Small tools for finding the code change you half remember

Will Keleher collects small techniques that remove friction from everyday programming: searching Git history for an added or removed string, improving shell-history search, and using SQL expressions to explore database behavior. The broader point is that useful engineering knowledge includes compact tricks you can apply immediately, alongside deeper understanding of languages and systems.

Will Keleher

Why it matters

A quick source of techniques to try during debugging and code archaeology.

More context

Start with the Git pickaxe example, git log -S, on a repository you know. Pick one useful technique rather than adopting every suggestion. This evergreen article has no verified original publication date and is distinct from the author’s shell-composition essay.

Keep in mind

A collection of personal tips, not a measured productivity study. Check runtime-specific examples against current documentation; EXPLAIN ANALYZE actually executes its query.

Original read