Brad Morton

I'm Brad, and I'm nearing 20 years of experience with Linux. I've worked in just about every IT role there is before taking the leap into software development. Currently, I'm building desktop and web-based solutions with NodeJS and PHP hosted on Linux infrastructure. Visit my blog or find me on Twitter to see what I'm up to.

Home » Articles by: Brad Morton

How to Install PostgreSQL on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian/Arch/Red Hat/Fedora)

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How to Install PostgreSQL

This article will instruct you how to install the PostgreSQL database server on Linux – Red Hat/Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch Linux. Installing PostgreSQL on Debian Linux Here’s now to install PostgreSQL on the Debian Linux distribution (and distributions based on it): From the Default apt Repository You can install PostgreSQL server straight by the apt software repository on Debian Linux by running: Note the use of the sudo command to run the package installation as the root (administrative) user. Installing More Recent Versions From the PostgreSQL apt … Read more

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How to Convert a USB Printer to Wireless with a Raspberry Pi

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Raspberry Pi Wireless Printer

This tutorial will show you how to turn a USB printer into a wireless, AirPrint enabled printer using a Raspberry Pi. The shared printer will be accessible from Windows, Mac and of course, Linux devices. Printers are one of the few bits of tech that haven’t really changed much in the last few decades. The only real change has been that they are increasingly locked down, they are expensive to re-fill, detecting generic cartridges and refusing to print unless an expensive name-brand cartridge is purchased. … Read more

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PostgreSQL vs Oracle – What’s the Difference? Which Should I Use?

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PostgreSQL vs Oracle

This article will explain the differences between PostgreSQL and Oracle Database, and help you to decide which you should use in your project (The answer is PostgreSQL). Choosing the right database for your application, whether it’s a webapp, mobile app, or desktop application is vital. Changing database backend mid-development could be a costly (in both your time or money) and frustrating experience. Trying to decide between other databases like MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, SQLite and MSSQL? Check out our other guide here. Oracle Database Oracle Database, otherwise … Read more

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How to Use a Raspberry Pi for Digital Signage

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Raspberry Pi Digital Signage

This tutorial will show you how to set up your Raspberry Pi with info-beamer and a TV to use as digital signage for your shop, office, school… or anywhere really. Digital signage is super useful. You may want to display advertisements in your shop window, timetables in your office, bulletins in school hallways – really, for anywhere you would hang a poster or noticeboard, a digital sign makes a cool replacement that is highly visible and can be easily updated. Lets get to it. Setting Up the … Read more

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How to Share a Printer using AirPrint with a Raspberry Pi

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Raspberry Pi AirPrint Server

This tutorial will show you how to share your USB printer with iPhones and iPads using AirPrint from a Raspberry Pi. AirPrint is Apple’s printer sharing technology and is required to print from iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, and can also be used to print from laptops and desktops running MacOS. AirPrint is usually only available as a baked-in feature for consumer printers or by sharing a printer that has been plugged into a mac. However, it’s possible to set up an AirPrint server … Read more

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The Worst Things You’ll Probably Google As a Programmer on Linux

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The Worst Things You'll Probably Google As a Programmer on Linux

Programming terminology isn’t always well thought out. Language changes, or the people building out languages don’t consider the full implications of what a function or program or program name may look like when taken out of context – especially when combined with other technical terms. This leads to some pretty awful sounding phrases that you’ll have to search up online when learning how to code, or reminding yourself of the syntax for a command. Here are the worst 25, summarized from this Reddit thread. The Worst … Read more

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How to Declare Variables in PHP (Constants, Static, Global)

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PHP Declare Variable

This article shows you how to declare variables in PHP, including constant, static, and global variables. Code examples are provided. What is a Variable? In computer programming, a variable stores a value, giving it a name that can be used to access it. Once a variable has been created and a value has been assigned to it, the value can be retrieved using the name given to the variable. The value of a variable can be updated (unless the variable has been declared as a constant), and the … Read more

Categories PHP

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How to Check What Version of PostgreSQL You are Running on Linux

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PostgreSQL Check Installed Version

This article will show you how to check the version (or versions) of PostgreSQL running on your Linux system. As it is possible to install multiple versions of PostgreSQL on the same machine, there are a few ways to check the running version, which are detailed below. Checking PostgreSQL Server Version To check the running PostgreSQL server version, use the following pg_config command: Check PostgreSQL Client Version To check which version of the PostgreSQL client you are running, run the following psql command: Finding the PostgreSQL Executables If you … Read more

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Safely Using PHP Variable Variables with Arrays [Examples]

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PHP Variable Variables and Arrays

PHP variable variables are a powerful way to add flexibility to your code. This article explains the pitfalls and solutions to using them with arrays. Variable variables are a great way to simplify your code and make it more readable. However, when using them with arrays, you need to be careful. PHP Arrays and Variable Variables To use variable variables with PHP arrays, extra considerations need to be taken to resolve potential ambiguities in your code. Consider the following PHP code: To what exactly is the array key … Read more

Categories PHP

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How to Test Connection to PostgreSQL Database on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian/Fedora)

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Test Connection to PostgreSQL Server Database

This short tutorial will demonstrate how to test the connection to a PostgreSQL database locally and remotely from Linux. This article is part of our series on getting started with PostgreSQL, head back to our index that lists our full PostgreSQL guide. Testing PostgreSQL Database Connection on Ubuntu/Debian To test connectivity to a PostgreSQL server, you’ll need the PostgreSQL client installed if it is not already. Do this by running: Then, you can use the pg_isready command to test the connection to a database: One of the following … Read more