Why I Write My Own Tools

Instead of always looking for the perfect tool, I often write my own small ones. It is fun, and it teaches me a lot.

Start with a Problem

Every tool I wrote started with a small problem:

• a boring task I do too often
• a file I copy to many servers
• a workflow that takes too many steps

When a problem repeats, I write a script to fix it once and for all.

Small Scripts First

Most of my tools are simple Bash or Python scripts. Examples:

• a script to back up a folder with rsync
• a script to deploy an app over SSH
• a script to clean old build files

One good script can replace ten manual steps.

Build Something Bigger

Sometimes a script is not enough. That is how Nit, my Git clone in Rust, started. I wanted to understand Git, so I built my own version. It became my favorite project.

Writing tools by hand teaches you:

• how the original tool works inside
• how to design a small, clean program
• how to debug your own mistakes

Tools Fit Your Needs

A tool you write fits your exact workflow. It does not have extra features you never use. And you can change it whenever you want.

Final Thoughts

Writing your own tools is not about reinventing the wheel. It is about learning, saving time, and having full control over your workflow. Start with one small script today.