Code Snippets
Over the years as a Web Developer, I've learnt a lot and written many lines of code. Not every line is unique though, thanks to code re-use and the adaptability of websites.
I've accumulated a small pile of code snippets, in the form of text files, bookmarks and scraps of paper. However, finding that method for checking NULL values in C# or the syntax for a cursor in SQL can prove to be time consuming - resorting to a Google Search yet again.
So, I decided to finally put all of the snippets in the one place, for referencing during my day to day work as a Developer. Behold: snippets.slickhouse.com
There's already a few on there in various languages that I've dealt with in the past (and continue to). The site is also powered by SlickCMS - with several adaptions to fit the style, such as simplified Post listings and custom URLs to allow for the same named snippet, but differing Languages.
The style is also inspired by the excellent stackoverflow.com - itself a vital source of information for a Developer. I did plan to make the site open to the public, so that you too could add your own snippets - but I felt that you'd either prefer to roll your own (go ahead and download SlickCMS to get yourself started) - or to use an established service, such as snipplr.
Let me know what you think as always - and feel free to keep checking the snippets site, as I'll be adding many more over the next few days.
Posted: Wednesday 6th October 2010, 15:56pm
Categories: SlickCMS
Tags: slickhouse
SlickCMS roadmap
SlickCMS has been released for a few months now and several live sites are powered by it without any major issues. However, since its public release I've not received any outside feedback and indeed, haven't spent much more time continuing with development.
I partly blame my lack of blog updates, as once the development was out of the way and slickhouse itself was running on SlickCMS - I planned to spend more time blogging and actually using SlickCMS from an end-user point of view. Also, I've not actively marketed it to the public, even though Google has ranked it well since its inception.
The current release is version 2.6.147 and 2.7 is progressing steadily. Currently, there are 9 open bugs and 41 features. 2.7's goal is to improve existing features and fix any outstanding bugs. 3.0's goal is to implement new features, with 4.0 being a port to ASP.NET 4.0
However, Classic ASP/VB6 has been around for over 10 years and has been overshadowed by it's .NET sibling. At work, I'd say 90% of the code I write is now VB/C# .NET and I'm learning new techniques each day.
So I've decided to amend the SlickCMS roadmap slightly.
- 2.7 - improvements to existing features
- 3.0 - port to ASP.NET
- 4.0 - new features
There will be releases in between those major milestones, but it allows me to focus on getting the existing Classic ASP version of SlickCMS 100% bug free and bulletproof - with the code being downloadable for all. Then I'll work on a port to ASP.NET, using properly defined classes in an object orientated way, rather than making do with Classic ASP's flawed implementation of OO. Once that's working well, it'll be onto new features to give SlickCMS the edge.
Once 3.0 is here, I will focus on spreading the word and making it known to others - hopefully gathering some support and even other contributors to the project. I've been contemplating a site like SourceForge/Codeplex/Google Code for hosting the project itself.
If you'd like to keep up to date with the current progress and what's in the pipeline, make a visit to the SlickCMS roadmap - powered by Redmine.
Baby's first blog update
Baby's first blog has migrated from WordPress to SlickCMS and had a brief design refresh in the process.
We've not blogged much about Lily over the latter part of 2009, so we're intending on posting many more updates this year, especially now that Mia Leia-Rose is on the way too!
This also marks the last of my WordPress sites. I've either switched them to SlickCMS or turned them off altogether. In the near future I plan to setup a WordPress.com hosted blog, mainly to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and new features. I'll let you know how that goes.
V9 and SlickCMS is live
Version 9 of Slickhouse.com is now live and I've switched from WordPress to my very own Content Management System, SlickCMS.
The theme has gone a bit darker this time around, but should hopefully tie everything together well. I've decided to drop the 2 sidebars and have increased the main content width, to allow for bigger images within future Posts.
It's been tested working in all the major browsers and has taken about a week's worth of evenings, after I'd released version 2.6.147 of SlickCMS to the public.
Overall, you should find the site closely resembles the previous version in terms of functionality and content. From a technical point of view, SlickCMS utilises Microsoft's ASP, ASP.NET and SQL Server platforms, rather than WordPress' PHP/MySQL.
Let me know if you come across any issues with the new site. I'll be closely monitoring the logs over the coming days, to ensure everything's running as planned.
Lastly, expect a lot more on this site in future - as after completely every line of code, I can concentrate on some content.
Posted: Wednesday 24th February 2010, 15:56am
Categories: SlickCMS, Slickhouse
Tags: slickcms
The Setup
Inspired by the site over at usethis.com, the following is a brief interview between me and, well, me.
Matthew Juffs
Web Developer, Techie
Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Matt, Husband to Anneka and Daddy to Lily (18 months) and Mia (15 weeks to go). By day I'm a Web Developer for IOCEA.com Ltd, the creators of Cshop and by night I develop my own sites and tinker with my servers.
I code primarily in ASP (Classic and .NET) with Microsoft SQL Server, but have been known to dabble in PHP and MySQL. Then I used a splashing of XHTML/CSS to bring it altogether and a sprinkling of Javascript if required.
My personal project, SlickCMS is nearing completion for a public release, over a year after embarking on it. I'm still contemplating going Open Source with it, or simply making it freely available.
When I'm not developing for work or my own kicks, I try to improve my measly XBOX 360 Gamer Score; Fallout 3 is proving to be engaging.
What hardware do you use?
At work, a Dell Optiplex 320 with 2GB RAM and an Intel Pentium D. It has lasted me nearly 3 years of development without any problems. It has 2 Sony 17" LCDs connected to it, with a Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 - an older gaming mouse I found to be perfect for me, a lefty.
At home, a Sony VAIO, again with 2GB RAM and an Intel Pentium (M). It runs Windows 7 fine and my only complaint is the loud fan.
I also run several servers in the loft, including a mini-itx Firewall and an AMD Athlon X2 with 6GB RAM as a Virtual Host.
And what software?
My work desktop and laptop run pretty much the same set of software, with the former using Vista and the latter Windows 7. Visual Studio 2008; Microsoft SQL Server 2008; Office 2007; Notepad++ and 7Zip amongst others.
Browser wise, it's Internet Explorer 8 at work, with Google Chrome at home. I prefer the minimalist approach of Chrome for browsing websites and the Web Developer toolbar of IE8 for development purposes.
The Firewall uses Smoothwall and the Virtual Host uses Microsoft Virtual Server 2005, with the VMs a mix of Server 2003/2008.
Lastly, I am a fan of Star Wars, so my Servers are named after planets: Bespin for the Host; Talus, Hoth and Corellia (amongst others) for the VMs and Tatooine for the NAS.
What would be your dream setup?
At work, a 30" Dell monitor, with the Sonys either side would work well - all powered by a Intel Xenon workstation.
Laptop wise, a bleeding-edge Lenovo, Sony or Dell would be good. Maybe a high-end netbook or lightweight laptop for browsing the Internet when not developing too.
My servers could do with an upgrade and consolidation - there's no need to run all 4 of them 24/7, when just the one with a bunch of Virtuals would suffice.
I used to roll with a desktop at home, for PC Gaming and occasional developing - but have since found a laptop to be ideal for sitting on the sofa whilst coding.
Posted: Tuesday 26th January 2010, 15:56pm
Categories: Articles, Computers and Technology, SlickCMS, Slickhouse, Web, Work
Tags: asp, microsoft
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