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• Why do programming languages allow shadowing/hiding of variables and functions?

  - by Simon

  Many of the most popular programming languges (such as C++, Java, Python etc.) have the concept of hiding / shadowing of variables or functions. When I've encountered hiding or shadowing they have been the cause of hard to find bugs and I've never seen a case where I found it necessary to use these features of the languages. To me it would seem better to disallow hiding and shadowing. Does anybody know of a good use of these concepts?

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• Is premature optimization really the root of all evil?

  - by Craig Day

  A colleague of mine today committed a class called ThreadLocalFormat, which basically moved instances of Java Format classes into a thread local, since they are not thread safe and "relatively expensive" to create. I wrote a quick test and calculated that I could create 200,000 instances a second, asked him was he creating that many, to which he answered "nowhere near that many". He's a great programmer and everyone on the team is highly skilled so we have no problem understanding the resulting code, but it was clearly a case of optimizing where there is no real need. He backed the code out at my request. What do you think? Is this a case of "premature optimization" and how bad is it really?

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• Cliché monsters to populate a steampunk fantasy setting dwarven dungeon?

  - by Alexander Gladysh

  I'm looking for a list of cliché monsters for a steampunk computer game (assume one kind or another of casual rogue-like RPG), to populate lower levels of ancient dwarven-built dungeons. Dwarves are a technology/science race in the setting I am aiming for. The world is a low-magic one. I'm stuck after listing various mechanical golems, gigantic spiders (every dungeon must have some of them!), and maybe a mechanical barlog as a megaboss. What would player expect? What are the key cultural references for such setting? I know a couple of games with suitable steampunk dwarves, but none are detailed enough in the underworld monsters area. Please point me in the right direction. (If you have a single funny monster suggestion, please mention it in comments, not in answer. ;-) )

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• Creating an online community - use templates or self-develop?

  - by ican ican

  PHPMotion, Joomla or develop my own? I'm thinking of developing a common interest online community. It will be have UGC, stats, etc.. functionality, and perhaps an online store. Though cost is an issue at this time, I want to be professional and effective. Should I use existing free platform templates, like PHP, Joomla, or should I develop my own? What are the advantages/disadvantages of either option? As a rough estimate, how much will it cost me to develop and manage my own? And how long will it take. In general what should I be careful about on this journey?

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• Gathering IP address and workstation information; does it belong in a state class?

  - by p.campbell

  I'm writing an enterprisey utility that collects exception information and writes to the Windows Event Log, sends an email, etc. This utility class will be used by all applications in the corporation: web, BizTalk, Windows Services, etc. Currently this class: holds state given to it via public properties calls out to .NET Framework methods to gather information about runtime details. Included are call to various properties and methods from System.Environment, Reflection details, etc. This implementation has the benefit of allowing all those callers not to have to make these same calls themselves. This means less code for the caller to forget, screw up, etc. Should this state class (please what's the phrase I'm looking for [like DTO]?) know how to resolve/determine runtime details (like the IP address and machine name that it's running on)? It seems to me on second thought that it's meant to be a class that should hold state, and not know how to call out to the .NET Framework to find information. var myEx = new AppProblem{MachineName="Riker"}; //Will get "Riker 10.0.0.1" from property MachineLongDesc Console.WriteLine("full machine details: " + myEx.MachineLongDesc); public class AppProblem { public string MachineName{get;set;} public string MachineLongDesc{ get{ if(string.IsNullOrEmpty(this.MachineName) { this.MachineName = Environment.MachineName; } return this.MachineName + " " + GetCurrentIP(); } } private string GetCurrentIP() { return System.Net.Dns.GetHostEntry(this.MachineName) .AddressList.First().ToString(); } } This code was written by hand from memory, and presented for simplicity, trying to illustrate the concept.

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• Do I need to be a genius to succeed in this field? [on hold]

  - by user46104

  I could not draw in high school only stick figures I have adhd but I thought some people with adhd/autism in this field are making inventions Do I have to be like michael angelo who could remember his dreams and drawed perfectly or is that someone else.Do I need to be able to read very fast like 30 books a year? sorry I never had a career counsellor who really supported me to dream big and to find me other people who can test if I am qualified for such dreams

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• Database structure for various items

  - by XGouchet

  I'm building a sqlite database for an android app which will hold a list of items, each of which have different characteristics. Some of the characteristics are available for all objects, some are only relevant for a subset of objects. For example, all my items have a name, a description, an image. Some items will also have an expiration date, others wont. Some will have a size, some wont. Etc... How should I build my Database, as I don't know how many characteristics may be added in the future, and knowing I should be able to filter the list by any characteristic ?

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• Removing an element not currently in a list: ValueError?

  - by Izkata

  This is something that's bothered me for a while, and I can't figure out why anyone would ever want the language to act like this: In [1]: foo = [1, 2, 3] In [2]: foo.remove(2) ; foo # okay Out[2]: [1, 3] In [3]: foo.remove(4) ; foo # not okay? --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ValueError Traceback (most recent call last) /home/izkata/<ipython console> in <module>() ValueError: list.remove(x): x not in list If the value is already not in the list, then I'd expect a silent success. Goal already achieved. Is there any real reason this was done this way? It forces awkward code that should be much shorter: for item in items_to_remove: try: thingamabob.remove(item) except ValueError: pass Instead of simply: for item in items_to_remove: thingamabob.remove(item) As an aside, no, I can't just use set(thingamabob).difference(items_to_remove) because I do have to retain both order and duplicates.

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• State Pattern - should a state know about its context?

  - by Extrakun

  I am referring to the state pattern as described in this link. In the example class diagram, a context has numerous states. However, it does not show how does a state communicates with a context (perhaps an input in a state has impact on a setting in the context). The two examples on the page shows either passing the context to the state via a function, or storing a reference to the context. Are those advisable? Are there other ways for a state to communicate with a context? Update to an edit: For instance, I am doing a remote control which can have several states. Say, the context has a setting for Volume, and I am in one of the states which allow me to tweak the volume. How should the state communicates with the context that the volume is being changed?

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• Box2dWeb positioning relative to HTML5 Canvas

  - by Joe

  I'm new with HTML5 canvas and Box2DWeb and I'm trying to make an Asteroids game. So far I think I'm doing okay, but one thing I'm struggling to comprehend is how positioning works in relation to the canvas. I understand that Box2DWeb is only made to deal with physical simulation, but I don't know how to deal with positioning on the canvas. The canvas is 100% viewport and thus can vary size. I want to fill the screen with some asteroids, but if I hardcore certain values such as bodyDef.position.x = Math.random() * 50; the asteroid may appear off canvas for someone with a smaller screen? Can anybody help me understand how I can deal with relative positioning on the canvas?

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• What is MVC, really?

  - by NickC

  As a serious programmer, how do you answer the question What is MVC? In my mind, MVC is sort of a nebulous topic — and because of that, if your audience is a learner, then you're free to describe it in general terms that are unlikely to be controversial. However, if you are speaking to a knowledgeable audience, especially an interviewer, I have a hard time thinking of a direction to take that doesn't risk a reaction of "well that's not right!...". We all have different real-world experience, and I haven't truly met the same MVC implementation pattern twice. Specifically, there seem to be disagreements regarding strictness, component definition, separation of parts (what piece fits where), etc. So, how should I explain MVC in a way that is correct, concise, and uncontroversial?

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• Why is facebook cache buggy?

  - by IAdapter

  I just started using facebook and I see that many times when I add something to my profile and visit it later its not there. I bet the reason is that the page is cached and not updated very often. Is this on purpose or is it a bug? P.S. For example I added the music I like and later I see that I did not add it, but next day when I visit again its there. I saw it in two web-browsers, so its a facebook bug. Does it has something to do with scalability?

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• Is my project a web site or a mobile app?

  - by Evik James

  I am a web developer. I have been developing web sites professionally for 15+ years using ColdFusion, SQL Server, and jQuery. I am doing a project for a client that uses the above technologies. The site has a mobile facet too. For that, I am using jQuery Mobile. The site enables retail store personnel to gather a store customer's preferences using any smart phone or tablet. The store personnel just needs to access a special link via a QR code and a login. Anyone can easily access the site from a PC's browser, too. Some sources suggest that mobile apps must be downloaded and installed using a third party, such as from Google, Amazon, or Apple. Others sources suggest that any information designed for use on mobile device is a mobile app. Regarding the site that is specifically designed for use by mobile devices that extensively uses jQuery Mobile, is this a "web site" or a "mobile app"? What is the "proper" description for this type of site? My customer insists that it is one and not the other. I insist that it is the other and not the one. Can you help me clarify this?

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• How to name setter that does data conversion?

  - by IAdapter

  I'm struggling with how to name this method, I don't like the "set" prefix, because I feel it should be reserved for normal "dumb" setters and some tools might not like it (i did not check it in checkstyle, pmd, etc., but I got a feeling they won't like it.) for example (in java, but I feel its language agnostic) public void setActionListenerClicked(boolean actionListenerClicked) { this.actionListenerClicked = actionListenerClicked ? "1" : "0"; } The only purpose of this method is ONLY to set, this method is needed and cannot be joined with any other (because of framework used). P.S. I DO know that question is similar to How to name multi-setter?, but I feel its not the same question.

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• Implementing traffic conditions in TORCS

  - by user1837811

  I am working on a project about "Effects of Traffic conditions and Track Complexity on Car Driving Behavior". Is it possible to implement traffic in TORCS, or should I use another car simulator? By the word "traffic" I mean there are cars running on both tracks in both directions and I can detect the distances, direction and speed of these cars. Depending on this information I can decide whether I should slow down, speed up and calculate the correct timing to overtake.

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• Good university for computer science with plans for Game Dev.

  - by DukeYore

  I am starting my Computer science degree at a local community college in Programming using C++. However, i will be transferring to a 4-year university. Does anyone have any insight on university programs? I know Cal State Fullerton has a degree with a minor in Game Dev. however, is that as important as getting a degree from a really great school? if i could shoot for something like Cal Poly would that be better? Or even Stanford or SF state being so close to so many gaming companies up there in the bay area? thank you in advance for any guidance.

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• Splitting Logic, Data, Layout and "Hacks"

  - by fjdumont

  Sure, we all heard of programming patterns such as MVVM, MVC and such. But that isn't really what I'm looking into as Layout, Data and Logic is already pretty much split up (XML-Layout markup, Database, insert your language of choice here). The platform I am developing for is hard to maintain over the updated versions and older OSes. The project significantly grew up over the last few months and dealing with different platform versions really is a pain. For example simply disabling an user interface control for all existing versions took me around 40 lines of code in the logic layer, wrangling around with invocation, delegation, singletons that provide UI handling and so on. Is there a clean way to keep track of those "hacks" by maybe excluding it into separate classes or even packages? Should I overwrite existing framework code in order to handle my requirements correctly? If so, does that concept have a name?

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• .NET app - Should we use SQL Server and duplicate some reference data from an external Oracle DB? Or use Oracle and have a DB link?

  - by Daventry

  We're looking to migrate some existing Excel/Access processes into a new system which will provide the users with a Silverlight frontend to run and view the reports instead of using MS Access. The initial idea was to have SQL Server 2008 as RDBMS. The problem is that we've got some static data such as country codes, counterparties, etc which live in an existing Oracle DB. Since we do not want to duplicate that data (if possible), we were thinking of having a DB link between SQL Server and Oracle, but our firm does not allow that. So the options are either duplicate the data or use Oracle as RDBMS - surprise, the firm does allow DB links between Oracle databases. The initial idea was also to use WCF RIA Services, Entity Framework, etc which we're not sure they play well with Oracle, that's why it was decided to go with SQL Server in the first place. Would you advise to go for Oracle so that we can just link the static data? Or use SQL Server 2008 and replicate it because it's "safer" to stay within the Microsoft land? To use or not to use Entity Framework and WCF RIA Services at all? Regards. UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your answers. Nothing is set in stone yet. We'll try to import the data instead of linking, as if the other DB goes down, our system can still carry on. We're likely to use SQL Server just because most developers are more experienced with it. Even if we used RIA Services, we can swap out the Data Access Layer and use other frameworks such those mentioned below.

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• What is a 'good number' of exceptions to implement for my library?

  - by Fuzz

  I've always wondered how many different exception classes I should implement and throw for various pieces of my software. My particular development is usually C++/C#/Java related, but I believe this is a question for all languages. I want to understand what is a good number of different exceptions to throw, and what the developer community expect of a good library. The trade-offs I see include: More exception classes can allow very fine grain levels of error handling for API users (prone to user configuration or data errors, or files not being found) More exception classes allows error specific information to be embedded in the exception, rather than just a string message or error code More exception classes can mean more code maintenance More exception classes can mean the API is less approachable to users The scenarios I wish to understand exception usage in include: During 'configuration' stage, which might include loading files or setting parameters During an 'operation' type phase where the library might be running tasks and doing some work, perhaps in another thread Other patterns of error reporting without using exceptions, or less exceptions (as a comparison) might include: Less exceptions, but embedding an error code that can be used as a lookup Returning error codes and flags directly from functions (sometimes not possible from threads) Implemented an event or callback system upon error (avoids stack unwinding) As developers, what do you prefer to see? If there are MANY exceptions, do you bother error handling them separately anyway? Do you have a preference for error handling types depending on the stage of operation?

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• How to handle sorting of complex objects?

  - by AedonEtLIRA

  How would one sort a list of objects that have more than one sortable element? Suppose you have a simple object Car and car is a defined as such: class Car { public String make; public String model; public int year; public String color; // ... No methods, just a structure / container } I designed a simple framework that would allow for multiple SortOptions to be provided to a Sorter that would then sort the list. interface ISorter<T> { List<T> sort(List<T> items); void addSortOption(ISortOption<T> option); ISortOption<T>[] getSortOptions(); void setSortOption(ISortOption<T> option); } interface ISortOption<T> { String getLabel(); int compare(T t1, T t2); } Example use class SimpleStringSorter extends MergeSorter<String> { { addSorter(new AlphaSorter()); } private static final class AlphaSorter implements ISortOption<String> { // ... implementation of alpha compare and get label } } The issue with this solution is that it is not easily expandable. If car was to ever receive a new field, say, currentOwner. I would need to add the field, then track down the sorter class file, implement a new sort option class then recompile the application for redistribution. Is there an easier more expandable/practical way to sort data like this?

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• Should I use a config file or database for storing business rules?

  - by foiseworth

  I have recently been reading The Pragmatic Programmer which states that: Details mess up our pristine code—especially if they change frequently. Every time we have to go in and change the code to accommodate some change in business logic, or in the law, or in management's personal tastes of the day, we run the risk of breaking the system—of introducing a new bug. Hunt, Andrew; Thomas, David (1999-10-20). The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master (Kindle Locations 2651-2653). Pearson Education (USA). Kindle Edition. I am currently programming a web app that has some models that have properties that can only be from a set of values, e.g. (not actual example as the web app data confidential): light-type = sphere / cube / cylinder The light type can only be the above three values but according to TPP I should always code as if they could change and place their values in a config file. As there are several incidents of this throughout the app, my question is: Should I store possibly values like these in: a config file: 'light-types' = array(sphere, cube, cylinder), 'other-type' = value, 'etc = etc-value a single table in a database with one line for each config item a database with a table for each config item (e.g. table: light_types; columns: id, name) some other way? Many thanks for any assistance / expertise offered.

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• C#.NET: How to update multiple .NET pages when a particular event occurs in one .Net page? In another words how to use Observer pattern(Publish and subscribe to events)

  Problem: Suppose you have a scenario in which you have to update multiple pages when an event occurs in main page. For example imagine you have a main page where you are dispalying a tab control. This tab control has 3 tab pages where you are loading 3 different user controls. On click of an update button in main page imagine if you have do something in all the 3 tab panels. In other words an event in main page has to be handled in many other pages. An event in main page which contains the tab control has to be handled in all the tab panels(user controls) Answer: Use Observer pattern Define a base page for the page that contains the tab control. Main page which contains the tab: Baseline_Baseline Basepage for the above main page: BaselineBasePage User control that has to be udpated for an event in main page: Baseline_PriorNonDeloitte Source Code: public class BaselineBasePage : System.Web.UI.Page { IList lstControls = new List(); public void Add(IObserver userControl) { lstControls.Add(userControl); } public void Remove(IObserver userControl) { lstControls.Remove(userControl); } public void RemoveAllUserControls() { lstControls.Clear(); } public void Update(SaveEventArgs e) { foreach (IObserver LobjControl in lstControls) { LobjControl.Save(e); } } } public interface IObserver { void Update(SaveEventArgs e); } public partial class Baseline_Baseline : BaselineBasePage { . . . this.Add(_ucPI); this.Add(_ucPI1); protected void abActionBar_saveClicked(object sender, EventArgs e) { SaveEventArgs se = new SaveEventArgs(); se.TabType = (BaselineTabType)tcBaseline.ActiveTabIndex; this.Update(se); } } Public class Baseline_PriorNonDeloitte : System.Web.UI.UserControl,IObserver { public void Update(SaveEventArgs e) { } } More info at: http://www.dofactory.com/Patterns/PatternObserver.aspx span.fullpost {display:none;}

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• How should compound words be handled when coding? Is there a definitive list of compound words? [closed]

  - by Ray

  QUESTION: How should you handle compound words when programming? Are there any good lists available online for developers of generally accepted technology-related compound words? I can see how this is highly ambiguous, so should I just use common-sense? EXAMPLE: I would be inclined to do this: filename NOT FileName or login NOT LogIn However, the microsoft documentation indicates that filename is not compound. So I wonder, is there a more definitive source? See also, this english.stackexchange discussion on filename. Under the section "Capitalization Rules for Compound Words and Common Terms" located here: Microsoft .NET Capitalization Conventions only offers a limited introduction into the topic, and leaves it up to the developer to use their intuition with the rest.

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• Triggering Data Changes in N-Tier

  - by Ryan Kinal

  I've been studying n-tier architectures as of late, particularly in VB.NET with Entity Framework and/or LINQ to SQL. I understand the basic concepts, but have been wondering about best practices in regard to triggering CRUD-type operations from user input/action. So, the arcitecture looks something like the following: [presentation layer] - [business layer] - [data layer] - (database) Getting information from the database into the presentation layer is simple and abstracted. It's just a matter of instantiating a new object from the business layer, which in turn uses the data layer to get at the correct information. However, saving (updating and inserting), and deleting seem to require particular APIs on the relevant business objects. I have to assume this is standard practice, unless a business object will save itself on various operations (which seems inefficient), or on disposal (which seems like it just wouldn't work, or may be unwieldy and unreliable). Should my "savable" business objects all implement a particular "ISavable" or "IDatabaseObject" interface? Is this a recognized (anti-)pattern? Are there other, better patterns I should be using that I'm just unaware of? The TLDR question, I suppose, is How does the presentation layer trigger database changes?

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• What is best way to manage all images in a big project, inline images, background images, css sprite images?

  - by metal-gear-solid

  How do you manage all images in a big project, inline images, background images, css sprite images? Do you follow any naming convention? Do you create sub-folders to manage images? In a big project how to make it easy to find for new people in the development team if any images which they want to use (because it's in new PSD they received from designer) is already available in images folder of project and how they can find it easily.

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