I have written the same file parser over a dozen times. It's my default project when learning a new language.
Sometimes, newer solutions to different parts of the parser, having been discovered in the new language, find their way into the older versions.
I don't know if this qualifies as "gardening" but I've really enjoyed this experience because I can easily see growth. But maybe it really is pointless.
I am trying to figure out a more robust data store than just local MySQL on my Pi. I have encrypted data store on remote severs (by pass key/active login not RDS). But gotta deal with syncing...
Unrelated ranting
Also trying to think of ways to quickly write/access it any time. From other devices besides phones/computers seems pointless but yeah integrated into body somehow. Future.
Low res display on clothes. Conductive skin wrap. Wifi power harvesting posters. Projected keyboard grid these were cool. Vibration qwerty from bracelet. Vibrations felt from the desk. Doesn't make sense you need some way to see till Mojo contact is cheap, contacts suck though to put in/take out.
Hehe projected compute. You mount a projector on your ceiling, rotating mount has audio listener. Snap your finger, it goes to you, projects display on nearby space (cam), type on your legs by vibration and tap wall for mouse click. Also pointless why.
I feel like it's pointless to keep remaking the same thing... doesn't seem like you're advancing. In my case cross-platform variations of CRUD apps.
It is nice though being able to make a tool for yourself.