Daniel's blog

Extending AI capabilities with Agent Skills

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:00:28 +0000

Agent Skills provide a modular, file-based way to extend AI agents with reusable capabilities. By using them, they reduce prompt sprawl, improve maintainability, and introduce better boundaries for your agent systems.

I revived my old iPod to escape my phone

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:00:28 +0000

In an age of algorithmic playlists and constant distraction, I went back to basics. This is the story of how I modded a classic iPod with modern hardware, turning a nostalgic relic into the ultimate, distraction-free music player.

A Simple Git Server

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:00:28 +0000

You don’t need GitHub or GitLab to host a remote Git repository. With nothing more than SSH access to a server, you can create your own remote by initializing a bare git repo

Git Restore All Unstaged Files Back to their Latest Commit

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes you may want to test or experiment and revert the changes you’ve made to their last known working state, or just want to delete all the files.

Setting Up SimpleX As Your Private Messenger

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:40:27 +0000

Tired of ads and tracking on WhatsApp? I explore SimpleX, a privacy-focused messenger without user IDs or central logs, plus share how I set up my own SMP server behind Traefik for even more control.

Hardening Your Traefik with Security Headers

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:29:19 +0000

Learn how to configure robust security headers in Traefik v3 using dynamic configuration or Docker labels. Boost your app’s security posture and get that A+ rating with custom CSPs, strict transport rules, and smart defaults.

Sign your Git Commits

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 19:38:46 +0000

Protect your code and identity by signing your Git commits with SSH keys—no GPG required. In this post, I’ll show you how to configure Git to sign commits using SSH.

Global HTTPS Redirect using Traefik v3

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:20:04 +0000

A step-by-step guide to setting up a global HTTP to HTTPS redirect in Traefik v3. Learn how to configure entrypoints in your Traefik configuration for secure connections without relying on middleware.

Customize your RSS Feed in a Ghost Theme

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:05:57 +0000

Learn how to create a custom RSS feed for your blog with excerpts and a tailored layout powered by Ghost.

Managing your dotfiles

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:58:02 +0000

Read how to efficiently manage and deploy your dotfiles across devices using GNU Stow, a powerful symlink manager.

Automating Builds and Releases with Conventional Commits and Semantic Versioning

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:24:21 +0000

Automate versioning, changelog generation, and Docker image builds with GitHub Actions and semantic-release. Learn how to integrate Conventional Commits for a streamlined release workflow across repos.

Remove Member Duplications in GitLab

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:29:48 +0000

Manage GitLab member assignments more effectively with a Python script that removes duplicate direct member entries. Simplify your group-based authorization cleanup.

Working with Conventional Commits

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:39:23 +0000

Conventional Commits bring clarity and consistency to commit messages, automate changelog generation, and simplify versioning. Discover how to implement and enforce this in GitLab for better collaboration.

A rant about monitoring fatigue

Mon, 13 May 2024 21:06:28 +0000

Non-critical alerts are often ignored, leading to critical issues being overlooked. Explore how regular review meetings can help prevent incidents and improve alerting systems. Read on for actionable insights.

How to run better meetings

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 16:00:33 +0000

Revolutionize your meetings by focusing on what truly matters: productivity, creativity, and inclusion. In this post, you’ll discover simple yet effective ways to optimize meetings, respect your team’s time, and foster a more engaging and efficient environment.

The Unspoken Resignation called Quiet Quitting

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:25:00 +0000

Quiet Quitting is when employees disengage from work due to burnout, lack of recognition, or unresolved issues. It develops in stages, affecting productivity and morale. Learn more about its causes and how both employees and employers can address and prevent this growing issue.

Beware of .zip Domains: Phishing Risks and Unicode Confusion

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:13:30 +0000

The .zip domain extension, initially used for file compression, is now being exploited for phishing. Attackers use deceptive Unicode characters that resemble regular ones, tricking users into clicking malicious links.

Automate Deployments with Renovate and GitHub Actions

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:21:23 +0000

Automating deployments with Renovate and GitHub Actions saves time. By labeling pull requests with Renovate (e.g., Docker updates) and triggering Ansible playbooks through GitHub Actions, you can streamline deployments across repositories and reduce manual work.

Hardening your Docker installation

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 18:38:15 +0000

Docker can be a security risk if not properly secured, especially in production environments. Docker Bench is an open-source tool that audits your Docker Engine setup for vulnerabilities based on the CIS Docker Benchmark. It provides actionable insights to harden and secure your Docker installation.

Use pre-commit to execute git hooks

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 16:01:06 +0000

Prevent linting errors after code commits with the “pre-commit” framework. It allows you to run scripts like ansible-lint before each commit, ensuring code quality and reducing the need for multiple fixes.

Migrate your Ghost SQLite Database to MySQL

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 15:28:00 +0000

The Ghost Docker image update switched the default database from SQLite3 to MySQL, causing some issues. This post shows how to migrate your containerized Ghost installation from SQLite3 to MySQL, including modifying docker-compose.yml, backing up data, and reconfiguring your Ghost site.

Deliberately distinguish the vital few from the trivial many

Tue, 31 May 2022 20:04:16 +0000

Essentialism is about focusing on the right things rather than doing more. Learning to say no, making deliberate trade-offs, embracing solitude, cutting losses, and setting boundaries are key to making meaningful contributions. Prioritize what matters and eliminate distractions for deeper focus.

Activate Keychron Function Keys on Ubuntu

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 18:05:49 +0000

This post explains how to configure a Keychron K8 keyboard on Ubuntu to use the F1-F12 keys as standard function keys instead of multimedia keys. It details the steps to switch the keyboard mode, adjust settings, and persist the changes for proper functionality, even after a reboot.

Manage environmental differences with docker-compose overrides

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 15:07:47 +0000

This post explains how to use Docker Compose overrides to customize configurations without forking a repository. It describes how to modify the docker-compose.override.yml file to adjust routing or other settings for different environments. An example with Sentry and Traefik setup is provided.

Deep Work in an Environment of Distractions

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:32:33 +0000

Discover practical strategies to enhance focus and productivity with “Deep Work.” Learn how to minimize distractions, build better work habits, and stay motivated during repetitive tasks. Start cultivating focus to improve your work quality and efficiency.

I have revamped my blog and here is why

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:26:36 +0000

ChatGPT: ChatGPT A developer’s journey in revamping their blog using Gatsby, Tailwind, and a new layout. Learn about overcoming challenges like integrating the RSS feed and maintaining a clean codebase. Discover insights on SEO, accessibility, and performance improvements through Lighthouse.

Using rclone to backup your files encrypted to various cloud solutions

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:22:41 +0000

Learn how to use rclone for encrypted backups to Google Drive, with an easy-to-follow guide on setup and configuration. Includes instructions on automating installation with Ansible, creating and testing rclone backends, and securely storing encrypted data.

The things I have learned during pair programming

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 14:20:16 +0000

Pair programming can be a game-changer for team collaboration. While it can feel vulnerable at first, it brings long-term benefits like breaking knowledge silos, strengthening team bonds, and expanding knowledge.

The problem I have with stand-ups

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 14:16:22 +0000

Stand-ups can be improved! The common “yesterday - today - blockers” model often leads to team members focusing on their own stories instead of listening. Try “Walking the board” where tickets are discussed, keeping focus on the work.

About

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:11:59 +0000

Welcome to my blog. This page will give you some additional information, my other ramblings on the web, and how we can get in touch.

The person behind this blog

My name is Daniel and I’m a DevOps Engineer based in Dresden, Germany. I have a very deep passion for tech ranging from automating tasks and programming new stuff to tinker around with new tools and sometimes hardware. I just love to gain new experiences through new problems and challenges, so I try to actively participate in open-source projects as often as possible. In the future, I want to focus on and specialize in the system engineering part of IT, because that is what I enjoy the most.

Why so many programmers lose hope in their work from time to time

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:38:27 +0000

Burnout in developers can stem from unrealistic deadlines, pressure to compromise on quality, and lack of support. To regain motivation, set boundaries, ask for help early, practice empathy, and surround yourself with positive colleagues. Prioritize quality work and break free from negative cycles.

Why it is important to stick with goal-oriented people

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:36:17 +0000

Working with goal-oriented people can boost productivity and problem-solving skills. Learn how their focus on automation, fearlessness in tackling tasks, attention to detail, and active feedback culture can elevate your approach to work.

Meet Franz. This guy will help you to organize your chat chaos.

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:32:37 +0000

Franz is an open-source app that consolidates all your messaging platforms into one interface. Whether it’s WhatsApp, Slack, or Gmail, Franz allows you to manage multiple services seamlessly, improving productivity by reducing tab clutter. A simple yet powerful tool for organized communication.

Develop your junior devs and helping them to grow.

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:28:25 +0000

As a junior developer, it’s easy to feel lost when diving into unfamiliar code. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, document your code, and embrace constructive feedback. Senior developers, be patient, provide guidance, and make room for mistakes.

The Peter Principle

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 20:43:57 +0000

The Peter Principle suggests that employees are often promoted until they reach a position where they are no longer competent. This can happen when the skills required for the new role differ from the ones that made them successful in their previous position.

Purge away unused CSS or SCSS properties with PurgeCSS

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 20:42:08 +0000

Clean up your CSS files by removing unused rules with Purgecss! This tool can be easily integrated into your workflow using CLI, JavaScript API, Webpack, and more. Follow a simple guide to get started with Purgecss and optimize your project by removing unnecessary CSS clutter.

The technologies behind this blog

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 20:37:57 +0000

Explore the technologies behind the creation of my blog! I chose Gatsby for its speed and JavaScript/React support, combined with TailwindCSS for a customizable, utility-first design.

My blog just spawned!

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 20:03:03 +0000

I’m a System/DevOps Engineer with a passion for web development, JavaScript, and backend technologies like PHP and MySQL. Expect technical posts on these topics along with insights and personal experiences. Dive into my blog and see if it resonates with you!

Imprint

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 19:56:05 +0000

Imprint

Information pursuant to § 5 TMG


Daniel Uhlmann
Löbtauer Straße 33
Dresden
Deutschland
E-Mail Address: contact[at]xfuture-digital.de

Liability for Contents

As service providers, we are liable for own contents of these websites according to Sec. 7, paragraph 1 German Telemedia Act (TMG). However, according to Sec. 8 to 10 German Telemedia Act (TMG), service providers are not obligated to permanently monitor submitted or stored information or to search for evidences that indicate illegal activities. Legal obligations to removing information or to blocking the use of information remain unchallenged. In this case, liability is only possible at the time of knowledge about a specific violation of law. Illegal contents will be removed immediately at the time we get knowledge of them.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Privacy

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The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit this website. Personal data includes all data by which you can be personally identified. Detailed information on the subject of data protection can be found in our privacy policy listed below this text.

Data Collection on This Website

Who is responsible for data collection on this website?

Data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. You can find the operator’s contact details in the section “Notice on the Responsible Party” in this privacy policy.