Blog
Path not updated when installing with Winget in Powershell
Had an annoying issue where the PATH was not updated when installing with Winget in Powershell. Turns out this was a Powershell issue, not a Winget issue.
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Installs, updates and uninstalls using Homebrew or Winget
I'm a Mac user but work in a Windows world, rather than trying to cover commands for both, I thought I'd write a single post and then signpost it in future posts.
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Show the Hidden Git Folder in the VS Code Explorer Pane
In order to make configuration changes to the Git folder in VS Code, you need to be able to see it! This post explains why it's hidden and how to display it.
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How to Share Git Hooks Across Your Development Team
By default, Git hooks are personal to each developer, meaning each developer has to set them up manually, here is a pattern to share them with your team.
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Installing and Setting Up Ollama on macOS from Scratch
Setting up Ollama to run on macOS is fairly straightforward, but you may run into issues. This guide walks through installing, setting up, and running your first prompt.
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Why I'm adding an AI category to my blog this year
I am adding an AI category to my blog this year, as I increasingly find myself utilising AI tools such as GitHub Copilot and Claude to enhance my workflow.
Read MoreUpdating My Blog Using Codex Wrapper aitools
The amazing Chrissy Lemaire has been building more super useful tools and this time it's a powershell module that helps you batch process your code with popular AI CLI editors.
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Why we started Retro Data
Retro Data started because we are being stretched by the constant drive for new content on new products
Read MoreReflections on evaluating Retro Data call for speakers
Reflections on the first Retro Data call for speakers evaluation, covering the 162 submissions received and the process used to select ten talks for the inaugural event.
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Using Return Variables in Microsoft Fabric Child Pipelines
A step-by-step guide to configuring and using return variables from a Microsoft Fabric Data Factory child pipeline to pass output values back to a parent pipeline.
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How to Check Your Beta Microsoft Exam Result Online
Beta Microsoft exams are sat early, but results are not always communicated promptly. This post explains how to track your outcome through the Pearson VUE portal.
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Running Python Code on the ISS with Astro Pi
Recently I got to present my Code Club coders with certificates for completing the Astro Pi Mission Zero project. Back in March the kids created a program that would run on the International Space Station (ISS) using the Astro Pi kit.
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My activities tracker for community contributions in 2025
A list of events and activities I have contributed to STEM and the community during 2025, including conferences, blogging, speaking, and data community activities.
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T-SQL Tuesday #184: Mentoring in the Data Community
My thirteenth T-SQL Tuesday contribution on mentoring. The topic this month was how we can support and nurture the next generation of data professionals.
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Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate
Information on passing the DP-700 exam and earning the Microsoft Certified Fabric Data Engineer Associate certification, covering analytics in Microsoft Fabric.
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Running Deepseek locally in vscode as a private copilot
I have been experimenting with DeepSeek in VS Code as a private, local AI copilot. Setting it up is surprisingly straightforward using Ollama and the Continue extension.
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An Introduction to Scratch Programming Language
An introduction to Scratch Programming Language, a visual programming language for students of all ages.
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I am hosting the SQL Server Room at #DataWeekender 7.0
Our 7th event is almost here and I am hosting the SQL Server track in the best van in data! Read on to find out more about the amazing talks that are on my track.
Read MoreByte Sized: How to Change the Default Terminal in VSCode
A byte-sized VSCode tip describing how to change the default integrated terminal in VSCode, so that it opens in your preferred shell such as zsh, bash, or PowerShell.
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Add Bluesky Links and Share Buttons to Hugo
Talks through the changes I needed to make in order to set up social links and a share to bluesky button on my site.
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