asimov: Exclude deps from Time Machine

Asimov addresses the challenge of managing Time Machine backups for developers using dependency management tools. It scans the filesystem for common dependency directories like node_modules and prevents them from being included in Time Machine backups. This avoids unnecessary storage consumption and speeds up backup processes. Asimov leverages the tmutil command-line tool to achieve this exclusion.

Asimov simplifies Time Machine backup management for developers by automating dependency exclusion. It integrates with Homebrew for easy installation and automated scheduling. The tool is designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing impact on system resources. Asimov provides clear instructions for configuration, including how to view and manage excluded items.

• Dependency Scanning: Identifies common dependency directories (e.g., node_modules, vendor) based on file presence (e.g., package.json, composer.json).
• Homebrew Integration: Easy installation and automated daily scheduling via Homebrew package manager.
• tmutil Wrapper: Utilizes Apple's tmutil command for reliable Time Machine exclusion management.
• Exclusion Management: Provides commands to view and remove exclusions, allowing for customization and troubleshooting.
• Automatic Scheduling: Runs automatically daily to ensure new projects are immediately excluded from backups.
• Simple Configuration: Requires minimal configuration; defaults cover most common use cases.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Specifically designed for macOS; does not support other operating systems.

Asimov has been actively maintained since 2017, with a consistent release history and ongoing issue resolution. The project has a reasonable number of stars and forks on GitHub, indicating community interest. The documentation is reasonably complete, and there is active support through issues and Stack Overflow. While not a large project, its functionality is well-defined, and it addresses a clear need.

Developers benefit from Asimov by reducing Time Machine backup size and improving backup performance. It's particularly valuable for projects using Node.js, PHP, or other dependency management tools. Compared to manual exclusion methods, Asimov offers automation and removes the risk of forgetting to exclude dependencies, simplifying the backup process and saving valuable disk space.