Yes, a lot of people think JavaScript is just another object-oriented language but the language differs in many ways from the Java/C++ class of programming languages. For example, JavaScript uses prototypical inheritance versus the classical inheritance favoured by OO languages; this makes it easier to get on new behaviours... and also makes it really really easy to shoot yourself in the foot.
Category: Learning
Reflection : Arcane parts of Software Development
I first came across reflection when I needed to develop a PHP framework for my former firm. I started by reading the fuel source code (fuel is a PHP framework) and came across the reflection patterns in the boot strap. I seem to have a lot of first times with PHP. Well I have come … Continue reading Reflection : Arcane parts of Software Development
Book Review: JavaScript, The Good Parts
All languages have good and bad parts; to be a master developer in any language, you need to know and avoid the bad parts. Douglas Crockford goes through JavaScript, showing how to write beautiful code in this much-maligned language in an easy-to-follow and understand manner. Brendan Eich developed the language in a rush (I think in … Continue reading Book Review: JavaScript, The Good Parts
Data Structures for Programmers
A good understanding of data structures separates the master programmer from the noob. Some make it possible to get faster solutions to problems; and who doesn't want faster code?
The Java Virtual Machine
The Java vision was to empower developers to "write once, run everywhere". One way of achieving platform independence is to use middleware to mask differences. Enter the JVM; a stack-based virtual machine that uses 32-bit words, performs arithmetic using 2-complement and can execute compiled Java bytecode, typically .class or .jar files. The beauty of middleware ensures … Continue reading The Java Virtual Machine
How Skype works
A lot of us use Skype daily but have no idea about how it works. Here is a brief description of the Skype framework. Skype employs a partially decentralized architecture - a mix of the peer-to-peer and client-server architectures. The client-server system is used for authentication while the peer-to-peer system is used for IP telephony, relaying, … Continue reading How Skype works
Algorithms I
Finally, I started studying algorithms - after delaying delving into algorithms for a long time; I ultimately had no choice but to learn it. So pronto I picked up a book - Problem solving with Algorithms and Data structures using Python - and started with gusto. Having little Python skills, I was somewhat worried that … Continue reading Algorithms I
Cloud Computing, the future of computing?
Cloud computing has been touted to be the future of computing. Trends suggest a move towards web-based software applications and services. The claim has been further strengthened by the emergence of companies offering cloud-based services to computer users. (e.g. Google Docs). The underlying principle of cloud computing is to have servers offering access to computing … Continue reading Cloud Computing, the future of computing?
