IComeFromTheNet.net

I have been working on this project in my spare time for a few weeks now, as I mentioned in a previous post , I have define a number of data classes and have decided to use an SQL Lite DB as a robust data store.

I built a simple data-class to handle the transactions to the DB.

The class consisted of a few methods that execute a pre-built sql command, 2 method in which to build the SQLLiteCommand object and some public methods to return a category and an image.

Handling Images

I wanted my application to store images in a separate table for performance reasons, a http handler could then be used to return an image. Since the images will upload as a byte stream , it is very easy to store them in the DB.

Going to make some changes

Last night I was thinking that wouldn't it be great if I could create multiple instances of each type on the client side. Say for example I wanted to create a ’list of books I hate’ the data is still of type books, but since my current DB schema only supports one category of a particular type this would be impossible.

How to Fix?

Again not too difficult I will have to move each type out of a single table and into its own, then I could store each instance in the table as a serialized JSON stream. I will need to create Collection class for each type, able to read the data from the DB and de-serialize into a collection.

I have been wanting to try this for a while, I have wanted an easy way to create lists of my Favourite; movies , books, songs etc and display them on my Blog, now I could just do a couple of blog posts but my lists change very quickly and its would just become a time issue.

I wanted to attempt a ajax app, so my a project that would allow me to use ajax techniques with a persistent data store seem in fruition, I could then dynamically display the lists and a have an easily modify control.

Quickly I have some requirements.

1. Use the .Net 3.5, framework
2. Blog use a flat file so must this datastore.
3. Use JSON and not xml as data format.
4. Use AJAX techniques.
5. YUI library components for the script.

I have identified 3 packages:

• Library which handle object definitions and persistence.
• Web-services that provide the access layer.
• Client Side package to display and allow control.  

Nothing too ground breaking about that setup, I have made good inroads into the first data layer.

Objectives of Data Layer

• It must accept string paramaters and return JSON string.
• Handle all transactions and object Deinitions.
• Provide a robust data-store.

I have decided to use the following libraries for this package.

• Json.net - This provides the Json TO .Net Object mapping. Is better than the inbuilt Json parser IMOP.
• SQLlite ado.net Provider - This provide the flat-file DB and help ensure transactional and data integrity.

The Data-Definitions

This is hierarchal data, With each category and items under the category. I have defined 2 base cases that cover the common data between each category. Below is a print out of these two classes

The 'CategoriesBase' implements 2 important static generic  methods. The first is a Serialize obj to json, which as its name suggest return a json string from an object.

The 2nd method is the reverse, De-serialize takes a Json string and returns an object.

These classes are still a work in progress but I will require a method that will store and object in the DB an other to retrieve it.

The Sub-Classes

I have created a number of categories and items.

• Albums
• Books
• Drinks
• Movies
• Recepies
• Songs
• Sports
• TVShows

Observations

• By Hard Coding the data-objects, I make adding new ones more difficult.
• The DB will consists of a single table with each category consuming one column, The objects state will be mapped to a single record and stored in JSON text string.
• I'm working on an object level, To edit and 'item' I will have to restore the state of the category first.
• No be appropriate for complex structures.
• Using DB over the .net streamwriter or and XML data-store(my first choice) gives Transaction integrity where none would have existed and easier to backup a single file than 5 or six.

Jobs to Come

I still must develop an DB helper class to handle the transaction to the DB file and obviously needs some magic data to test the methods.

Crappy Mock-up 1

Part of my Work-Experience at FD was to develop a cool looking web-site as part of that process I have been developing mock-up using Gimp.

I must say my talent really is my code and my Business sense not my designs. I'm just not the worlds greatest artist.  Below are the early and late mock-ups.

I have just Completed my First week, at FDS(Family Development Services), they are a charity which provided help to children with learning disabilities. This is all part of a work-placement program offered by UWS as part of my Degree

They current have 2 web-sites a older Geocities page at here and a newer .au domain at http://www.fdsinc.org.au/.

They have request me to develop a new professional web-site.  Which will make for an interesting few months.

My quick plan is to encourage them away from the static pages an other a CMS, the existing backbend is php so it looks like Joomla is a good candidate.

I have am going to give a presentation on there options on Wednesday 27th August. I still need to develop a budget and write some points down. I have a working Joomla on my laptop I will show them how easy it is to add and manage content.

I also have an essay due on Tuesday that same week, I am halfway through, I might have to take the option for a third week to finish it properly. Especially considering the crappy way I feel at the moment. 

I wrote some user profiles for FDS this week here's a copy :-)

User Profiles.doc (36.50 kb)

After the announcement of Diablo 3 by blizzard, I was in need of an action RPG fix and after some search of the Daibli3 boards I found Titan Quest

From the Developer Web-site:

From the co-creator of Age of Empires, Brian Sullivan, comes an all-new action role-playing game set in the mythical worlds of ancient Greece and Egypt. Amazing visuals and fast-action gameplay deliver a true cinematic gaming experience. Lush ancient world settings crafted in near-photo realistic detail provide the player with an extraordinary canvas on which to set forth on an epic quest of the ultimate good versus evil.

Brave the trials of Titan Quest alone or bring a group of friends to share the glory while playing through the thrilling story-driven campaign.

Journey to fabled locations such as the Parthenon, the maze at Knossos, the Great Pyramids, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Overcome terrifying monsters and mythical beasts. A streaming, seamless world awaits, with over a thousand pieces of unique and legendary equipment to outfit your character.
A flexible class system allows almost limitless ways for the player to develop their character.

Skills can be customized and never become obsolete. With addictive, fast action gameplay and tons of unique loot, epic gaming has never been so good.

Let just say that I was very impressed. I was having so much fun that I bought the X-Pac Immortal Throne for 34.00 a couple of days after.

I currently Have after two weeks

• 25 Champion (Nature,Warfare)
• 20 Hunter (Hunter)
• 13 Harbinger (Dream,Warfare)
• 18 Druid (Storm,Nature)

I found that since each level gives 3 skill points that you very quickly get a feel for the class combination, The game has 3 Acts adds a fourth with the X-pac, My highest level character is still only on mid act2.

I have add soo much fun creating characters and handing gear found around, I have not found the need to rush into the other acts.

I would recommend to any Action RPG fan that is a fan of PVE to buy this game.

PS

The best and only fan-site is found at http://www.titanquest.net/.

Star-Trek Books

The Farther Shore (Star Trek Voyager, Book Two of Two)

[Christie Golden,http://www.amazon.com/Farther-Shore-Star-Trek-Voyager/dp/0743467558]

Distant Shores: A Tenth-Anniversary Celebration (Star Trek: Voyager)

[Marco Palmieri, http://www.amazon.com/Distant-Shores-Tenth-Anniversary-Celebration-Voyager/dp/0743492536]

Homecoming (Star Trek Voyager Book One of Two)

[Christie Golden, http://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-Star-Trek-Voyager-Book/dp/074346754X]

Sci-Fi

Count Zero

[William Gibson,http://www.amazon.com/Count-Zero-William-Gibson/dp/0441117732]

Spook Country

[William Gibson,http://www.amazon.com/Spook-Country-William-Gibson/dp/0425221415/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218849898&sr=1-2]

Storm Front

[Jim Butcher,http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/0451457811]

Technical Reads

Beginning Joomla!: From Novice to Professional

[http://www.apress.com/book/view/9781590598481]

Title for Fun

Sword of Damocles (Star Trek: Titan, Book 4)
[ http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Damocles-Star-Trek-Titan/dp/1416526943]

The Veiled Prophet (Diablo: The Sin War, Book 3)
[Richard A. Knaak, http://www.amazon.com/Veiled-Prophet-Diablo-Sin-Book/dp/0743471245];

Technical Reads

Pro JavaScript Design Patterns
[Ross Harmes,Dustin Diaz, http://www.apress.com/book/view/159059908x]

I must admit I am loving this Javascript book.

Here is the Table of Contents for the book

PART 1 Object-Oriented JavaScript

• CHAPTER 1 Expressive JavaScript
• CHAPTER 2 Interfaces
• CHAPTER 3 Encapsulation and Information Hiding
• CHAPTER 4 Inheritance
• CHAPTER 5 The Singleton Pattern.
• CHAPTER 6 Chaining

PART 2 Design Patterns

• CHAPTER 7 The Factory Pattern
• CHAPTER 8 The Bridge Pattern
• CHAPTER 9 The Composite Pattern
• CHAPTER 10 The Facade Pattern
• CHAPTER 11 The Adapter Pattern
• CHAPTER 12 The Decorator Pattern
• CHAPTER 13 The Flyweight Pattern
• CHAPTER 14 The Proxy Pattern
• CHAPTER 15 The Observer Pattern.
• CHAPTER 16 The Command Pattern
• CHAPTER 17 The Chain of Responsibility Pattern