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Sometimes Text Files Are Better Than Databases
There are many classes of applications for which text files are the preferred means of storing data. One of the main reasons is that when data is stored in a relational database, editing it is not a trivial task. A well-normalized database is not easily updated via an SQL command line. More often than not, a dedicated, graphical editor is needed to model the complex relationships.
Adding A Grid To Your Websites
The #grid website has a great tool for web designers -it “inserts a layout grid in web pages, allows you to hold it in place, and toggle between displaying it in the foreground or background.” Go to their website and have a look. It’s pretty impressive. Simple, but impressive. I think I’m gonna give this [...]
Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
SearsTower by AijazAnsari
Camera:
NIKON D700
Exposure:
1/125
Aperture:
f/5.6
Focal Length:
50 mm
Exposure Bias:
0 EV
ISO Speed:
1250
Flash:
No Flash
The Most Dangerous Programming Errors
The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) has released their list of Top 25 Most Dangerous Programming Errors. This list and the explanations of the errors are very instructive and should help both novice and expert programmers. If you’re a developer, I strongly urge you to read this document and make sure you understand the concepts it [...]
The Tautline Hitch Knot
If you've ever had to tie a volleyball net or a tent guy line to a stake, you know difficult it is to tie the knot at just the right place to keep the line tight. The tautline hitch knot is perfect for this application.
Navigating the Directory Stack in ‘bash’
If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time jumping from project to project in a Linux shell. I find that I have to switch back and forth between directories. The bash shell has commands to maintain a stack of directories. I’ve written some functions that use these utilities to make directory navigation easier. [...]
Follow up: Google Admits Buzz Was Only Tested Internally
In yesterday’s article about Google Buzz, I guessed that “the problem was that the population for whom the system was designed wasn’t necessarily the only population actually using the system.” I gave Google the benefit of the doubt:
I am certain Google tested their application thoroughly. They’ve been known to do extensive usability tests for the [...]
Sometimes Testing Isn’t Enough
In the first few days after the release of Google Buzz many people (including myself) criticized Google for exposing their users' private information. This was a couple of weeks after Apple got a lot flak for their unfortunately-named iPad, and the same week that we heard reports of a woman who broke up with her boyfriend after finding some suggestive text messages on his cell phone - messages that came pre-loaded on the phone. I think that all these cases were not caused by a lack testing, but by testing the wrong audience. Let's examine these three cases and see what we can learn from them:
Why Should I Use CPAN?
Why should a program depend on so many external modules when it could implement what it needs itself?
David duChemin On Being A Professional Photographer