Automating Repetitive Tasks with Scripts

1. Introduction

Repetitive tasks can be a significant drain on productivity. Automating these tasks using scripts allows developers to save time and reduce human error. This lesson focuses on how to leverage scripts for automating front-end tasks, including build processes, file manipulation, and more.

2. Key Concepts

3. Step-by-Step Process

3.1 Setting Up Your Environment

Before you start scripting, you need a proper environment. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Choose a scripting language (e.g., JavaScript, Python).
2. Install the necessary runtime (Node.js for JavaScript, Python interpreter).
3. Set up a code editor (VSCode, Sublime Text).

3.2 Writing a Simple Script

Here’s a simple example of a JavaScript script that renames files in a directory:

const fs = require('fs');
const path = require('path');

const directoryPath = 'path/to/your/directory';
fs.readdir(directoryPath, (err, files) => {
    if (err) throw err;
    files.forEach((file, index) => {
        const oldPath = path.join(directoryPath, file);
        const newPath = path.join(directoryPath, `newFileName_${index}.txt`);
        fs.rename(oldPath, newPath, (err) => {
            if (err) throw err;
            console.log(`Renamed: ${oldPath} to ${newPath}`);
        });
    });
});
                

4. Best Practices

5. FAQ