Adding Reminders With Keith/reminders-cli And JSON Using Jq

Jul 16, 2025 by stackftunila 60 views

Adding Reminders with keith/reminders-cli Using JSON and jq

Introduction to keith/reminders-cli

In the realm of command-line tools for macOS, keith/reminders-cli stands out as a versatile solution for managing reminders directly from your terminal. This utility allows users to interact with the Reminders app on macOS without needing to open the graphical interface. One of its powerful features is the ability to handle reminders using JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), a lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. This capability opens the door for scripting and automation, making it simpler to integrate reminders into your workflows.

Understanding the Power of JSON with `keith/reminders-cli`

JSON support in keith/reminders-cli is a game-changer for those who love scripting and automation. Instead of manually typing out commands with various flags and options, you can construct a JSON object that represents the reminder you want to create, update, or delete. This approach is particularly useful when you need to create reminders with multiple attributes such as title, due date, notes, and priority. The structured nature of JSON ensures that all the necessary information is passed correctly, reducing the chances of errors. Furthermore, when combined with a tool like jq, a command-line JSON processor, you gain the ability to manipulate and create JSON objects dynamically, making the process even more efficient.

Why Use `jq` with `keith/reminders-cli`?

jq is like a Swiss Army knife for JSON data. It allows you to slice, filter, map, and transform JSON data with ease. When working with keith/reminders-cli, jq can be used to construct the JSON payload required to add reminders with specific attributes. This is especially handy when you need to generate reminders based on variables or data from other sources. For instance, you might have a script that reads a list of tasks from a file and uses jq to format each task as a JSON object that can be passed to keith/reminders-cli. The combination of these tools provides a robust and flexible way to manage reminders from the command line.

Benefits of Automating Reminders

Automating reminders can significantly boost your productivity. Imagine a scenario where you have a daily routine of tasks that need to be completed. Instead of manually adding reminders for each task every day, you can create a script that uses keith/reminders-cli and jq to add these reminders automatically. This not only saves time but also ensures that you don't forget any important tasks. Furthermore, by integrating reminders into your scripts, you can create dynamic workflows that adapt to your changing needs. For example, you can set reminders based on the completion of certain tasks or the occurrence of specific events. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are substantial.

Setting Up `keith/reminders-cli`

Before diving into the JSON functionality, it’s essential to ensure that keith/reminders-cli is correctly installed and configured on your system. This involves a few straightforward steps that will have you up and running in no time. First, you’ll need to have Ruby and RubyGems installed, as keith/reminders-cli is a Ruby gem. If you’re on macOS, Ruby is likely already installed, but it’s a good idea to check the version to ensure it meets the requirements. Once Ruby is set up, you can proceed with installing the gem and configuring it to access your Reminders data.

Prerequisites: Ruby and RubyGems

Ruby is a dynamic, open-source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity. RubyGems is a package manager for Ruby, providing a standard format for distributing Ruby programs and libraries. To check if Ruby is installed, open your terminal and run ruby -v. If Ruby is installed, you’ll see the version number. If not, you’ll need to install it. The recommended way to install Ruby on macOS is using a version manager like rbenv or rvm. These tools allow you to manage multiple Ruby versions, which can be useful if you’re working on different projects with varying Ruby dependencies.

Once Ruby is installed, you can verify that RubyGems is also installed by running gem -v in your terminal. RubyGems is typically included with Ruby installations, so you likely won’t need to install it separately. However, if you encounter any issues, you can update RubyGems by running gem update --system.

Installing `keith/reminders-cli`

With Ruby and RubyGems set up, installing keith/reminders-cli is as simple as running a single command in your terminal: gem install reminders-cli. This command tells RubyGems to download and install the reminders-cli gem along with any dependencies. Once the installation is complete, you can verify that keith/reminders-cli is installed by running reminders --version. This should display the version number of the installed gem.

Configuring Access to Reminders Data

After installation, keith/reminders-cli needs permission to access your Reminders data. macOS has security features in place to protect user data, so you’ll need to grant the necessary permissions. When you run reminders for the first time, it will prompt you to grant access to your Reminders. You can also manually grant access in System Preferences under Security & Privacy > Privacy > Reminders. Make sure that reminders is checked in the list of applications with access to Reminders. This step is crucial for keith/reminders-cli to function correctly, as it allows the tool to read and modify your reminders.

By following these steps, you’ll have keith/reminders-cli set up and ready to use. Now you can start exploring the various commands and options it offers, including the powerful JSON functionality.

Understanding the JSON Structure for Reminders

To effectively use JSON with keith/reminders-cli, it’s crucial to understand the structure of the JSON object that the tool expects. Reminders in keith/reminders-cli can have several attributes, including title, body (notes), due date, completion status, and priority. These attributes need to be formatted correctly in the JSON object for the reminder to be created or updated as intended. Let's break down the key components of a reminder JSON object and how they should be structured.

Key Attributes of a Reminder JSON Object

The core attributes of a reminder JSON object include:

title: The main text of the reminder. This is a required field and should be a string.
body: Additional notes or details for the reminder. This is an optional field and should also be a string.
due: The due date and time for the reminder. This can be a string in a format that keith/reminders-cli understands, such as ISO 8601 (YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SSZ) or a more human-readable format like MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM AM/PM.
completed: A boolean value indicating whether the reminder is completed (true) or not (false).
priority: An integer representing the priority of the reminder. The scale typically ranges from 0 (no priority) to 9 (highest priority).
list: The name of the list to which the reminder should be added. If not specified, the reminder will be added to the default list.

Example JSON Structure

Here’s an example of a JSON object that represents a reminder:

{
  "title": "Grocery Shopping",
  "body": "Buy milk, eggs, and bread",
  "due": "2024-07-15T10:00:00Z",
  "completed": false,
  "priority": 5,
  "list": "Shopping"
}

In this example, the title is set to “Grocery Shopping”, the body contains additional details, the due date is set to July 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM UTC, the completed status is false, the priority is 5, and the reminder is added to the “Shopping” list. This structure provides a clear and organized way to represent all the necessary information for a reminder.

Formatting Dates and Times

One of the trickier aspects of working with JSON and reminders is formatting dates and times correctly. keith/reminders-cli is flexible and can handle various date and time formats, but it’s essential to ensure that the format you use is consistent and parsable. As mentioned earlier, ISO 8601 (YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SSZ) is a reliable choice, as it’s a standard format that is widely supported. However, if you prefer a more human-readable format, you can use formats like MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM AM/PM. The key is to be consistent and to test your date and time formats to ensure they are interpreted correctly.

Using `jq` to Construct JSON Objects

As mentioned earlier, jq is a powerful tool for constructing and manipulating JSON objects. You can use jq to create the JSON object for a reminder dynamically, pulling data from variables or other sources. For example, you can use the --arg option in jq to pass variables into the JSON object:

title="Meeting with Client"
body="Discuss project progress"
due="2024-07-16T14:00:00Z"

json_string=$(jq -n \
  --arg title "$title" \
  --arg body "$body" \
  --arg due "$due" \
  '{
    title: $title,
    body: $body,
    due: $due,
    completed: false,
    priority: 5
  }'
)

echo "$json_string"

This example demonstrates how to use jq to construct a JSON object with variables for the title, body, and due date. The resulting JSON string can then be passed to keith/reminders-cli to create a reminder. Understanding the JSON structure and how to construct it using tools like jq is essential for automating reminders with keith/reminders-cli.

Using `jq` to Add a New Reminder with Attributes

The power of keith/reminders-cli truly shines when combined with jq to add reminders with specific attributes. This approach allows for a high degree of flexibility and automation, making it easier to manage your reminders from the command line. By constructing JSON objects with jq, you can specify the title, body, due date, priority, and other attributes of a reminder, ensuring that it is created exactly as you need it. Let’s explore how to use jq to add a new reminder with desired attributes.

Constructing the JSON String with `jq`

The first step in adding a reminder with attributes is to construct the JSON string that represents the reminder. This is where jq comes in handy. jq can create JSON objects from scratch, incorporating variables and data from other sources. The basic syntax for creating a JSON object with jq involves using the -n option to start with an empty input and then defining the object structure within single quotes. You can use the --arg option to pass variables into the JSON object, making it dynamic and adaptable.

For example, let's say you want to add a reminder with the title “Pay Bills”, the body “Pay all outstanding bills”, and a due date of July 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM. You can construct the JSON string using jq like this:

title="Pay Bills"
body="Pay all outstanding bills"
due="2024-07-20T17:00:00Z"

json_string=$(jq -n \
  --arg title "$title" \
  --arg body "$body" \
  --arg due "$due" \
  '{
    title: $title,
    body: $body,
    due: $due,
    completed: false,
    priority: 5
  }'
)

echo "$json_string"

In this example, we define variables for the title, body, and due date. Then, we use jq -n to start with an empty input and the --arg option to pass these variables into the JSON object. The JSON object is defined within the single quotes, specifying the structure and the values for each attribute. The resulting JSON string is stored in the json_string variable.

Passing the JSON String to `keith/reminders-cli`

Once you have the JSON string, the next step is to pass it to keith/reminders-cli to create the reminder. keith/reminders-cli provides the --json option to accept JSON input. You can pipe the json_string variable to keith/reminders-cli using the pipe operator (|). Here’s how you can do it:

reminders add --json "$json_string"

This command tells keith/reminders-cli to add a reminder using the JSON data provided. The --json option ensures that the input is interpreted as a JSON object. After running this command, the reminder will be added to your Reminders app with the specified attributes.

Combining `jq` and `keith/reminders-cli` in a Script

To make the process even more efficient, you can combine the jq command and the keith/reminders-cli command into a single script. This allows you to create reminders with specific attributes with a single command. Here’s an example of a script that adds a reminder with a title, body, and due date:

#!/bin/bash

# Set reminder attributes
title="Follow Up with John"
body="Discuss project details and next steps"
due="2024-07-22T11:00:00Z"

# Construct JSON string using jq
json_string=$(jq -n \
  --arg title "$title" \
  --arg body "$body" \
  --arg due "$due" \
  '{
    title: $title,
    body: $body,
    due: $due,
    completed: false,
    priority: 5
  }'
)

# Add reminder using keith/reminders-cli
reminders add --json "$json_string"

echo "Reminder added: $title"

This script first defines the attributes for the reminder. Then, it uses jq to construct the JSON string. Finally, it passes the JSON string to keith/reminders-cli to add the reminder. The script also includes an echo statement to confirm that the reminder has been added. By using jq to construct the JSON object and passing it to keith/reminders-cli, you can easily add reminders with specific attributes from the command line.

Advanced Techniques and Automation

Beyond the basics of adding reminders with jq and keith/reminders-cli, there are several advanced techniques and automation strategies you can employ to further streamline your workflow. These include scripting, using environment variables, integrating with other tools, and handling more complex scenarios. By mastering these techniques, you can create a powerful and efficient system for managing your reminders from the command line.

Scripting and Automation

Scripting is a key component of automation. By creating scripts that use keith/reminders-cli and jq, you can automate the process of adding, updating, and deleting reminders. This is particularly useful for recurring tasks or tasks that need to be created based on specific events or conditions. For example, you can create a script that adds daily reminders for tasks that need to be done every day, or a script that adds reminders based on the dates in a calendar file.

Here’s an example of a script that adds a recurring daily reminder:

#!/bin/bash

# Set reminder attributes
title="Check Email"
body="Review and respond to emails"

# Get current date and time
current_time=$(date +%H:%M:%S)

# Set due date to tomorrow at the same time
due=$(date -d "tomorrow $current_time" +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)

# Construct JSON string using jq
json_string=$(jq -n \
  --arg title "$title" \
  --arg body "$body" \
  --arg due "$due" \
  '{
    title: $title,
    body: $body,
    due: $due,
    completed: false,
    priority: 5
  }'
)

# Add reminder using keith/reminders-cli
reminders add --json "$json_string"

echo "Daily reminder added: $title"

This script uses the date command to get the current time and set the due date to tomorrow at the same time. It then constructs the JSON string using jq and adds the reminder using keith/reminders-cli. You can schedule this script to run daily using cron or another scheduling tool.

Using Environment Variables

Environment variables are a convenient way to store configuration information that can be used by scripts and applications. You can use environment variables to store sensitive information, such as API keys or passwords, or to store settings that you want to be able to change easily. When working with keith/reminders-cli and jq, you can use environment variables to store reminder attributes or other settings.

Here’s an example of how to use environment variables to set reminder attributes:

#!/bin/bash

# Set reminder attributes from environment variables
title=${REMINDER_TITLE:?"REMINDER_TITLE not set"}
body=${REMINDER_BODY:?"REMINDER_BODY not set"}
due=${REMINDER_DUE:?"REMINDER_DUE not set"}

# Construct JSON string using jq
json_string=$(jq -n \
  --arg title "$title" \
  --arg body "$body" \
  --arg due "$due" \
  '{
    title: $title,
    body: $body,
    due: $due,
    completed: false,
    priority: 5
  }'
)

# Add reminder using keith/reminders-cli
reminders add --json "$json_string"

echo "Reminder added: $title"

In this script, the reminder attributes are set from environment variables (REMINDER_TITLE, REMINDER_BODY, and REMINDER_DUE). The ? after the variable name ensures that the script will exit with an error message if the environment variable is not set. This approach allows you to configure the script without modifying the script itself.

Integrating with Other Tools

keith/reminders-cli and jq can be integrated with other command-line tools and applications to create powerful workflows. For example, you can integrate with calendar tools to add reminders based on calendar events, or with task management tools to add reminders based on task due dates. The possibilities are endless, and the more tools you integrate, the more efficient your workflow will become.

Handling Complex Scenarios

As you become more familiar with keith/reminders-cli and jq, you may encounter more complex scenarios that require advanced techniques. For example, you may need to add reminders with multiple due dates, or reminders that repeat on specific days of the week. You can handle these scenarios by using scripting and jq to construct the JSON objects dynamically. The key is to break down the problem into smaller parts and use the tools at your disposal to solve each part.

By mastering these advanced techniques and automation strategies, you can create a powerful and efficient system for managing your reminders from the command line. The combination of keith/reminders-cli and jq provides a flexible and robust solution for automating reminders, and the more you use it, the more you’ll discover its potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leveraging the power of JSON with keith/reminders-cli, especially when combined with the versatility of jq, opens up a world of possibilities for automating and managing your reminders from the command line. From understanding the basic JSON structure required by keith/reminders-cli to constructing complex JSON objects with jq, the techniques discussed provide a solid foundation for creating a streamlined workflow. Whether you're looking to add reminders with specific attributes, create recurring tasks, or integrate reminders into your existing scripts and automation processes, the combination of these tools offers a flexible and efficient solution.

The ability to script and automate reminder creation not only saves time but also ensures that important tasks are never overlooked. By using environment variables, you can further customize your scripts and make them more adaptable to different situations. Integrating with other tools and applications allows you to create even more powerful workflows, tailoring your reminder system to your specific needs.

As you continue to explore the capabilities of keith/reminders-cli and jq, you'll discover new ways to enhance your productivity and streamline your task management. The key is to experiment, practice, and build upon the techniques you've learned. With a little effort, you can create a robust and efficient reminder system that helps you stay organized and on top of your tasks. Embrace the power of automation and take control of your reminders with keith/reminders-cli and jq.