FOSSPicks
Number conversion
Bitwise
If there's some task you need to perform regularly, it matters how efficient the process becomes, even if that task is simple. This is why the batch image processor above is so effective, and it's also why this neat little command-line utility also succeeds. In fact, the developer created it after noticing that the desktop calculator was being launched too often and wanting to stay on the command line. That's because Bitwise, as its name suggests, is going to be primarily of use to low-level programmers who often need to convert between binary, octal, and hexadecimal number bases, which is often a requirement when you're getting hardware to work or developing parts to plug into the kernel.
Starting Bitwise without any arguments will launch the small utility in interactive mode, with the cursor flashing in a field that accepts a decimal number. As you type a number in, its value for the other number systems is calculated and shown in real time. You can use either the cursor keys, or the Vim movement keys (h, j, k, l) to switch between the fields and enter your chosen number using a different base. With the binary field, you can turn on and off separate bits with the space key. Another similarity with Vim is that you can press : to enter the expression calculator mode. This lets you type expressions to be calculated, and the answer alongside the expression is shown in a history pane. You can also run this mode from the command line without having to enter the interactive mode at all. It's simple, and it's the kind of thing any programmer could build over their lunch hour, but it's also effective.
Project Website
https://github.com/mellowcandle/bitwise
![](/var/linux_magazin/storage/images/issues/2019/227/fosspicks/figd4d5b59547bafbed25412d3a1d5dbee0.png/754313-1-eng-US/figd4d5b59547bafbed25412d3a1d5dbee0.png_large.png)
Eurorack emulator
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
![Learn More](https://www.linux-magazine.com/var/linux_magazin/storage/images/media/linux-magazine-eng-us/images/misc/learn-more/834592-1-eng-US/Learn-More_medium.png)
News
-
NVIDIA Released Driver for Upcoming NVIDIA 560 GPU for Linux
Not only has NVIDIA released the driver for its upcoming CPU series, it's the first release that defaults to using open-source GPU kernel modules.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 24.07 Released
If you’re into rolling release Linux distributions, OpenMandriva ROME has a new snapshot with a new kernel.
-
Kernel 6.10 Available for General Usage
Linus Torvalds has released the 6.10 kernel and it includes significant performance increases for Intel Core hybrid systems and more.
-
TUXEDO Computers Releases InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 Laptop
Sporting either AMD or Intel CPUs, the TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 is an extremely compact, lightweight, sturdy powerhouse.
-
Google Extends Support for Linux Kernels Used for Android
Because the LTS Linux kernel releases are so important to Android, Google has decided to extend the support period beyond that offered by the kernel development team.
-
Linux Mint 22 Stable Delayed
If you're anxious about getting your hands on the stable release of Linux Mint 22, it looks as if you're going to have to wait a bit longer.
-
Nitrux 3.5.1 Available for Install
The latest version of the immutable, systemd-free distribution includes an updated kernel and NVIDIA driver.
-
Debian 12.6 Released with Plenty of Bug Fixes and Updates
The sixth update to Debian "Bookworm" is all about security mitigations and making adjustments for some "serious problems."
-
Canonical Offers 12-Year LTS for Open Source Docker Images
Canonical is expanding its LTS offering to reach beyond the DEB packages with a new distro-less Docker image.
-
Plasma Desktop 6.1 Released with Several Enhancements
If you're a fan of Plasma Desktop, you should be excited about this new point release.