In the realm of Linux system administration, disk space management is a critical task. Among the many tools available, the df command stands out as one of the most fundamental and widely used utilities. This article explores the power of the df command, highlights its most interesting options, and compares it with alternatives like dust.

The df (disk free) command in Linux provides a concise overview of the disk space usage on your file systems. By default, it displays the total, used, and available space on all mounted file systems.

To get a quick summary of disk usage, simply type:


This command will output something like:

The df command comes with several options that enhance its functionality:

Human-readable format: Adding the -h flag provides a more readable output by displaying sizes in human-friendly units (KB, MB, GB).

Filesystem      Size  Used Avail Use% Mounted on
/dev/sda1        40G  1.2G   36G   4% /
tmpfs           2.0G     0  2.0G   0% /dev/shm

Include filesystem type: The -T option adds a column to show the type of each file system.

Filesystem     Type     1K-blocks     Used Available Use% Mounted on
/dev/sda1      ext4      41151820  1205408  37785112   4% /
tmpfs          tmpfs      2010928        0   2010928   0% /dev/shm


Inodes usage: If you are concerned about inode usage, which can be crucial for file-heavy systems, the -i option will display the number of inodes used and available.

Filesystem     Inodes  IUsed   IFree IUse% Mounted on
/dev/sda1     2621440  56384 2565056    3% /
tmpfs          502732      1  502731    1% /dev/shm

Combining df with other command-line utilities can yield powerful insights:


Monitoring disk usage over time: You can create a simple script to monitor disk usage periodically and log the results.

To filter the output to only include specific file systems, use the grep command.

Displaying Disk Usage in Different Block Sizes

You can use the -B option to display disk usage in different block sizes, such as bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, or gigabytes.

Displaying Disk Usage for a Specific File System

While df is robust and widely used, there are alternatives like dust that offer enhanced features and more user-friendly outputs.

dust is a Rust-based disk usage tool that provides an intuitive visualization of disk usage, making it easier to spot large files and directories.

You can install dust via cargo, Rust's package manager:

This command provides a more visual and hierarchical view of disk usage, showing a tree structure with the largest directories first.

Visual Representation:df provides a tabular view of disk usage, while dust offers a more graphical and hierarchical representation, making it easier to identify which directories are consuming the most space.

Ease of Use:dust is designed to be more user-friendly and visually appealing, especially for users who prefer a quick glance at their disk usage.

Additional Features:dust includes additional features like interactive modes and the ability to exclude specific directories, which are not available in df.

Basic Disk Usage:df: Provides basic disk usage information for all mounted file systems.
dust: Offers a comprehensive view of disk usage, emphasizing large files and directories.


Human-readable Output:df: Supports human-readable output with the -h option.
dust: Displays human-readable output by default.


File System Type Information:df: Can display the type of each file system with the -T option.
dust: Does not provide file system type information.


Inode Information:df: Displays inode usage with the -i option.
dust: Does not provide inode information.


Visual Output:df: Displays data in a tabular format.
dust: Provides a graphical and hierarchical representation of disk usage, with color coding.


Interactive Mode:df: No interactive mode.
dust: Includes an interactive mode to explore disk usage.


Directory Exclusion:df: Does not support excluding specific directories from the output.
dust: Allows excluding specific directories to refine the disk usage view.


By understanding these differences, you can choose the right tool for your specific needs in disk space management on Linux systems.


In the realm of Linux system administration, disk space management is a critical task. Among the many tools available, the df command stands out as one of the most fundamental and widely used utilities. This article explores the power of the df command, highlights its most interesting options, and compares it with alternatives like dust.

Understanding the "df" Command
The df (disk free) command in Linux provides a concise overview of the disk space usage on your file systems. By default, it displays the total, used, and available space on all mounted file systems.

Basic Usage

To get a quick summary of disk usage, simply type:
 

This command will output something like:
 

Common Options

The df command comes with several options that enhance its functionality:

Human-readable format: Adding the -h flag provides a more readable output by displaying sizes in human-friendly units (KB, MB, GB).

 

Output
Filesystem      Size  Used Avail Use% Mounted on
/dev/sda1        40G  1.2G   36G   4% /
tmpfs           2.0G     0  2.0G   0% /dev/shm


Include filesystem type: The -T option adds a column to show the type of each file system.
 

Output
Filesystem     Type     1K-blocks     Used Available Use% Mounted on
/dev/sda1      ext4      41151820  1205408  37785112   4% /
tmpfs          tmpfs      2010928        0   2010928   0% /dev/shm


Inodes usage: If you are concerned about inode usage, which can be crucial for file-heavy systems, the -i option will display the number of inodes used and available.

 

Filesystem     Inodes  IUsed   IFree IUse% Mounted on
/dev/sda1     2621440  56384 2565056    3% /
tmpfs          502732      1  502731    1% /dev/shm


Interesting Commands

Combining df with other command-line utilities can yield powerful insights:

Monitoring disk usage over time: You can create a simple script to monitor disk usage periodically and log the results.

 

Filtering specific file systems:
To filter the output to only include specific file systems, use the grep command.

 


Displaying Disk Usage in Different Block Sizes
You can use the -B option to display disk usage in different block sizes, such as bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, or gigabytes.

 

However -h seems more memorable to me.

Displaying Disk Usage for a Specific File System
 

Alerting on Low Disk Space
 


Alternatives to "df"

While df is robust and widely used, there are alternatives like dust that offer enhanced features and more user-friendly outputs.

Dust
dust is a Rust-based disk usage tool that provides an intuitive visualization of disk usage, making it easier to spot large files and directories.


Installation
You can install dust via cargo, Rust's package manager:

 

Usage
The basic usage of dust is simple:

 

This command provides a more visual and hierarchical view of disk usage, showing a tree structure with the largest directories first.

Comparison with "df"

Visual Representation:df provides a tabular view of disk usage, while dust offers a more graphical and hierarchical representation, making it easier to identify which directories are consuming the most space.
Ease of Use:dust is designed to be more user-friendly and visually appealing, especially for users who prefer a quick glance at their disk usage.
Additional Features:dust includes additional features like interactive modes and the ability to exclude specific directories, which are not available in df.

Dust vs df
Basic Disk Usage:df: Provides basic disk usage information for all mounted file systems.
dust: Offers a comprehensive view of disk usage, emphasizing large files and directories.

Human-readable Output:df: Supports human-readable output with the -h option.
dust: Displays human-readable output by default.

File System Type Information:df: Can display the type of each file system with the -T option.
dust: Does not provide file system type information.

Inode Information:df: Displays inode usage with the -i option.
dust: Does not provide inode information.

Visual Output:df: Displays data in a tabular format.
dust: Provides a graphical and hierarchical representation of disk usage, with color coding.

Interactive Mode:df: No interactive mode.
dust: Includes an interactive mode to explore disk usage.

Directory Exclusion:df: Does not support excluding specific directories from the output.
dust: Allows excluding specific directories to refine the disk usage view.

By understanding these differences, you can choose the right tool for your specific needs in disk space management on Linux systems.


Conclusion
The df command remains a powerful and essential tool for Linux users, providing detailed information about disk space usage. Its versatility with various options and the ability to combine with other commands make it a go-to utility for many system administrators. However, alternatives like dust offer enhanced visualization and ease of use, making them valuable additions to the toolbox of any Linux user. Understanding and utilizing both df and its alternatives will ensure efficient and effective disk space management on your Linux systems.


Mastering Disk Space Management in Linux using df command

The Power of df

Docker and Docker Compose are powerful tools for developers, providing an efficient way to develop, test, and deploy applications in a consistent environment. Here’s why you should consider using Docker and Docker Compose, along with code examples to illustrate their use.

1. Consistency Across Environments: Docker ensures that your application runs the same way in development, testing, and production environments by encapsulating it and its dependencies in containers.

2. Isolation: Docker containers provide isolated environments, preventing conflicts between applications running on the same system.

3. Scalability: Docker makes it easy to scale applications horizontally by running multiple instances of containers.

4. Efficiency: Docker containers are lightweight and use fewer resources compared to virtual machines.

The developer initiates the process by creating a Dockerfile. This file outlines a set of instructions for building the Docker image, specifying the base image, application files, dependencies, and environment setup.

Next, the developer uses the Dockerfile to build a Docker image. This image encapsulates the application along with its runtime environment and dependencies.The command used for this step is:

After building the image, the developer pushes it to a Docker registry. This action makes the image available for 

others to pull and use. The command for pushing the image is:

By pushing the image to the registry, it becomes accessible for deployment on various servers.

On a remote server, the developer pulls the Docker image from the registry using the docker-compose pull command.

After pulling the image, the developer starts the application with the docker-compose up command. This step creates and starts the Docker container from the pulled image.

The -d flag indicates that the container runs in detached mode, allowing the developer to use the terminal for other tasks while the container runs in the background.

Running Docker Containers on Any Docker-Enabled Machine:

Finally, the observer notes that the developer can run the Docker container on any machine equipped with Docker. This guarantees a consistent environment across different platforms, enhancing the application's portability and manageability.

1. Simplified Multi-Container Applications: Docker Compose allows you to define and manage multi-container Docker applications using a single YAML file.

2. Ease of Use: With a single command, you can start, stop, and rebuild all the services defined in a `docker-compose.yml` file.

3. Networking: Docker Compose sets up a network for your application’s services, enabling them to communicate with each other.

4. Volume Management: It allows for easy management of data volumes, ensuring persistent data across container restarts.

Create a Dockerfile to define the environment for a simple Python application. 

Create a `docker-compose.yml` file to define and manage a multi-container application.

Example 3: Running Docker and Docker Compose

Docker and Docker Compose streamline the process of developing, testing, and deploying applications by providing consistent and isolated environments. Docker allows you to package your application with all its dependencies, ensuring it runs smoothly across different environments. Docker Compose simplifies the management of multi-container applications, making it easier to define, start, and stop services with a single configuration file. By adopting Docker and Docker Compose, you can improve the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of your application development workflow.

Docker and Docker Compose are powerful tools for developers, providing an efficient way to develop, test, and deploy applications in a consistent environment. Here’s why you should consider using Docker and Docker Compose, along with code examples to illustrate their use.

Benefits of Docker

1. Consistency Across Environments: Docker ensures that your application runs the same way in development, testing, and production environments by encapsulating it and its dependencies in containers.
2. Isolation: Docker containers provide isolated environments, preventing conflicts between applications running on the same system.
3. Scalability: Docker makes it easy to scale applications horizontally by running multiple instances of containers.
4. Efficiency: Docker containers are lightweight and use fewer resources compared to virtual machines.


Docker Workflow

Creation of Dockerfile:
The developer initiates the process by creating a Dockerfile. This file outlines a set of instructions for building the Docker image, specifying the base image, application files, dependencies, and environment setup.

Building the Docker Image:
Next, the developer uses the Dockerfile to build a Docker image. This image encapsulates the application along with its runtime environment and dependencies.The command used for this step is:

 

Pushing the Docker Image to a Registry:

After building the image, the developer pushes it to a Docker registry. This action makes the image available for 
others to pull and use. The command for pushing the image is:

 

By pushing the image to the registry, it becomes accessible for deployment on various servers.

Pulling the Docker Image:

On a remote server, the developer pulls the Docker image from the registry using the docker-compose pull command.
The command used is:

 

Starting the Application:

After pulling the image, the developer starts the application with the docker-compose up command. This step creates and starts the Docker container from the pulled image.
The command executed is:

 

The -d flag indicates that the container runs in detached mode, allowing the developer to use the terminal for other tasks while the container runs in the background.

Running Docker Containers on Any Docker-Enabled Machine:

Finally, the observer notes that the developer can run the Docker container on any machine equipped with Docker. This guarantees a consistent environment across different platforms, enhancing the application's portability and manageability.


 


Benefits of Docker Compose

1. Simplified Multi-Container Applications: Docker Compose allows you to define and manage multi-container Docker applications using a single YAML file.
2. Ease of Use: With a single command, you can start, stop, and rebuild all the services defined in a `docker-compose.yml` file.
3. Networking: Docker Compose sets up a network for your application’s services, enabling them to communicate with each other.
4. Volume Management: It allows for easy management of data volumes, ensuring persistent data across container restarts.



 



Code Examples

Example 1: Dockerfile

Create a Dockerfile to define the environment for a simple Python application. 
 


Example 2: docker-compose.yml

Create a `docker-compose.yml` file to define and manage a multi-container application.
 


Example 3: Running Docker and Docker Compose

1. Build and Run with Docker

# Build the Docker image
docker build -t my-python-app .
# Run the Docker container
docker run -p 5000:5000 my-python-app

2. Using Docker Compose

# Start the application
docker-compose up
# Stop the application
docker-compose down
# Rebuild the application
docker-compose up --build

Docker and Docker Compose streamline the process of developing, testing, and deploying applications by providing consistent and isolated environments. Docker allows you to package your application with all its dependencies, ensuring it runs smoothly across different environments. Docker Compose simplifies the management of multi-container applications, making it easier to define, start, and stop services with a single configuration file. By adopting Docker and Docker Compose, you can improve the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of your application development workflow.

Docker and Docker Compose streamline the process of developing, testing, and deploying applications by providing consistent and isolated environments

Why Should You Go with Docker and Docker Compose?

July has been an eventful month for TryDirect, marked by significant updates and improvements across our platform. This report outlines the key changes and enhancements made during this period, focusing on the re-introduction of the “OWN server” deployment feature, updates to the Stack Builder, and adjustments to web application stack settings.

Re-introduction of "OWN server" Deployment Feature

The "OWN server" deployment feature is back and better than ever. This feature, which allows users to install web apps on their own servers, has been completely re-factored and redesigned.

Enhanced Compatibility: Users can now deploy web applications on a variety of hardware, including the popular and affordable Raspberry PI.

Simplified Installation: The deployment process has been streamlined, making it easier for users to set up and manage their web applications on their own servers.

Improved Performance: Optimizations in the code and deployment scripts have resulted in faster setup times and more efficient use of server resources.

Our Stack Builder tool, which simplifies the process of creating and managing web application stacks, received several important updates and fixes this month.

On-Premise/"Own" Server Connector Added: Users now have the option to connect their on-premise servers or "OWN" servers directly through the Stack Builder. This addition provides greater flexibility and control over deployment environments.

Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: Multiple bugs have been identified and fixed, enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the Stack Builder tool.

We have updated the default settings for PHP-based web applications to better accommodate user needs and improve performance.

These changes ensure that users can upload larger files and post larger forms without encountering issues, enhancing the functionality and user experience of PHP-based web applications.

Overview

July has been an eventful month for TryDirect, marked by significant updates and improvements across our platform. This report outlines the key changes and enhancements made during this period, focusing on the re-introduction of the “OWN server” deployment feature, updates to the Stack Builder, and adjustments to web application stack settings.

Major Updates
Re-introduction of "OWN server" Deployment Feature
The "OWN server" deployment feature is back and better than ever. This feature, which allows users to install web apps on their own servers, has been completely re-factored and redesigned.

Key Improvements:
Enhanced Compatibility: Users can now deploy web applications on a variety of hardware, including the popular and affordable Raspberry PI.
Simplified Installation: The deployment process has been streamlined, making it easier for users to set up and manage their web applications on their own servers.
Improved Performance: Optimizations in the code and deployment scripts have resulted in faster setup times and more efficient use of server resources.

Stack Builder Updates and Fixes
Our Stack Builder tool, which simplifies the process of creating and managing web application stacks, received several important updates and fixes this month.

Notable Changes:
On-Premise/"Own" Server Connector Added: Users now have the option to connect their on-premise servers or "OWN" servers directly through the Stack Builder. This addition provides greater flexibility and control over deployment environments.
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: Multiple bugs have been identified and fixed, enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the Stack Builder tool.

Web Application Stacks Update
We have updated the default settings for PHP-based web applications to better accommodate user needs and improve performance.

Updated Defaults:
upload_max_filesize: Increased to 20M
post_max_size: Increased to 20M
These changes ensure that users can upload larger files and post larger forms without encountering issues, enhancing the functionality and user experience of PHP-based web applications.

This report outlines the key changes made, focusing on the re-introduction of the “OWN server” deployment feature, updates to the Stack Builder.

TryDirect Monthly Report - July 2024

In the world of website security, SSL certificates play a crucial role in protecting data transmitted between users and servers. Two popular options for obtaining SSL certificates are Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt. Both offer robust security features, but they cater to different needs and use cases. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt to help you decide which one is the best fit for your requirements.

Cloudflare SSL provides SSL/TLS encryption through its content delivery network (CDN) and security services. Cloudflare offers various levels of SSL certificates, ranging from free to premium, with additional features and services to enhance website performance and security.

- Automatic SSL Certificates: Cloudflare issues and manages SSL certificates automatically, simplifying the process for website owners.

- Flexible SSL Options: Offers Flexible SSL (partially encrypted) and Full SSL (fully encrypted) modes to accommodate different server configurations.

- Advanced Security Features: Includes protection against DDoS attacks, web application firewall (WAF), and more.

- Performance Enhancements: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to improve website speed and reliability.

- Universal SSL: Provides free SSL certificates for all domains using Cloudflare.

Let's Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) that provides SSL/TLS certificates to enable HTTPS on websites. It is widely used for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice among small to medium-sized websites and developers.

- Free SSL Certificates: Issues SSL certificates at no cost, making it accessible to everyone.

- Automated Process: Utilizes the ACME protocol to automate the issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates.

- Wide Browser Compatibility: Trusted by all major browsers and devices, ensuring broad compatibility.

- Community-Driven: Supported by a large community of developers and organizations dedicated to web security.

- Easy Integration: Can be easily integrated with web servers and hosting platforms using various tools and plugins.

Cloudflare SSL vs. Let's Encrypt: Key Comparisons

Cloudflare SSL: Offers both free and paid plans. The free plan includes Universal SSL, while premium plans provide additional features and support.

Let's Encrypt: Completely free for all users.

Cloudflare SSL: Simplifies the process by automatically issuing and managing certificates once you point your DNS to Cloudflare.

Let's Encrypt: Requires installation and configuration on your web server. Automation tools like Certbot make the process easier, but some technical knowledge is needed.

Cloudflare SSL: Provides additional security features like DDoS protection, WAF, and performance enhancements through its CDN.

Let's Encrypt: Focuses solely on SSL/TLS encryption without additional security features. It provides robust encryption but lacks extra security measures.

Cloudflare SSL: Offers different SSL modes (Flexible, Full, Full Strict) to accommodate various server configurations and security needs.

Let's Encrypt: Provides standard SSL/TLS certificates without flexible modes. It requires your server to support full end-to-end encryption.

Cloudflare SSL: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to enhance website speed and performance by caching content and reducing latency.

Let's Encrypt: Does not include CDN services. Performance improvements depend on your server and network setup.

Cloudflare SSL: Offers support through documentation, community forums, and paid support plans.

Let's Encrypt: Supported by a large community with extensive documentation and forums. No dedicated support, but many hosting providers offer integrated support.

Both Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt provide excellent options for securing your website with SSL/TLS encryption. Your choice depends on your specific needs and technical capabilities:

- Choose Cloudflare SSL if: You want a comprehensive solution that includes additional security features, performance enhancements, and easy management through a CDN. It’s ideal for users who want a straightforward setup with extra security and performance benefits.

- Choose Let's Encrypt if: You need a free and open-source solution that provides robust encryption without additional features. It’s perfect for developers and small to medium-sized websites looking for a cost-effective way to implement HTTPS.

By understanding the differences between Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt, you can make an informed decision that best suits your website’s security and performance requirements.

In the world of website security, SSL certificates play a crucial role in protecting data transmitted between users and servers. Two popular options for obtaining SSL certificates are Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt. Both offer robust security features, but they cater to different needs and use cases. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt to help you decide which one is the best fit for your requirements.

What is Cloudflare SSL?

Cloudflare SSL provides SSL/TLS encryption through its content delivery network (CDN) and security services. Cloudflare offers various levels of SSL certificates, ranging from free to premium, with additional features and services to enhance website performance and security.

Key Features of Cloudflare SSL:
- Automatic SSL Certificates: Cloudflare issues and manages SSL certificates automatically, simplifying the process for website owners.
- Flexible SSL Options: Offers Flexible SSL (partially encrypted) and Full SSL (fully encrypted) modes to accommodate different server configurations.
- Advanced Security Features: Includes protection against DDoS attacks, web application firewall (WAF), and more.
- Performance Enhancements: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to improve website speed and reliability.
- Universal SSL: Provides free SSL certificates for all domains using Cloudflare.

What is Let's Encrypt?

Let's Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) that provides SSL/TLS certificates to enable HTTPS on websites. It is widely used for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice among small to medium-sized websites and developers.

Key Features of Let's Encrypt:
- Free SSL Certificates: Issues SSL certificates at no cost, making it accessible to everyone.
- Automated Process: Utilizes the ACME protocol to automate the issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates.
- Wide Browser Compatibility: Trusted by all major browsers and devices, ensuring broad compatibility.
- Community-Driven: Supported by a large community of developers and organizations dedicated to web security.
- Easy Integration: Can be easily integrated with web servers and hosting platforms using various tools and plugins.


Cloudflare SSL vs. Let's Encrypt: Key Comparisons

1. Cost:
Cloudflare SSL: Offers both free and paid plans. The free plan includes Universal SSL, while premium plans provide additional features and support.
Let's Encrypt: Completely free for all users.

2. Ease of Use:
Cloudflare SSL: Simplifies the process by automatically issuing and managing certificates once you point your DNS to Cloudflare.
Let's Encrypt: Requires installation and configuration on your web server. Automation tools like Certbot make the process easier, but some technical knowledge is needed.

3. Security Features:
Cloudflare SSL: Provides additional security features like DDoS protection, WAF, and performance enhancements through its CDN.
Let's Encrypt: Focuses solely on SSL/TLS encryption without additional security features. It provides robust encryption but lacks extra security measures.

4. Flexibility:
Cloudflare SSL: Offers different SSL modes (Flexible, Full, Full Strict) to accommodate various server configurations and security needs.
Let's Encrypt: Provides standard SSL/TLS certificates without flexible modes. It requires your server to support full end-to-end encryption.

5. Performance:
Cloudflare SSL: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to enhance website speed and performance by caching content and reducing latency.
Let's Encrypt: Does not include CDN services. Performance improvements depend on your server and network setup.

6. Community and Support:
Cloudflare SSL: Offers support through documentation, community forums, and paid support plans.
Let's Encrypt: Supported by a large community with extensive documentation and forums. No dedicated support, but many hosting providers offer integrated support.

Conclusion
Both Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt provide excellent options for securing your website with SSL/TLS encryption. Your choice depends on your specific needs and technical capabilities:
- Choose Cloudflare SSL if: You want a comprehensive solution that includes additional security features, performance enhancements, and easy management through a CDN. It’s ideal for users who want a straightforward setup with extra security and performance benefits.
- Choose Let's Encrypt if: You need a free and open-source solution that provides robust encryption without additional features. It’s perfect for developers and small to medium-sized websites looking for a cost-effective way to implement HTTPS.

By understanding the differences between Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt, you can make an informed decision that best suits your website’s security and performance requirements.

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt to help you decide which one is the best fit for your requirements

Cloudflare SSL vs. Let's Encrypt: A Comparative Overview

osTicket is an open-source ticketing system available on the Linux/Windows platform. It is an extremely lightweight, easy-to-use web-based customer support application. It is written in PHP and supports MySQL/MariaDB. Not only that, but it provides Integration with LDAP/Active Directory for central authentication.

osTicket is the most reliable and widely used application for managing and tracking all the tickets. Here are some key features of osTicket.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install osTIcket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04. Before you start, we offer users to use alternative and more easy way to deploy osTicket using Docker technologies with additional features included. 

A sudo user configured with root privileges

Before starting the installation, update the system with latest stable version by executing the below command on your server:

After the system upgraded to the latest packages, you need to install the required dependencies, to do so run the below command in the terminal:

Step 2: Install and Configure Nginx Web Server

You can install the nginx web server by executing the command given below:


Next, start the nginx service and check the status of the nginx service by running the following command:

Now, enable the nginx service at system boot time using the below command:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo systemctl enable nginx
Synchronizing state of nginx.service with SysV service script with /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install.
Executing: /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install enable nginx

Next, Install PHP, and its required dependencies using the command below:

Now make the necessary changes in php.ini by editing the file.

Here, search for “cgi.fix_pathinfo” uncomment the line, and set its value 0

Once you are done with editing, save and close the file.

To apply the changes, you need to restart the php8.3-fpm service and also enable it as a system reboot.

Now, install the MariaDB database server by executing the command below:

Next, start the MariaDB service, check the service status, and enable the service at system reboot by running the following command:

Next, Secure the MariaDB installation by running the below command:

Enter current password for root (enter for none):
Switch to unix_socket authentication [Y/n] n
Change the root password? [Y/n] n
Remove anonymous users? [Y/n] Y
Disallow root login remotely? [Y/n] Y
Remove test database and access to it? [Y/n] Y
Reload privilege tables now? [Y/n] Y

Note: We assume that you already set the strong root password, so we don’t need to change to root password here.

Now, log in to the MariaDB shell as a root user by running the following command:

Enter, your root password and press “Enter”

Now you need to create a database and user for osTicket.

You can set the database user and password of your choice.

Now, flush the privileges and exit from the MariaDB shell by running the below command:

One-Click osTicket Install


osTicket is an open-source ticketing system available on the Linux/Windows platform. It is an extremely lightweight, easy-to-use web-based customer support application. It is written in PHP and supports MySQL/MariaDB. Not only that, but it provides Integration with LDAP/Active Directory for central authentication.
osTicket is the most reliable and widely used application for managing and tracking all the tickets. Here are some key features of osTicket.
Clean Dashboard Reports
Custom Fields
Custom Columns and Queues
Ticket Filters
Agent Collision Avoidance
Configurable Help Topics
Assign and Transfer Tickets
Auto-Responder
Thread Action
Service Level Agreements
Customer Portal

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install osTIcket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04. Before you start, we offer users to use alternative and more easy way to deploy osTicket using Docker technologies with additional features included. 

Prerequisites
A server running Ubuntu 24.04.
A sudo user configured with root privileges

Step 1: Upgrade the base OS
Before starting the installation, update the system with latest stable version by executing the below command on your server:

 


After the system upgraded to the latest packages, you need to install the required dependencies, to do so run the below command in the terminal:

 

Step 2: Install and Configure Nginx Web Server

You can install the nginx web server by executing the command given below:

 


Next, start the nginx service and check the status of the nginx service by running the following command:

 

Now, enable the nginx service at system boot time using the below command:

 

Output:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo systemctl enable nginx
Synchronizing state of nginx.service with SysV service script with /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install.
Executing: /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install enable nginx

Step 3: Install PHP and PHP Modules

Next, Install PHP, and its required dependencies using the command below:

 

Now make the necessary changes in php.ini by editing the file.

 

Here, search for “cgi.fix_pathinfo” uncomment the line, and set its value 0

 

Once you are done with editing, save and close the file.
To apply the changes, you need to restart the php8.3-fpm service and also enable it as a system reboot.

 

Step 4: Install and Configure MariaDB

Now, install the MariaDB database server by executing the command below:
sudo apt install mariadb-server -y

Next, start the MariaDB service, check the service status, and enable the service at system reboot by running the following command:

 

Next, Secure the MariaDB installation by running the below command:

 


Answer the questions below:

Enter current password for root (enter for none):
Switch to unix_socket authentication [Y/n] n
Change the root password? [Y/n] n
Remove anonymous users? [Y/n] Y
Disallow root login remotely? [Y/n] Y
Remove test database and access to it? [Y/n] Y
Reload privilege tables now? [Y/n] Y

Note: We assume that you already set the strong root password, so we don’t need to change to root password here.
Now, log in to the MariaDB shell as a root user by running the following command:

 

Enter, your root password and press “Enter”
Now you need to create a database and user for osTicket.

 

 

You can set the database user and password of your choice.
Now, flush the privileges and exit from the MariaDB shell by running the below command:

flush privileges;
exit;

The output looks like the below:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo mysql -u root -p
Enter password: 
Welcome to the MariaDB monitor.  Commands end with ; or \g.
Your MariaDB connection id is 42
Server version: 10.11.8-MariaDB-0ubuntu0.24.04.1 Ubuntu 24.04

Copyright (c) 2000, 2018, Oracle, MariaDB Corporation Ab and others.

Type 'help;' or '\h' for help. Type '\c' to clear the current input statement.
MariaDB [(none)]> create database osticket_database;
Query OK, 1 row affected (0.000 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> grant all privileges on osticket_database.* to osticket_user identified by 'your-password';
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.001 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> flush privileges;
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.001 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> exit;
Bye

Step 5: Download and Configure osTicket

Start by acquiring the latest version of osTicket from the GitHub download page.

 

Once you download the package, create a directory for osTicket and extract the downloaded files inside it as shown in the below command.

 

 

Next, change ownership and set the required permission for osTicket directory.

 

 

Then, generate an osTicket configuration file from the given ‘ost-sampleconfig.php’ file using the below command:

 

Step 6: Configure the Nginx virtual host file for osTicket

To access osTicket, you need to create the nginx virtual host file.

sudo vim /etc/nginx/sites-available/osticket.conf

Then, paste the following configuration into it:

 

Please note that here, you need to replace example.com with your domain_name/server_IP address.
Save and exit from the vim editor.

Next, create a symlink using the below command:

 

The above command creates a file as shown below:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ ll /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
total 8
drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 Jul  7 19:42 ./
drwxr-xr-x 8 root root 4096 Jul  7 12:23 ../
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root   40 Jul  7 19:41 osticket.conf -> /etc/nginx/sites-available/osticket.conf
sohan@ubuntu:~$

Now, verify the configuration file using the following command:

sudo nginx -t

Output:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo nginx -t
nginx: the configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf syntax is ok
nginx: configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf test is successful
sohan@ubuntu:~$

Once the configuration test is successful, restart the nginx service to apply the changes.

 

You can check the Nginx service status by executing the command below:

 

Step 7: Access the osTicket

Please open your web browser and navigate to http://example.com to access the osTicket installation page. You will be directed to the prerequisites page.


 


Press the ‘Continue’ button, and you will see the installation page on the next screen.


 


 


 

Set your Helpdesk Name and other details along with the database name, username, and password you set earlier, then click on ‘install now’ button to finish the installation.
You will see the screenshot as shown below:

 

Next, open the osTicket URL and you will see the homepage here http://example.com


 

osTicket Admin Panel: http://example.com/scp/login.php


 

Enter the username and password, you have set at installation time. You will see a screen similar to the one below:

 


OsTicket Admin panel configuration: http://example.com/scp/settings.php
Here, you will see the alert like “Please take a minute to delete setup directory (../setup/) for security reasons.”

To resolve this, delete the setup directory from the osTicket home path.

sudo rm -rf /var/www/html/osticket/upload/setup/


 



 



Think it's too complex? Let us automatically deploy it for you with all above included

 


Conclusion
Congratulations! You have installed osTicket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04. osTicket offers great features like customizable fields, ticket routing, customizable logos and many more which make it a perfect solution for small to medium businesses. You can combine with other system as well. It provides robust and cost-effective solution that improve your customer service. Overall, osTicket is a very flexible and reliable solution you can trust for tracking support issues. 




In this tutorial, you will learn how to install osTIcket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04.


How to install osTicket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04

Welcome to our monthly report, TryDirect users! We're thrilled to share the latest improvements and features that have been implemented this month. Our team has been hard at work to ensure your experience is smoother, more efficient, and more secure. Let's dive into the details!

We know how important a seamless experience with the Stack Builder is for your workflow. This month, we've squashed several bugs that were affecting its performance. These fixes will enhance the reliability and functionality of the Stack Builder, making it easier than ever to create and manage your stacks.

Our Docker Image Validation process has been fine-tuned to address previous issues. The fix ensures that your Docker images are validated accurately and efficiently. This improvement will help prevent errors and streamline your container deployment process.

User experience is at the heart of what we do. We've implemented a series of UI/UX improvements across the platform based on your valuable feedback. These enhancements include:

Improved Navigation: Simplified menus and more intuitive navigation paths to help you find what you need faster.

Enhanced Aesthetics: Updated visuals and a cleaner interface for a more pleasant user experience.

Performance Boosts: Optimized load times and smoother transitions to keep your workflow uninterrupted.

4. New Templates Added to the Stack Builder Library

We're excited to announce the addition of new templates to the Stack Builder library. These templates are designed to help you kickstart your projects with best practices and efficient configurations. Whether you're starting a new application or upgrading an existing one, our expanded template library has you covered.

5. New User Consent Policy for the European Economic Area (EEA)

In compliance with the latest regulations, we have introduced a new user consent policy for our users in the European Economic Area (EEA). This policy ensures that we are handling your data with the utmost care and transparency. You'll be prompted to review and consent to our updated terms, which detail how your data is collected, used, and protected.

Thank you for being a part of the TryDirect community! We're committed to continuously improving our platform and your feedback is invaluable in this journey. If you have any questions or need support, our team is always here to help. Stay tuned for more updates next month!


Welcome to our monthly report, TryDirect users! We're thrilled to share the latest improvements and features that have been implemented this month. Our team has been hard at work to ensure your experience is smoother, more efficient, and more secure. Let's dive into the details!

1. Stack Builder Bug Fixes
We know how important a seamless experience with the Stack Builder is for your workflow. This month, we've squashed several bugs that were affecting its performance. These fixes will enhance the reliability and functionality of the Stack Builder, making it easier than ever to create and manage your stacks.

2. Docker Image Validation Fix
Our Docker Image Validation process has been fine-tuned to address previous issues. The fix ensures that your Docker images are validated accurately and efficiently. This improvement will help prevent errors and streamline your container deployment process.

3. Multiple UI/UX Improvements
User experience is at the heart of what we do. We've implemented a series of UI/UX improvements across the platform based on your valuable feedback. These enhancements include:
Improved Navigation: Simplified menus and more intuitive navigation paths to help you find what you need faster.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Updated visuals and a cleaner interface for a more pleasant user experience.
Performance Boosts: Optimized load times and smoother transitions to keep your workflow uninterrupted.

4. New Templates Added to the Stack Builder Library
We're excited to announce the addition of new templates to the Stack Builder library. These templates are designed to help you kickstart your projects with best practices and efficient configurations. Whether you're starting a new application or upgrading an existing one, our expanded template library has you covered.

5. New User Consent Policy for the European Economic Area (EEA)
In compliance with the latest regulations, we have introduced a new user consent policy for our users in the European Economic Area (EEA). This policy ensures that we are handling your data with the utmost care and transparency. You'll be prompted to review and consent to our updated terms, which detail how your data is collected, used, and protected.
Thank you for being a part of the TryDirect community! We're committed to continuously improving our platform and your feedback is invaluable in this journey. If you have any questions or need support, our team is always here to help. Stay tuned for more updates next month!

Warm regards,
The TryDirect Team

Our team has been hard at work to ensure your experience is smoother, more efficient, and more secure. Let's dive into the details!

Monthly Report June 2024

Maximize Your Earnings Online with TryDirect

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, finding efficient ways to monetize your technical skills is essential. TryDirect, a platform designed to streamline application deployment for freelancers, system administrators, and developers. This guide will show you how to make money with TryDirect, leveraging your technical expertise.

TryDirect is an innovative platform that simplifies the deployment of applications using Docker Compose in the cloud. It automates cloud firewall configurations and prepares servers, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to save time and increase efficiency.

Sign Up: Start by creating an account on TryDirect. The registration process is simple and quick, requiring basic personal information. Once registered, you’ll have access to a variety of application deployment options.

Browse Application Collections: After signing up, explore the available application collections on Docker Compose. These collections include a wide range of pre-configured applications tailored for various purposes, from web servers and databases to development environments.

Select and Deploy Applications: Choose the applications that meet your needs. TryDirect's platform allows you to deploy these applications effortlessly in the cloud. The platform automatically configures the cloud firewall and prepares a suitable server, ensuring a seamless deployment process.

Earn Money: Utilize the deployed applications for freelance projects, system administration tasks, or development purposes. The time saved and efficiency gained can be translated into higher earnings by taking on more projects or improving the quality of your work.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings on TryDirect

Stay Updated: Regularly check the platform for new application collections and updates. TryDirect continually adds new tools and features, providing you with the latest technologies to work with. Join our discord server to follow the latest updates

Efficient Deployment: Use the platform’s automated features to deploy applications quickly, allowing you to focus on your core work rather than spending time on configuration and setup.

Expand Your Skill Set: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of applications available on TryDirect. The more you know, the more versatile you become, opening up more opportunities to earn.

Referral Program: Many platforms, including TryDirect, offer referral bonuses. By inviting colleagues and friends to join, you can earn additional rewards when they sign up and use the platform.

Client Satisfaction: Deliver high-quality work using the deployed applications. Satisfied clients are more likely to offer repeat business and refer you to others, increasing your earning potential.

While TryDirect offers a streamlined way to deploy applications and save time, be aware of potential challenges:

Technical Expertise: A certain level of technical knowledge is required to fully utilize the platform’s features. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies is essential.

Dependence on Cloud Services: Ensure that your internet connection and cloud service availability are reliable, as any downtime can affect your work and earnings.

Initial Setup: While TryDirect automates much of the deployment process, familiarizing yourself with the platform’s interface and features might take some time.

When comparing the minimal prices on various freelancer platforms for deploying a WordPress site to the cost of an Individual plan on TryDirect, the difference is significant. The average cost for deployment services for freelancers ranges from $50 to $100 per app. With TryDirect's Individual plan at just $10 per month, you can perform unlimited WordPress deployments for all your customers, offering exceptional value.

The TryDirect development team is always available to assist you in the initial stages, ensuring a smooth and comfortable workflow.

If you are experienced with Docker technologies, you don’t need to purchase a subscription. You can use Stack Builder completely free of charge.

TryDirect provides a powerful platform for freelancers, system administrators, and developers to deploy applications efficiently in the cloud. By automating the configuration of cloud firewalls and server preparation, TryDirect saves you valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus on your core tasks and maximize your earnings.

To get started, visit TryDirect and sign up today. Explore the diverse range of application collections available and start leveraging this innovative platform to boost your productivity and income.

Let's get started

Maximize Your Earnings Online with TryDirect

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, finding efficient ways to monetize your technical skills is essential. TryDirect, a platform designed to streamline application deployment for freelancers, system administrators, and developers. This guide will show you how to make money with TryDirect, leveraging your technical expertise.

Why TryDirect?
TryDirect is an innovative platform that simplifies the deployment of applications using Docker Compose in the cloud. It automates cloud firewall configurations and prepares servers, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to save time and increase efficiency.

How Does TryDirect Work?
Sign Up: Start by creating an account on TryDirect. The registration process is simple and quick, requiring basic personal information. Once registered, you’ll have access to a variety of application deployment options.
Browse Application Collections: After signing up, explore the available application collections on Docker Compose. These collections include a wide range of pre-configured applications tailored for various purposes, from web servers and databases to development environments.
Select and Deploy Applications: Choose the applications that meet your needs. TryDirect's platform allows you to deploy these applications effortlessly in the cloud. The platform automatically configures the cloud firewall and prepares a suitable server, ensuring a seamless deployment process.
Earn Money: Utilize the deployed applications for freelance projects, system administration tasks, or development purposes. The time saved and efficiency gained can be translated into higher earnings by taking on more projects or improving the quality of your work.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings on TryDirect
Stay Updated: Regularly check the platform for new application collections and updates. TryDirect continually adds new tools and features, providing you with the latest technologies to work with. Join our discord server to follow the latest updates
Efficient Deployment: Use the platform’s automated features to deploy applications quickly, allowing you to focus on your core work rather than spending time on configuration and setup.
Expand Your Skill Set: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of applications available on TryDirect. The more you know, the more versatile you become, opening up more opportunities to earn.
Referral Program: Many platforms, including TryDirect, offer referral bonuses. By inviting colleagues and friends to join, you can earn additional rewards when they sign up and use the platform.
Client Satisfaction: Deliver high-quality work using the deployed applications. Satisfied clients are more likely to offer repeat business and refer you to others, increasing your earning potential.

Potential Challenges
While TryDirect offers a streamlined way to deploy applications and save time, be aware of potential challenges:
Technical Expertise: A certain level of technical knowledge is required to fully utilize the platform’s features. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies is essential.
Dependence on Cloud Services: Ensure that your internet connection and cloud service availability are reliable, as any downtime can affect your work and earnings.
Initial Setup: While TryDirect automates much of the deployment process, familiarizing yourself with the platform’s interface and features might take some time.

Additional Benefits of TryDirect

Cost Efficiency
When comparing the minimal prices on various freelancer platforms for deploying a WordPress site to the cost of an Individual plan on TryDirect, the difference is significant. The average cost for deployment services for freelancers ranges from $50 to $100 per app. With TryDirect's Individual plan at just $10 per month, you can perform unlimited WordPress deployments for all your customers, offering exceptional value.

Expert Support
The TryDirect development team is always available to assist you in the initial stages, ensuring a smooth and comfortable workflow.

Free Usage for Docker Experts
If you are experienced with Docker technologies, you don’t need to purchase a subscription. You can use Stack Builder completely free of charge.

Get Started Today
TryDirect provides a powerful platform for freelancers, system administrators, and developers to deploy applications efficiently in the cloud. By automating the configuration of cloud firewalls and server preparation, TryDirect saves you valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus on your core tasks and maximize your earnings.
To get started, visit TryDirect and sign up today. Explore the diverse range of application collections available and start leveraging this innovative platform to boost your productivity and income.

 


How to make money with TryDirect if you are a devops beginner, freelancer, developer. Learn how to TryDirect can save you a lot of time and efforts.  

How to make money with TryDirect

Here at TryDirect, our team is passionate about creating fast, efficient software. Sometime when I work on a project, I fall into the habit of using the clone() method to copy values. It's the easiest way to achieve results quickly, but I've learned it's a common mistake that needs to be avoided. How we overcame our cloning dependency and embraced more efficient practices?

We were tasked with developing a new feature for our product, a real-time data processing module. 

Lets take first and most common example from the real project

Here’s how you can refactor it to avoid cloning:

as_deref() Method: The as_deref() method converts an Option<String> to an Option<&str>. It does this by converting the String inside the Option to a &str slice, thereby avoiding the need for cloning.
If self.tag is Some(String), as_deref() will turn it into Some(&str).
If self.tag is None, it stays None.


unwrap_or("latest"): Now, with Option<&str>, you can use unwrap_or("latest") to provide a default string slice "latest" if the Option is None.

This way, the string "latest" is only created when necessary, and no cloning is done when the tag is present.

Next step towards efficiency could be embracing borrowing.

Why clone data when we can just borrow it? We can use references to access data without taking ownership. So here is a first example of how to avoid cloning.


fn process_data(data: &str) {
    // Use data without taking ownership
}

let my_data = String::from("Hello, world!");

process_data(&my_data);  // Pass a reference

// my_data can still be used here


Next, we turned our attention to collections and strings. Instead of cloning entire vectors or strings, we used slices.


fn sum_slice(slice: &[i32]) -> i32 {
    slice.iter().sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_slice(&numbers);  // Pass a slice

By passing slices, we can reduce unnecessary data duplication, and functions become more versatile.

As our project grew, we needed a way to share data across multiple components. That's when we discovered Rc<T> (Reference Counted) smart pointers. These allowed us to share ownership without cloning.

use std::rc::Rc;

fn share_data(data: Rc<String>) {
    println!("{}", data);
}

let shared_data = Rc::new(String::from("Hello, Rc!"));
share_data(shared_data.clone());  // Rc::clone() is cheap
share_data(Rc::clone(&shared_data));  // This is also a cheap operation

There is one another method that might help. Cow (Copy on Write). With Cow, you can work with borrowed data and only clone it if necessary. 


use std::borrow::Cow;

fn modify_string(input: Cow<str>) -> Cow<str> {
  if input.contains("bad") {
    let mut owned = input.into_owned();
    owned.replace_range(.., "good");
    Cow::Owned(owned)
  } else {
    input
  }
}

let borrowed: Cow<str> = Cow::Borrowed("Hello");

let modified = modify_string(borrowed);  // No clone here

let owned: Cow<str> = Cow::Owned(String::from("bad string"));

let modified_owned = modify_string(owned);  // Clones only if modified


Cow provided the flexibility we needed without compromising efficiency.

Iterators became our best friends for processing data lazily. We transformed and consumed elements without creating intermediate collections. Basic example:


fn sum_even_numbers<I>(iter: I) -> i32
where
I: Iterator<Item = i32>,
{
    iter.filter(|&x| x % 2 == 0).sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_even_numbers(numbers.into_iter());


This approach not only improved performance but also made our code more readable.

Sometimes, we realized we didn't need the original data after a certain point. Instead of cloning, we moved ownership.

Here at TryDirect, our team is passionate about creating fast, efficient software. Sometime when I work on a project, I fall into the habit of using the clone() method to copy values. It's the easiest way to achieve results quickly, but I've learned it's a common mistake that needs to be avoided. How we overcame our cloning dependency and embraced more efficient practices?

The Project Begins
We were tasked with developing a new feature for our product, a real-time data processing module. 

Lets take first and most common example from the real project

 

Here’s how you can refactor it to avoid cloning:
 


Explanation:
as_deref() Method: The as_deref() method converts an Option<String> to an Option<&str>. It does this by converting the String inside the Option to a &str slice, thereby avoiding the need for cloning.
If self.tag is Some(String), as_deref() will turn it into Some(&str).
If self.tag is None, it stays None.

unwrap_or("latest"): Now, with Option<&str>, you can use unwrap_or("latest") to provide a default string slice "latest" if the Option is None.

This way, the string "latest" is only created when necessary, and no cloning is done when the tag is present.

Discovering Borrowing
Next step towards efficiency could be embracing borrowing.
Why clone data when we can just borrow it? We can use references to access data without taking ownership. So here is a first example of how to avoid cloning.

fn process_data(data: &str) {
    // Use data without taking ownership
}

let my_data = String::from("Hello, world!");

process_data(&my_data);  // Pass a reference

// my_data can still be used here


Slicing Through Inefficiency
Next, we turned our attention to collections and strings. Instead of cloning entire vectors or strings, we used slices.

fn sum_slice(slice: &[i32]) -> i32 {
    slice.iter().sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_slice(&numbers);  // Pass a slice
By passing slices, we can reduce unnecessary data duplication, and functions become more versatile.

Embracing Smart Pointers
As our project grew, we needed a way to share data across multiple components. That's when we discovered Rc<T> (Reference Counted) smart pointers. These allowed us to share ownership without cloning.

use std::rc::Rc;

fn share_data(data: Rc<String>) {
    println!("{}", data);
}

let shared_data = Rc::new(String::from("Hello, Rc!"));
share_data(shared_data.clone());  // Rc::clone() is cheap
share_data(Rc::clone(&shared_data));  // This is also a cheap operation

The Power of Cow
There is one another method that might help. Cow (Copy on Write). With Cow, you can work with borrowed data and only clone it if necessary. 

Code example:

use std::borrow::Cow;

fn modify_string(input: Cow<str>) -> Cow<str> {
  if input.contains("bad") {
    let mut owned = input.into_owned();
    owned.replace_range(.., "good");
    Cow::Owned(owned)
  } else {
    input
  }
}

let borrowed: Cow<str> = Cow::Borrowed("Hello");

let modified = modify_string(borrowed);  // No clone here

let owned: Cow<str> = Cow::Owned(String::from("bad string"));

let modified_owned = modify_string(owned);  // Clones only if modified

Cow provided the flexibility we needed without compromising efficiency.

Iterators: The Lazy Path to Performance
Iterators became our best friends for processing data lazily. We transformed and consumed elements without creating intermediate collections. Basic example:


fn sum_even_numbers<I>(iter: I) -> i32
where
I: Iterator<Item = i32>,
{
    iter.filter(|&x| x % 2 == 0).sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_even_numbers(numbers.into_iter());

This approach not only improved performance but also made our code more readable.

Moving to Better Semantics
Sometimes, we realized we didn't need the original data after a certain point. Instead of cloning, we moved ownership.

fn take_ownership(s: String) {
    println!("{}", s);
}

let my_string = String::from("Hello, world!");

take_ownership(my_string);  // my_string is moved here

// my_string cannot be used here anymore

By moving data, we avoided unnecessary copies and kept our code efficient.

Interior Mutability with RefCell
For scenarios requiring mutable access to shared data, RefCell<T> provided a solution. It allowes us to mutate data even when it was behind an immutable reference.

use std::cell::RefCell;

fn mutate_data(data: &RefCell<i32>) {
    *data.borrow_mut() += 1;
}

let data = RefCell::new(5);

mutate_data(&data);

println!("{}", data.borrow());  // Output: 6

This approach ensured safe runtime borrow checking without compromising performance.

Conclusion: A Cloning-Free Future
By avoiding unnecessary cloning and embracing efficient Rust practices, you can improve both performance and code quality. This journey taught us the value of understanding and leveraging Rust's powerful features to write efficient, idiomatic code.
And so, the story of TryDirect continues, now with a commitment to avoiding clone() whenever possible, always striving for efficiency and excellence in every project we undertake.

The Related discussion
https://users.rust-lang.org/t/can-i-avoid-cloning/56069
https://www.reddit.com/r/rust/comments/17luh6c/how_can_i_avoid_cloning_everywhere/


How to get rid of multiple clone() in Rust. Few methods that might be helpful for Rust developers  

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How to install osTicket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04

Monthly Report June 2024

How to make money with TryDirect

How to avoid multiple clone() in Rust

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