Birch Notes

Short notes on computing, tools, and keeping useful records.

Keep the source with the result

A useful technical note includes the question, the steps that were tried, and the observation that answered it. Recording software versions and dates makes it easier to repeat a test later.

Small changes are easier to understand

Changing one setting at a time helps explain a result. Save the previous configuration before an experiment and compare measurements under the same conditions.

Make room for maintenance

Simple tools remain useful when their setup is documented. A short checklist can make a routine update easier to repeat and review.