How to use the command 'r2e' (with examples)

The r2e command, short for ‘rss2email’, is a versatile tool that allows users to forward RSS feed updates directly to an email address. This utility requires a configured sendmail or SMTP setup, enabling users to stay updated with their favorite feeds without having to check each site manually. By automating RSS feed updates to email, r2e streamlines information delivery, making it easier for users to track multiple sources in one place.

Use case 1: Create a new feed database that sends email to an email address

Code:

r2e new email_address

Motivation:
Creating a new feed database with r2e is the foundational step to start receiving RSS feed updates through email. This setup is ideal for a user who wants a centralized management system for multiple RSS feeds. It reduces the hassle of visiting each feed separately, offering the convenience of compiling updates into one email account.

Explanation:

• r2e: Calls the rss2email tool.
• new: This argument is used to initialize a new database, which is crucial for setting up the infrastructure to manage and store RSS feeds.
• email_address: The argument here is the email address where the RSS feed updates will be sent. This address serves as the receiver for all future feed updates.

Example output:

New rss2email feed database created.
Destination email is set to: email_address

Use case 2: Subscribe to a feed

Code:

r2e add feed_name feed_URI

Motivation:
Subscribing to a feed allows you to add specific RSS feeds to your r2e database. This functionality is perfect for tailoring the information flow to your interests, such as adding news sites, blogs, or content-specific updates. It’s especially useful for professionals who need to track industry-specific information systematically.

Explanation:

• r2e: Indicates the tool being used.
• add: This argument tells r2e you want to include a new RSS feed to your existing database.
• feed_name: A descriptive name you assign to the RSS feed. It provides an easy reference for the feed you are tracking.
• feed_URI: The URL of the RSS feed you wish to subscribe to. The URI facilitates the retrieval of updates from the web.

Example output:

Successfully added feed 'feed_name' with URI 'feed_URI'.

Use case 3: Send new stories to an email address

Code:

r2e run

Motivation:
The command to send new stories is the heart of using r2e—it pulls the latest updates from all subscribed feeds and forwards them to the designated email address. This process is automatic once set up, enhancing productivity by delivering current information without manual checks.

Explanation:

• r2e: Activates the rss2email utility.
• run: Executes the command to fetch and send the latest items from the subscribed feeds to the specified email address, ensuring you are always up to date.

Example output:

Checking for new stories...
New stories sent to email_address

Use case 4: List all feeds

Code:

r2e list

Motivation:
Listing all feeds is important for managing your subscriptions. With this command, you get a clear overview of all the feeds you’re tracking, helping you evaluate the relevance and necessity of each subscription. This transparency allows for more effective management of your feed database.

Explanation:

• r2e: Utilizes the RSS to email service.
• list: A command used to display all currently subscribed feeds, complete with names and associated URIs, providing a snapshot of your subscriptions.

Example output:

1: feed_name_1 (feed_URL_1)
2: feed_name_2 (feed_URL_2)
Remaining subscribed feeds: 2

Use case 5: Delete a feed at a specified index

Code:

r2e delete index

Motivation:
Deleting a feed is crucial for refining your information intake. It’s beneficial when a feed is no longer of interest or when you decide to reduce the volume of incoming information. Making these adjustments ensures your email stays relevant and clear of unnecessary updates.

Explanation:

• r2e: Calls the RSS to email program.
• delete: This command is for removing a feed from your database.
• index: The numerical position of the feed in your list, as obtained from the r2e list command. The index tells r2e which feed to remove.

Example output:

Feed at index 1 successfully deleted.

Conclusion:

The r2e command simplifies the process of staying informed by integrating RSS feed management with email delivery. Its rich set of functionalities—from setup to management and deletion—provides a seamless experience for users who wish to centralize their information in one convenient location. Whether you are an avid news follower or a professional keeping tabs on specific industry updates, r2e offers an efficient tool to streamline your digital content consumption.