Using the 'hut' Command-Line Tool for Sourcehut (with examples)
The ‘hut’ command-line tool is a useful interface for interacting with Sourcehut, which is a popular suite of collaborative development tools. It helps users manage repositories, list and create projects, handle build jobs, and more—all directly from the terminal. By utilizing OAuth2 for authentication, ‘hut’ ensures secure communication and smooth integration with Sourcehut’s services. This article demonstrates several use cases of the ‘hut’ command to efficiently manage your projects.
Use case 1: Initialize hut’s Configuration File
Code:
hut init
Motivation:
Before using ‘hut’ for any operations, it is essential to establish a configuration that allows the tool to interact with Sourcehut services. Initializing the configuration file is the first step that sets up ‘hut’ with your account credentials and preferences using an OAuth2 access token. This ensures that subsequent commands can authenticate successfully and have the necessary permissions to perform actions on your behalf.
Explanation:
hut init: This command initiates the configuration process for ‘hut’. During execution, it prompts the user to enter an OAuth2 access token, which is needed for authenticating with Sourcehut services. The configuration file stores this token securely to facilitate seamless operations in future commands.
Example Output:
Welcome to hut! Let's start by configuring your setup.
Please enter your OAuth2 access token: [Your Token]
Your configuration file has been initialized successfully!
Use case 2: List Git/Mercurial Repositories
Code:
hut git|hg list
Motivation:
Developers often need to keep track of their code repositories, whether they are using Git or Mercurial version control systems. Listing repositories via ‘hut’ provides a convenient, at-a-glance overview of projects within the user’s Sourcehut account. This is especially useful for quickly accessing repository details or checking the status of various repositories without accessing the web interface.
Explanation:
hut: The main command for invoking the Sourcehut tool.git|hg: Specifies the type of version control system—Git or Mercurial—for which the repositories should be listed. Replacegit|hgwith eithergitorhgdepending on your preference.list: The action to perform, which is to display a list of repositories available in the specified version control system.
Example Output:
Listing repositories:
- example-repo1
- example-repo2
- project-xyz
Use case 3: Create a Public Git/Mercurial Repository
Code:
hut git|hg create name
Motivation:
Creating a new repository is a frequent need for developers starting new projects or open-sourcing their work. This command simplifies the process by allowing the user to create a new repository directly from the terminal, saving the time and hassle of navigating through web interfaces.
Explanation:
hut: Invokes the Sourcehut command-line tool.git|hg: Indicates whether to create a Git or Mercurial repository, tailored to the user’s preference or project requirement.create: The action to perform, which in this case is to create a new repository.name: The name of the repository to be created. It should be a unique identifier for the project you are creating.
Example Output:
Creating repository 'my-new-repo'...
Repository 'my-new-repo' created successfully and is now public!
Use case 4: List Jobs on https://builds.sr.ht
Code:
hut builds list
Motivation:
For developers implementing continuous integration and deployment practices, keeping track of build jobs is essential. This command lists all jobs on Sourcehut’s build service, allowing developers to easily monitor the progress and status of their builds, identify failures, and optimize their development workflow.
Explanation:
hut: The command to access Sourcehut functionalities.builds: Refers to the builds functionality of the Sourcehut service.list: The action that retrieves and displays a list of all ongoing and completed build jobs the user has within their Sourcehut projects.
Example Output:
Job Status:
- job-id-123: SUCCESS
- job-id-456: RUNNING
- job-id-789: FAILURE
Use case 5: Show the Status of a Job
Code:
hut builds show job_id
Motivation:
Understanding the current status of a specific build job is crucial for a developer, especially when debugging or validating recent changes in the codebase. This command allows a quick inspection of a particular job’s status, details, and logs, enabling informed decisions to be made without delay.
Explanation:
hut: Executes the Sourcehut command-line tool.builds: Specifies the build operations within Sourcehut.show: Requests detailed information about a specific build job.job_id: The unique identifier of the build job whose status the user wishes to check.
Example Output:
Job ID: job-id-123
Status: SUCCESS
Details: Completed in 10 minutes, 45 seconds.
Log: [View detailed log]
Use case 6: SSH into a Job Container
Code:
hut ssh job_id
Motivation:
Gaining direct access to the build environment is invaluable when diagnosing issues that occur during the build process. This command allows developers to SSH into the container where a particular job is running, providing a hands-on approach to troubleshooting and examining the environment setup, dependencies, and more.
Explanation:
hut: The command for accessing Sourcehut utilities.ssh: Initiates a Secure Shell (SSH) connection into the specified container.job_id: The identifier of the job/container the user wishes to access, ensuring they are connecting to the correct environment.
Example Output:
Connecting to job-id-123...
Welcome to your build container!
Conclusion:
The ‘hut’ command-line tool simplifies interaction with Sourcehut’s array of developer services, enhancing productivity by allowing efficient management of repositories, build statuses, and environments directly from the terminal. With these examples, users can confidently utilize ‘hut’ for streamlined project workflows and better control over their development processes.
