A couple notables

Thought I’d link a couple of notable, recent articles.  First, ScottGu posted on embedded db support in Asp.Net, and also IIS express.  Both are good enhancements.  I’m still skeptical of the GUI-driven db stuff in Visual Studio; it’s just to point-and-clickish for me.  I’d also recommend RavenDB as an embedded db, plus putting some thought into your db instead of point and click automation.

[As a side note, VS is starting to feel like its trying to do too much, too much going on distracting from the code. I like SharpDevelop as a free alternative.  Maybe its just me and my experiments with VIM.]

Please read and share this article from Damien Guard about a proper bug report.  It will save lots of time, and friction between QA & Dev.

 
June 30, 2010 23:57 by josh
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Observation on recent inspiration

It just hit me a few minutes ago, that I can name precisely 3 sources for my recent inspirations and growth as a developer.

 

..oh, you want me to actually tell you? ok. Ayende (blog), Rob Conery (blog), and Ruby on Rails. It comes in the form of new ways of thinking, new (to me) technology like NoSQL, and understanding good principles and concepts like REST. Interestingly, Rob intersects with Rails in his use of it for both his blog and TekPub. Rob and Ayende intersect regarding TekPub content and NoSQL. I think the major common denominator is NoSQL, but there is also the dynamic nature of Ruby itself. Ayende wrote a DSL book which I’m a fan of. It used Boo to do some interesting things in .Net; things which would be possible or even easier in Ruby.

The key is the realization that some of my core coding beliefs aren’t as concrete as I had held them. Specifically SQL/RDBMS, and that static languages are best.

I’ve been on of a minor self transformation in the last couple years; challenging my own beliefs and habits to see if I can find a better way. Which I often have. It’s interesting how seemingly small changes can yield a big effect, or show how mentally dependent my thinking was on something. The classic example, was changing which pocket I kept my wallet in. What I found was I became more conscious of my wallet and whatever else I put in my pocket; instead of just an unconscious habit, I was thinking with more focus in that area.

I think that’s the key to self-improvement in general; become more focused. Doesn’t mean having to re-invent yourself. I’ve just found that removing old habits helps by taking away the crutch those present.

What’s funny is this started as a simple observation and the thought that I’m finding less to push me forward coming from Redmond. Not even in small ways. Yet it naturally evolved into some thoughts on personal growth. Seems somewhat unrelated. Or maybe not.

To more directly fan the flames, read Rob’s post.

 
June 21, 2010 14:07 by josh
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Really interesting Ruby question on SO

This is a really interesting question from StackOverflow. What would you expect to be the result from the following code:

   1:  (test1, test2, test3="3", test4="4")

Or maybe:

   1:  (test1, test2, test3="3", test4="4", test5 = "5", test6 = "6")

For the first one, test1 = “3”, test2 = “4”, and test3 = nil (aka null in C# world). The explanation is in an answer, but basically its because or Ruby allowing multiple assignments and Right Hand result assignment.  I’d upvote the answer but I don’t have enough SO rep. :(

 
June 17, 2010 14:39 by josh
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Techie things I like

This is just a fun post, in thinking about technologies I like. Not comprehensive, just what I thought of at the time I was writing it.

I’m sure I could think of more, but those were the first to pop into my head. I’d recommend each of them.

 
June 15, 2010 13:21 by josh
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Different NoSQL approaches

Ayende talks about different NoSQL approaches.

I’ll be putting together some information with similar information; probably at least partly based on this in addition to other information.  The point being to have a simple intro into NoSQL and why it’s worth considering.  I might be convinced to make it a presentation if someone twists my arm.

 
June 3, 2010 09:21 by josh
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