Tag coding
Conditional Concatenation in MySQL
I have come across another gem of a problem (and a resulting solution) during my endeavors at work. Essentially an SQL statement was needed that had to take several values from a table and join (concatenate) them together into one large string for use in a drop down box joomla style. But of course the plot thickens…
Using jQuery to Set the Default Option in a Select Box
Today at work I came across a situation where we needed to set the
default value of a <select> box on a form, normally this would be a
perfectly simply operation. If it were a straight php form I would have
simply echoed an <option selected...></option>. But we are working
with Joomla in a fully MVC context so all is not quite so simple. In
wades jQuery with a deserved look of achievement on its face…
A Critical Evaluation of Abobe AIR
The
Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) is a cross platform runtime that
encapsulates existing web technologies. AIR allows web developers to
create desktop applications without the need to learn new skills. This
encapsulation allows for easier development and a wider range of skill
sets. However it does overcomplicate certain aspects of development; it
could be regarded as a double-edged sword. This critical evaluation was
written for a University module geared towards the evaluation and usage
of 3rd party APIs.
Developing with DirectX Part 2
This is part two of my post, summarising my experiences of working with Microsoft DirectX. I worked with it during a University module geared towards developing applications using 3D APIs. In the first post I talked about the module in general, the game that I developed, the structure of the program code and the idea of performance vs good practice. This follow up will be looking at the starting point for development, evaluation of the product and some screenshots of the final game.
Developing with DirectX Part 1
As part of another of my University modules, I undertook a piece of coursework that involved developing an application using Microsofts DirectX 3D API. This module was undertaken over the whole of the final year, which is indicative of how large a task learning a 3D API can be. The module started out with learning the basics of the API; its structure, history, main function calls, code examples etc. The final evaluation of our DirectX skills was conducted in the form of a large assignment involving creating a 3D application; not necessarily a game.
The exact words of the specification and the lecturer were “Make something that does something…” a mantra that the lecturer loves to use in all of his modules! However it is usually followed by a constraint, which in this case was"…in 3D using DirectX". So we could make a game, or go down the route of some sort of data visualisation, a map or even an educational application. I went down the gaming route, which as you read more of this blog you will discover is a passion of mine. To little surprise to my friends I opted to develop a F1 based game, my other interest in life! Of course Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and involves huge sums of money and the best aerodynamics, engine and tyre technology in the entire world. Could I really make a game about it in a final year Uni module?