# terminallytessa dotfiles/apps and why 


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DOTFILES/APPS and WHY

WHY
This is the section of my page where I share my dotfiles with the world, a common practice of the *NIX user. What are dotfiles? Dotfiles are those files used in the configuration of a user's install of their *NIX system. The name dotfiles refers to the fact that these files' names typically start with the . character; in a UNIX system, files whose names begin this way are hidden from most peoples' sight, whether through a search with ls or a graphical file manager, and they likely have their permission set so that only the user in question to whom they belong will be allowed to read, write, and execute them. But if they're hidden, then why is it so popular to share them online if they're otherwise out of sight?

The reasoning is at least twofold, threefold, or two-and-a-half-fold (depending on how you count it). For starters, it's incredibly convenient to have an external source to find what's required to get my system up and running the way I like it, either in case I need to restore things to the way they were. This is really great if I do something which breaks my system. But it can also be just as useful if I'm doing a new install on a different machine. Both are likely scenarios, although with the right install, I hope to have some serious longevity breathed into my machine which is going to be a refurbished unit anyway (for more about that and why they're on GitLab instead of GitHub, see the section of my site called Computing Philosophy.)

Another major reason to share one's dotfiles is the educational value. Beginners, advanced users and everyone else between has the chance to learn a thing or two or more about how things are/can be done. The benefit is most obviously to newcomers to the system who can copy the files as they are and find out what each line does. Intermediate and advanced users can find ways to address certain aspects of their computing they may not have encountered which they may prefer/learn about for the first time. New approaches/choices are always welcome to all but the most set in their ways.

DOTFILES
Here the files in question!(@ GitLab)

APPS
Here's a list of the programs I use with their names in bold and in (italicized parens), the type of program it is, a relevant link, and sometimes, in small text one or two sentences justifying the choice. Not alphabetical, but there is some logic to some of the ordering.