Create 'Mess' Directories

a year ago

The article introduces a custom shell function `cdmess` for creating temporary 'mess' directories.
The function creates a timestamped directory under `/tmp` or a user-specified temporary directory.
It automatically changes into a newly created subdirectory with a random name (XXXX pattern).
Additionally, it sets up a Python virtual environment (`venv`) in the new directory and activates it.
The author suggests adapting the function for different workflows, such as using `uv` instead of `virtualenv` or creating a `package.json`.
The `cdmess` function is useful for quickly testing scripts, dependencies, or environments without affecting ongoing project directories.
It helps in faster iteration by avoiding full builds or server restarts in main project directories.

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