There are a couple of sites out there that show the way to do it, but none are that graceful. They require the user to force restart Finder (which is not desirable) and they usually call upon the use of Terminal and typing out the full command.

Not satisfied with a simple answer, and trying to avoid actual work, I decided to write up an AppleScript that would toggle the visibility of hidden files and folders from “on” to “off” every time you clicked it. I then packaged it up in a pretty little application, and even gave it a custom small icon so you can drag it to the right side of current icons in a Finder window and it looks pretty sharp. I got the icon idea from here.

Here’s the application! Hope it helps you out like it did for me.

And for those out there that like code:

The only problem I have ran into was trying to setup a local file sync. FTP syncs worked great, caused no headaches, and shouldn’t cause anyone else a headache either. However, I wanted to sync two folders on my machine and unfortunately the process left a lot to be desired. I ended up running into configuration problems and had to clean my configuration from the Help menu a couple times.

Thankfully, I ended up finding a workaround and subsequently posted it in the ASAP Aptana Issue Tracker to try and help anyone else until it receives a fix. It’s pretty easy to do, has caused no problems since, but requires a bit of tinkering to fix without any instructions.

Here’s how I did it, I hope it helps someone else:

I wanted to sync a folder called services to the services folder in my project. My project was already added to the project view at this point.

I went to the file view and selected the services folder (not the one in my project) that I wanted to sync to, right-clicked it and chose “Create new sync connection…”

Next I chose to “Add new project shortcut” and selected the services folder inside my project. Now hit the cancel button. If you then look in your Sync Manager pane, and click the drop down arrow and select “Show Local Sync Targets” you will see your new addition. However, you cannot use it yet.

Restart Aptana.

Now go back to the file view, right-click the services folder you want to sync (not the one in your project) and this time select the project shortcut that you previously made.