My morning terminal: zoxide jumps, mise runs the project, starship shows context, fzf picks the file

Opening a terminal numerous times each day typically follows a consistent five-minute routine. The initial step involves navigating to the relevant project, executing actions within it, verifying the terminal prompt, and finally, accessing the desired file. Various tools can alleviate these inconveniences. This article explores such tools, with each addressing a specific segment of the routine.

Zoxide simplifies the process of reaching the project. Once installed, you no longer need to use the 'cd' command to access project directories. Instead, you input 'z' followed by a portion of the target folder's name. For instance, if a directory is located at "~/projects/newsletter-manager," typing 'z news' will transport you directly to "~/projects/newsletter-manager." The tool ranks directories based on the frequency of visits, and after a couple of weeks, you'll find yourself using it more often than 'cd'.

Mise takes care of running the project. Assuming the project is a Node.js project with a mise.toml file, upon entering the project directory, Mise reads the file and installs the necessary toolchain if it's missing. Subsequently, running 'mise run build' will execute the defined build task without the need to search for 'npm run' in a project that doesn't use npm or look for a specific shell script. Mise also enables running tasks on a 'watch' mode, automatically re-running the task when files change.

Starship provides context within the terminal prompt. While working, the prompt displays the current git branch, ensuring you're aware of the branch you're on without having to manually check with 'git status'. Moreover, if the project has a fixed toolchain, Starship shows the version, preventing potential surprises that could occur later when using the wrong version.

Fuzzy File Navigator, or fzf, allows you to quickly locate and select files within the project. Pressing Ctrl-T and typing a search term, like 'app', followed by Enter, will present a list of files containing that term. You can then select the desired file from the list. This feature also functions when you're in the middle of a command, enabling you to insert the picked file path seamlessly.

To enable this functionality, you need to source fzf's shell init in your shell configuration file, such as '~/.fzf.zsh'. You can also use fzf directly in scripts, invoking the fuzzy search without a TUI (text user interface).