End Your If

Blog

  • Entity Framework Beginner’s Guide Done Right

    Entity framework is a great ORM provided by Microsoft.  There are a ton of examples of how to get up and running with it really quickly.  The only problem with all of them, is the get you off on the wrong foot.

    In all of the EF example guides, the DbContext class is typically deeply embedded into the core of your code.  This of course is great for Entity framework because the effort to change will be next to impossible – speaking from experience of course here.

    Instead, by making some subtle changes we can integrate Entity framework in a separate layer in case at some later date you wish to replace it.  Of course, you might never need to replace it, but following these simple techniques will allow better segregation of code and even provide simpler unit testing.

    (more…)

  • Why Java Makes Me Tremble In My Boots

    Let me begin by saying that I have not spent a lot of time in Java.  I learned it in college (some 12 years ago) and I’ve used it sparingly throughout my development career.  To date I’ve never done a full project using only Java.  And ironically, one of the main reasons I haven’t is I don’t know where to start…

    (more…)

  • Trial and Error – Your best friend and worst enemy!

    I’ve recently had my eyes open, mostly since becoming a parent.  My oldest kids are now 3; they are right at the stage of wanting to do everything for themselves.  It’s important to let them!  Kids learn through trial and error, so why shouldn’t I?

    (more…)

  • Compelling Interview Questions

    It seems to be hiring spree time once again and I find myself spending lots of time reviewing resumes, meeting people, hearing all about their past and future.  7 times out of 10 I find myself knowing within 5 to 10 minutes of the start of an interview whether I immediately need to find an exit strategy or keep proceeding with the interview.

    A few times people can talk-the-talk and that’s why we have second interviews and written tests.  So the odd time that the 3 of 10 make it through, we quickly weed them out as well.

    Enough background, let’s move on to some of my favorite questions, but more importantly, why and what I’m looking for when I ask them.

    (more…)

  • My First Experiences with Kinect for Windows – @KinectWindows

    I recently had the pleasure of some free time recently – with three kids this does not come often – so I decided to finally plug my Kinect into my PC.  I find it kind of funny how long it actually took for this to happen.  Over a year ago I finally joined the real world and made the decision to finally make a new console gaming purchase.

    Like everyone, I had to choose between the PS3 and Xbox 360.  Each of course has their pros and cons.  But when it came down to it, I could develop for the Xbox and Kinect for free and this became the deciding decision factor.

    So finally over a year later I finally plugged my Kinect into my PC’s USB port!

    (more…)