Archive for January 2008

Making full use of the Arguments object

In javascript on 31 January 2008 with 1 comment

In Javascript, arguments are the variables passed to a function. We might think of a soda machine that accepts coins that are then processed, returning your favorite carbonated beverage. Likening this to a function, the coins are arguments.
In general these arguments are accessed by named variables as represented in the following example by str1 and [...]

Don’t make me think

In usability on 27 January 2008 tagged design, error handling, mint.com with no comments

All design ought to be to be consistent and clear, but all the more when it comes to error handling. The reason is simple and two-fold: errors are both unexpected and disruptive. As such it's critical that designers curb potentially agitating interruptions with accurately descriptive error messages, immediately refocusing the user on the problem, and [...]

Cross-browser Javascript Profiling with YUI

In javascript on 23 January 2008 tagged javascript, Profiler, Tutorial, YUI with no comments

Soon the fabulous YUI team will release a skin for their profiler tool. This release will hopefully bring profiling mainstream, if Firebug hasn't done it already (and what sadly Venkman failed to do.) More importantly, it will bring this indispensable benchmarking technique to all A-grade browsers and platforms, and in a manner that will be [...]

Yuidocs.com : Faster access to YUI Documentation

In javascript on 21 January 2008 tagged yui documentation, yuidocs.com with no comments

Good programmers are lazy, and while I might not be good, I'm surely lazy. I got tired of typing http colon slash slash developer dot yahoo dot com slash yui slash docs and instead bought yuidocs.com which auto-forwards for me. Enjoy!

if you’re not serious, don’t ask.

In usability on 14 January 2008 with no comments

Grandparents are obsessive about obtaining printed photos of their grandchildren, and my parents are no exception. They've obviously decided to spend my inheritance and fill their albums instead.
Yet regardless of their compulsion, I've been completely unsuccessful to lure them to Flickr, and as such, my wife and I have had to upload our photos to [...]

the walls abandon shape

In inspiration, music on 7 January 2008 tagged in rainbows, radiohead with no comments

jQuery Dashboard Widget

In javascript on 3 January 2008 with no comments

Early last year we were using jQuery heavily in our web app, though we've since migrated to YUI. At the time, I released a dashboard widget for OS X. ...it hasn't been updated in a couple releases, but nevertheless check it out.
(Note: it appears the jQuery team has discontinued publishing their documentation in json format, [...]