On Architectural Requirements

November 30th, 2006 • General

As a developer with the capability to write code, I find myself much more concerned with architectural matters. Functionality can be programmed, but I’m at the mercy of architecture. Put another way, give me the right tools and materials, and I can build anything. But give me nothing but a pile of sand and a toothbrush, and I’m pretty much screwed.

Deane was discussing CMS architecture, but I think his point applies to all software.

I couldn’t have said it better.

Eliminating Windows Shutdown Options

November 22nd, 2006 • 1 comment General

The fact that you have to choose between nine different ways of turning off your computer every time just on the start menu, not to mention the choice of hitting the physical on/off button or closing the laptop lid, produces just a little bit of unhappiness every time.

Joel has a few suggestions on how can we get rid of extra noise in Windows shutdown UI.

It’s funny that just today I was reading a story about how iPod became a reality, and it mentions the same argument Joel makes:

When one of the designers said that obviously the device should have a power button to turn the unit on and off, he [Steve Jobs] simply said no.

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

Great Job Postings by Last.fm

November 21st, 2006 • 1 comment General

As it turns out, Last.fm isn’t just a great site, but it has a humorous team behind it. For example, a PHP developer’s pluses include:

• Javascript, and when not to use it.
• A preference for vi over emacs

And here’s how they describe themselves:

There are around 25 people working at Last.fm, it’s a friendly open-plan office, we have a table-football table and we’ve been branded “Web 2.0″ — but we do have a business model :)

Last.fm must be a fun place to work at.

Ballmer Says We Should Thank Him

November 17th, 2006 • 1 comment General

I hate to file this under the “I Told Ya So” category—especially when somebody else is more entitled to do so—but Steve Ballmer is now claiming Linux infringes Microsoft Intellectual Property.

I knew Microsoft wasn’t looking for Novell’s money or protection. They were aiming for credibility. In the eyes of certain customers, Microsoft is now a huge supporter of the the open source community, and a “Don’t Be Evil” company that is only trying to the greater good.

Good for then. Now let’s see what GPLv3 can do about it.

Java Set Free

November 15th, 2006 • 4 comments General

About ten years ago, Sun made history with the introduction of Java. Now they’re doing it again with licensing Java under GPL.

Love it or hate it, Java is one of the largest and most deployed platforms. Java is huge in the embedded devices market, it still has a say in enterprise application servers, and some people even use it for desktop applications.

I think Sun has made quite a leap by licensing Java under GPL. I’m sure it was a lot of work, since they have to make sure no code infringes other companies’ IP; I congratulate Sun. Distributing Java is no longer merely convenient, it will probably be encouraged too, just like GCC.

I like where Jonathan Schwartz stands. He believes that patents should not control software, especially not utterly meaningless ones, like patenting a shopping cart icon, or an if clause.

Certain developers are worried about having to GPL their software if distribute it alongside with Java VM. I believe that it’s not a requirement—we were always able to include proprietary software with Linux distributions. I’m not a lawyer, so you should look further into this issue if you’re worried about it.

GNU’s battle against Java was won!