Code Camp Jacksonville
Well another code camp and all went well, I sometimes don’t like commenting on events, did that once and stuck a foot in my a##.
We stayed at the Hyatt in downtown Jacksonville, only a few blocks from the event and around the corner from the Saturday Pub Club.
I got to say it takes a special breed of people to put these events together; the CC Committee did a great job. The event started as early as Friday with the speaker pub club. It was held at Dave and Busters, a nice place, cool games, my only problem was how far out of the way it is (though isn’t everything in Jax?). Jax CC is the only code camp to hold its Pub clubs this year in two separate areas LOL, not bad, just a funny note.
The Pub club event on Saturday was held at this way cool and very blue “Blue Room bar”, I still love that bar counter. It was a great place, it over looked the river and was right around the corner from the hotel that many of us (from out of town) were staying at. One thing to note for the future (just friendly advice) I over heard some people wanting more items that weren’t so fishy (I was told there was chicken there, but only saw meat balls) and more veggie items for those that don’t eat meat. One other issue is that on the web site, it said the event was at the Copper Cellar. Other then that it was a blast. I salute the CC committee for a great find. I couldn’t imagine a better place, and blue is my favorite color. Now if only there wasn’t a bucks game that night LOL.
The actual event went well, as I was a little late myself, I hope all that came enjoyed the talk. I missed the keynote, though I heard it was great or long, depends on who you ask LOL. Lunch was pizza which is great, no lines or they were very short lines. People are there for the session’s right? We served pizza in Tallahassee as well, people grab what they want and go. The rest of the event went pretty well, though I cut out a little early and didn’t see the end. I wanted to run over and get an enhancement to my already existing tattoo. The rest of the event went well from what I’m told.
I’m already beginning work on a new Game development talk (focused on XNA Express edition) and a new DAL/BL talk using generics and nullable types along with serialization. Look for them in next years line up, I’ve heard the New Year will start with Atlanta, wow that will be cold, should make the hotel rooms plenty. I know if they have it in Decatur again I am staying downtown, not going on that adventure again on memorial drive LOL. No hourly hotel rooms for me.
My talk was made possible by the generous support of my employer (Idea Integration). Their support in my community work has been great. It’s truly great to work for a company that realizes the positive benefits of community support. Idea has been great to work for so far, like any company they have their issues. I’m happy with them, as I hope they are with me.
ConnectBlocks
I’ve taken over all development for ConnectBlocks, and working on a new version that will be scaled down a little on first release set for late 2006 or early 2007. It will be based on the 2.0 framework, and it will be database driven. The formal wasn’t and offered a ton of problems when working on projects as a team. I didn’t originally want to go the file route, but got over ruled. Not anymore!
Expect the first 2.0 version to support more then one developer, with built in source safe abilities. Also expect the MSI builder to be more customizable as well as the HTML compiled help builder, report builder and the DAL builder. We had talked in the past about CB being able to deploy to the web, that’s still in the works, though it’s been a bit more complex then originally thought out. Once these other areas are revised, work will begin on the web deploy. Several factors have come up, including the fact that not all win controls have a counterpart on the web (not one that is free or comes with the framework). This will take additional time. In the mean time, several portions of the application will start to be available separately (Report Builder, DAL Builder, MSI Builder and Help Builder).
I’m adjusting the main portion of the application for working with the enhanced versions of the previously mentioned builders. They will be released separately as they are done, and when all is done, then you will see a new version of the total ConnectBlocks project. This will allow everyone to start using these portions along side other IDE’s such as Visual Studio, there is some debate as to if these should be plug-ins, that is possible and it might be done later, but not at the start.
One other very important feature will be the Import and export to and from Visual Studio; I know many of you have had issues about wanting to use CB for any real projects because of feeling locked in. That’s not the case after you can export it. The ability to import will also allow you to use some of you same forms you use now in your existing projects.
Well that’s all the updates, and about my latest Code Camp experience (Great Job Jax CC Committee). I have another conference in Nashville, TN for Oct 13th (DevLinks) it looks to be pretty cool.
If any of you have any questions, feel free to contact me.