JADE

I've started writing this post about 3 times now and got sidetracked each time so here goes …

Last year I did a paper on object oriented software development and the programming platform we used was JADE, a New Zealand made fully object oriented development platform that includes its own object oriented database We didn't do much other than simple storage and manipulation of data (customer details/ records) but I found it quite a good language to use and the object oriented database was very convenient, no need to worry about setting up database connections to an external database or handling the transfer of data from an object to a relational database.

JADE is extremely good in adopting good programming practise such as the use of classes and public methods for setting and getting values and splits the presentation from the code completely. JADE includes a form painter, an application separate from the programming IDE that provides the controls for making a form (buttons, text-boxes etc.), when the form is saved the elements are visible in the IDE for you to include event methods to. This takes a bit of getting used to when you are accustomed to just double clicking a button and entering code. What this means though is that the GUI is completely separated from the code so a browser interface for example can be easily integrated with the application code.

Because of this, and the fact JADE is a fully object oriented environment proper application design using UML diagrams such as Class Diagrams is greatly rewared, especially considering persistant data is stored in an object database. 

I would like to do further development with JADE but it has its limitations (in my opinion) such as it is not widely recognised, and the IDE.

In the workforce I am much more likely to come across a Java or C# application than JADE and clients are more likely to request the more popular languages.

The GUI designer controls are a little outdated and look like the controls from Windows 3. I understand the reason for this is proberly that JADE controls do not use the Windows API but neither do Java controls and Swing looks pretty good! Having said that though, JADE is very extensible and it is not hard to create your own controls but it would be nice to include the controls you have created in the design toolbar and not from a drop down menu.

Not really such a big deal but an improved form painter/IDE would greatly increase its value and would make it attractive to programmers. The IDE is also of similar design, I would prefer an IDE design using floating windows in the style Delphi and C++ builder use. 

JADE also has a certain way of doing things which can make the learning curve quite difficult.

JADE is a very powerful and useful programming environment with huge potential so if you are developing GUI applications with an object orientated environment I highly recommend you have a look. The

Platforms supported are Windows and Linux.  

Windows Live Mail Screenshots

Here are some screen shots I took oy my hotmail live account today, I would have like to supplemented them with a review or so but don’t have the time this week. If you are a Gmail user I wouldn’t worry too much, If you are a hotmail user then you will love the new interface and features.

Drag and drop

Classic view

Bottom Pane

Right Pane

My friend Tom also has a nice short review on Paint .NET. I have seen this before and it is a very impressive program so take a look at toms review and try it out, Oh its Freeware of course .

Gone Live!

I have finally recieved an invite to join Winodws Live Mail and have upgraded my hotmail account. The look was no suprise as I have seen plenty of screen shots and friends accounts have been upgraded. Initial impressions are that it is a HUGE improvement over the 1999 (or so) hotmail interface and hotmail users should be quite happy with it. Although classic view may be perfered. I'll have a good play around when I have more time.

They are offering 2GB storage as well which is welcomed. 

Note this

I have been planning my new project and drew up a small prototype GUI in visio today:

Currently called note this (until I think of something better) the application will be a simple notepad that saves notes in an XML database with notes filed under categories (tags).

The idea for this came from realising there is a better way to storing notes such as passwords, emails, quotes, and other bits and pieces than to create seperate .txt files for each, which is what I have been doing. The GUI shown will be complemented with a viewer that allows saved notes to be easily viewed after being recorded. The beauty of this application will be its simplicity; when a note coms to mind simply open note this (from a keyboard shortcut) write the note, add some tags and save it. No file names, no locations, just gone!

There will also be an export option.

I get to start it in 3 weeks and hope to have it done in 3 weeks from then. I will post progress updates! 

MySQL

I’ve decieded against using SQL Server 2003 after a few failed attempts. The problem was the filewall on the SQL Server was not allowing the remote connection from the Linux box. I’m now using MySQL, Which I should have done in the first place The migration is as simple as saving the file as a .sql file and then migrating it into mySQL, minor changes need to be made due to differences in datatypes but its pretty straight forward. Not to mention I can use a native JDBC connection.

My project has been approved so I can get started on that in a few weeks, only 3 weeks after this week to go, still have a lot to do before then though.

Screen shots when I’m finished!