Python's Makefile
I'm thinking about build tools and build systems for web sites lately. Especially being at a new job, with a few sites and a few developers. Reading something earlier from Bicking made me discover this one, and I'm saving it mostly for the CSS/JS compression command via setup.py example code. Part of me thinks a collection of commands in a single setup.py command might work for us in Vegas.
Deryck Hodge
Jun 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM
doctype - Google Code
Google Doctype is, in Mark Pilgrim's own words, "an encyclopedia for web developers by web developers." Looks very cool. There are several parts to this. The first is using the wiki component of Google code hosting to document the Web (document from the developer's perspective). It's like Wikipedia just for web development. The second part is a library of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML reference code, largely a set of tests. It does include "goog" which looks to be a JavaScript library akin to YUI or mootools. Also, I was struck by Mark Pilgrim calling himself a "technical writer" in the Doctype video I just watched. There's a lot to use and understand here, and I'm only just beginning to read through all this. (Via Simon Willison.)
Deryck Hodge
May 15, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Out to Pasture -- White Paper on VW Platform Evaluations
I find myself agreeing with Giff, even though I've had some criticisms of the virtual-world-in-a-browser posts earlier. I do think the space between the Web and the virtual world is an interesting area in which to work, and I love to see someone develop in this area. Right now, it's an all or none proposition -- you either work on the Web or in a virtual worlds. I think sites could build in some of the social aspects of an immersive 3D experience and see positive results in the blend.
Deryck Hodge
Apr 21, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Here Comes the Open Source Metaverse - GigaOM
Nice overview from Wagner James Au of the leading work he saw at Virtual Worlds 08 in terms of companies and products trying to bring about an open 3D Web. While he leads with the line that any of these might make Second Life the Netscape of the virtual world movement, I don't see it. At least not with the current contenders. Now, I'm not so naive as to think that Second Life is unstoppable. I think *any* technology can easily be replaced, especially when 15 years is the whole of human history we've lived on the Web. As a comparison to any other human endeavor, that's quite a short time. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but I will tell you one thing Second Life has that none of the products profiled in Au's piece have. Metaphor. Second Life may be a name that leaves you open to an onslaught of first-life-less-nerds-in-mom's-basement jokes, but the name does tell you everything you need to know. And the metaphor is woven through out the experience of the technology. As a developer I'm watching QWAQ, Project Wonderland, OpenSim, and RealXtend because these are interesting to me as technologies, but as compelling metaphors they leave me wanting, which is why I don't see any of them supplanting Second Life's dominance anytime soon. Technology is only as useful as the concepts it embodies, and after all, it's humans that use the stuff, right? Metaphors are woven all through are computer use, and in some ways you could argue that the only fault of Second Life is that the technology doesn't live up to the promise of the metaphor. So if you really want to compete with Second Life, start thinking about the story you're telling with your technology.
Deryck Hodge
Apr 08, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Firefox Mac Community Builds
I finally got tired of the incredible pain of using Firefox from my Mac. I mean it's really horrible for me, no matter what extensions I have (or don't have installed). These optimized builds are much better. I'm a monster tab opener with rapid CMD-T strokes, and while these builds slow a little for me, they are much better than the builds you get from Mozilla.
Deryck Hodge
Jan 31, 2008 at 12:47 PM
10 Tips for Successful Development Projects
Nice write up about being a developer working for commercial clients/projects. Simple and sound advice with some nice points. (Via Jeff Croft)
Deryck Hodge
Dec 07, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Facebook Developer
A nice info and tutorial site for those interested in developing Facebook platform applications. This looks like it has material for both the experienced and novice Facebook developer.
Deryck Hodge
Nov 08, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Constructing the Bazaar: Taking advantage of the open-source development model in your project
Nice article on the advantages of a bazaar model for development, which also has some nice tips on how to pull it off. Applies well to both open source and commercial development, IMHO.
Deryck Hodge
Nov 08, 2007 at 08:32 AM
FBJS -- Facebook Developers Wiki
Facebook brings us FBJS. Like FBML, only for JavaScript. Probably not enough for those who want to go JS crazy, but nice to see Facebook trying to add as much functionality as safely possible.
Deryck Hodge
Sep 19, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Apple Developer Connection - iPhone for Web Developers - Optimizing Web Applications and Content for iPhone
Developer docs for doing web apps on the iPhone. Interesting that web apps will have hooks into the other applications on the phone. I know some are complaining, but this plenty of SDK for me. :)
Deryck Hodge
Jul 07, 2007 at 08:58 AM
Job Announcement: The YUI Team Is Hiring an Engineer To Work on Firebug
This looks like an interesting job. You would be working with the YUI team at Yahoo, and your primary responsibilities would be to help develop Firebug. I've been seriously impressed with the YUI library. In fact, I used it on our recently launched Sprig.com. YUI really is the best of the JavaScript libraries, in terms of what I value in a JS lib. And it's nice that Yahoo is giving back to an open source project, too!
Deryck Hodge
May 08, 2007 at 06:08 AM