Using multiple field separators with gawk

To define multiple field separators with gawk, set the FS variable with the appropriate regex.

For example, to use comma(,), colon(:) and equal-to (=) as field separators, following can be used

cat file.txt | gawk '{FS = "[:,=]+"} {print $3" "$5}'

The above example also prints the 3rd and 5th field elements.

Altering a HUGE MyISAM table in MySQL

I recently tried to alter a MyISAM table with appx. 300 million records (15 GB MYD size) having unique indexes and it took forever to execute (more than 20 days).

Then, I came across this . The following suggestion simply rocks:

- You can create table of the same structure without keys,
- load data into it to get correct .MYD,
- Create table with all keys defined and copy over .frm and .MYI files from it,
- followed by FLUSH TABLES.
- Now you can use REPAIR TABLE to rebuild all keys by sort, including UNIQUE keys.

The alter completed within 5 hours flat. Just incredible!!

Google Calendar - Mobile Setup

I recently tried the Mobile Setup provided by Google Calendar and thought of sharing it.

After you login to Google Calendar (http://calendar.google.com/) click on the Settings->Mobile Setup Tab. Enter your mobile number and validate your number.

Once done, you can now ask Google Calendar to send Event Reminders through SMS (For free):







This is a fantastic feature and will remind you of calendar events even if you are away from your Desktop and do not have a PDA/Smartphone to sync your calendar.

For MS Outlook users, Google also provides a Calendar Sync feature (http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?answer=98563) which will keep your Google and Outlook calendar in sync.

Thus, you can now get SMS before any personal or official event :)

Which Blackberry is the best?

There are a bunch off new Blackberries in the market these days. I'll take a look at each and give my views:

* Blackberry Bold (Powerful)
This is a power-packed Blackberry. It supports almost all the wireless protocols out there including WiFi and 3G. The screen resolution is equivalent to an iPhone even though the screen size is smaller and thus gives a very clear view. The processor and memory of this phone is better than any other blackberry (it will respond faster to your commands compared to other blackberries). The only negative aspect I can think of is the size. It's bigger than the 8900 or the pearl and will need a bigger pocket to go into.

* Blackberry Storm (Touch Screen)
After viewing the commercials, I was really exited about this phone. It was suppose to give serious competition to the iPhone as it is a blackberry with the touch screen. But sadly after going through few videos in YouTube it seems that the Storm lacks in power and has a slow response time. Moving through pictures/videos can be a pain. I would not like a smartphone which is slow.

* Blackberry Pearl Flip
When the original pearl was launched it was clearly a winner. The blackberry which is not FAT and fits in your hand comfortably. With the Flip, RIM has taken Pearl to the next level. So, if you want a sleek/small blackberry, then this is THE one for you. But you will have to compromise on the performance and screen quality if you settle for this one.

* Blackberry 8900 (Javelin)
This one comes really close to the Bold and will probably win if you consider the size. It's smaller than the Bold and has those curves which you will love. It has Wifi but no 3G. If you can compromise a bit on power and are not particular about having a 3G smartphone, then this is the one for you.