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Archive for the 'Asides' Category

The power of jQuery

Friday, August 15th, 2008

Jeff Atwood made a post today talking about the benefits of coding using Javascript frameworks. It totally echos my own thoughts and experiences on it, namely that I used to hate writing client-side code because javascript was so terrible. After discovering first Prototype + Script.aculo.us, and then completely moving to jQuery, my outlook has completely changed. I really do enjoy writing client-side code now. It’s easy, and the results are among the most immediate real programming results you can get, because it runs right there in your browser. Using Firebug, you can even test code interactively while you write it.

Great Error Messages

Wednesday, September 20th, 2006

Here are some great error messages that should remind programmers to put some effort into what they display, and always check for those impossible situations that can “never happen” — otherwise you, too, may find yourself lost at the subway station “Integer divide by 0″.

World’s funniest joke

Saturday, June 10th, 2006

The world’s funniest joke, according to science: A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn’t seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: “Just take it easy. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a shot is heard. The guy’s voice comes back on the line. He says: “OK, now what?”