If you prefer to use CRLF line endings on Windows, you can set Git to automatically convert LF to CRLF on checkout and CRLF to LF on commit:

git config --global core.autocrlf true

Option 3: Disable Line Ending Conversion Warnings

If you want to disable the warnings without changing how Git handles line endings, you can use the following command:

git config --global core.eol native

This setting tells Git to use the native line endings for the operating system and suppresses related warnings.

Option 4: Disable Line Ending Conversion Entirely

To disable all automatic line ending conversion, you can use:

git config --global core.autocrlf false

This setting will keep line endings unchanged, which might not be ideal for collaboration but can eliminate the warnings.

Option 5: Suppress Specific Warnings

If you want to suppress this specific warning, you can add a `.gitattributes` file to the root of your repository and specify how Git should handle line endings for specific files:

  1. Create or edit a `.gitattributes` file in the root of your repository.
  2. Add the following line to the file to specify that PHP files should always use LF line endings:
    *.php text eol=lf
    
  3. Save the `.gitattributes` file and commit it to your repository. This will ensure consistent line endings for PHP files and suppress the warnings.

Choose the option that best fits your workflow and collaboration needs.

Converting WebP Images to PNG on Linux: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re working with images on Linux, you might often encounter WebP format, which is known for its efficient compression. However, there might be instances where you need to convert these WebP images to more widely supported formats like PNG. In this guide, we’ll explore how to convert WebP images to PNG using various tools available on Linux, with a special focus on ImageMagick. We’ll also show you how to automate the conversion process for all WebP images in a directory.

Installing the Required Tools

Before we dive into the conversion process, we need to ensure that the necessary tools are installed. We will use `ffmpeg`, `imagemagick`, and `dwebp` from WebP tools for our conversions.

  1. Installing ffmpeg:
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install ffmpeg
    
  2. Installing ImageMagick:
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install imagemagick
    
  3. Installing WebP tools:
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install webp
    

Converting WebP to PNG Using `ffmpeg`

Once `ffmpeg` is installed, converting a WebP image to PNG is straightforward:

ffmpeg -i input.webp output.png

For converting to JPEG, you can use:

ffmpeg -i input.webp output.jpg

Converting WebP to PNG Using ImageMagick

ImageMagick provides a powerful way to handle image conversions:

convert input.webp output.png

For JPEG conversion:

convert input.webp output.jpg

Converting WebP to PNG Using dwebp

The `dwebp` tool from the WebP package can also be used for conversion:

dwebp input.webp -o output.png

To convert to JPEG, first convert to PPM and then to JPEG:

dwebp input.webp -o output.ppm
convert output.ppm output.jpg

Automating the Conversion for All WebP Images in a Directory

To convert all WebP images in the current directory to PNG, you can use a shell script or a one-liner command.

Using a Shell Script

  1. Create the script:
       nano convert_webp_to_png.sh
    
  2. Add the following content:
       #!/bin/bash
    
       for file in *.webp; do
           if [ -f "$file" ]; then
               convert "$file" "${file%.webp}.png"
               echo "Converted $file to ${file%.webp}.png"
           fi
       done
    
  3. Make the script executable and run it:
    chmod +x convert_webp_to_png.sh
    ./convert_webp_to_png.sh
    

Using a One-Liner Command

Alternatively, use a one-liner command in the terminal:

for file in *.webp; do convert "$file" "${file%.webp}.png"; done

Conclusion

Converting WebP images to PNG on Linux is a simple task with the right tools. Whether you prefer `ffmpeg`, `imagemagick`, or `dwebp`, each method provides an efficient way to handle image format conversions. Automating the process for multiple images can save you a lot of time and effort. We hope this guide helps streamline your image processing tasks on Linux.

Streamline Your PHP Laravel Development with Code Sniffer on Ubuntu

Introduction:

In the dynamic world of web development, maintaining code quality and consistency can be a challenge, especially as projects grow and teams expand. For PHP Laravel developers working on Ubuntu, integrating a tool like PHP Code Sniffer can be a game-changer. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to set up PHP Code Sniffer in your Laravel environment, demonstrating how to enforce coding standards effortlessly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Environment

Begin by navigating to your Laravel project directory on your Ubuntu system. Open your terminal and enter the following command:

cd /home/user/projects/laravel-test

Step 2: Install PHP Code Sniffer

PHP Code Sniffer is a crucial tool for detecting violations in coding standards. To add it to your project, execute the following command in the terminal:

composer require --dev squizlabs/php_codesniffer

This command installs Code Sniffer as a development dependency, ensuring your production environment remains clean.

Step 3: Explore PHP Code Sniffer Commands

Before diving into code checks, familiarize yourself with the available PHP Code Sniffer commands. Run the following to view a list of options and flags:

vendor/bin/phpcs --help

Step 4: Run a Code Check

To analyze your Laravel application’s code, use this verbose command, which provides detailed feedback:

vendor/bin/phpcs -v app

This step helps identify areas of your code that may not meet specified coding standards, providing a basis for improvement.

Step 5: Automatically Fix Coding Errors

For many common coding issues, PHP Code Sniffer can automatically correct code through PHP Code Beautifier and Fixer. To apply automatic fixes using the PSR12 standard, use:

vendor/bin/phpcbf --standard=PSR12 app

Step 6: Laravel-Specific Code Fixing with Pint

Laravel Pint is another tool designed to work seamlessly with Laravel projects. Execute the following command to automatically fix coding style issues throughout your Laravel codebase:

vendor/bin/pint

Conclusion:

Integrating PHP Code Sniffer into your Laravel projects on Ubuntu Linux not only helps maintain high coding standards but also streamlines your development process. With automated tools for code quality checks and fixes, you can focus more on functionality and less on style discrepancies. Embrace these tools to enhance your development workflow and elevate the quality of your projects.

Next Steps:

Experiment with different coding standards and configurations of PHP Code Sniffer to tailor the tool to your team’s needs. Explore integrating t:hese checks into your continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate quality assurance throughout your development lifecycle.

Check out video tutorial at Efficient PHP Laravel Testing: Master Code Sniffer on Ubuntu Linux if you prefer watch video tutorials instead of reading text.