A bash function which improves the textmate mate command by opening a project file if available.

gistfile1.sh

# Description: 
# Changes the functionality of `mate` and `mate .` to open
# a textmate project file named after the current directory if one
# exists.
#
# What advantages do project files have?
#   - If the project is already open, the window will be reused rather then creating another
#     one. This creates a presents a nice way to focus on the project from the command line.
#     Just type mate (or mate . if your in the habit.)
#   - Projects remember what files you had open last time so they're great for jumping back
#     in from where you left off.
#   - With projects you can customize how the directory tree is displayed in the project panel.
#     I add only the folder I use frequently and ignore the rest.
#
# Usage:
# First, you'll need a project file for this command to help. To create one, run mate . from
# this will open textmate with the entire directory strutue in the project panel. from the
# textmate menu select File > Save Project and click save. Note that the project
# name should match that of the containing folder.
function mate(){
  local proj=$(basename `pwd`).tmproj
  if [ $# -eq 0 ]; then
    if [ -f $proj ]; then
      open $proj
    else
      command mate
    fi
  else
    if [ "$@" = '.' -a -f $proj ]; then
      open $proj
    else
      command mate "$@"
    fi
  fi
}