With libraries out there like
jQuery and
MooTools, the need for a front end developer to
know Javascript is lessening. jQuery's selector and simple method based context makes it easy for those who have no coding experience to jump right in and hang with those who do. There are, however, some instances, in my opinion, that knowing Javascript can be very handy.
Adobe Extendedscript Toolkit
This IDE allows an Adobe user to write all sizes of scripts to automate tasks in all of its programs. Automate image resizing and directory creation. Employ conditional logic to an action. Target multiple Adobe applications with one script. Do all of this and more with the Adobe Extendedscript Toolkit. What language are these scripts written in? You guessed it. The primary language is Javascript. Optionally, use VBScript or AppleScript. Of what value is this to a front end web developer? A user could write a script to open a site mockup, chop into slices, save them all and close the document, all in the blink of an eye.
Photoshop 7.xx users can
download the extension. (This tool comes with any CS editions)
UltraEdit
UltraEdit is my favorite text editor. It's lightweight, easy to use and very customizable. The latest version incorporates scripts that can be written and called with hotkeys, or by referencing the menu. Much like the Extendedscript Toolkit above, these scripts are written in Javascript and can make automation or repetitive tasks very simple. Need to print an HTML snippet? Use a script. Need to tag all of the files in a directory with your 'copyright comment'? Use a script. Write a script to find all special characters in some text and replace them with their respective hex codes.
These were just a few instances where I use Javascript in applications other than web development.
Labels: Javascript, Programs, Web Development
I found out about RescueTime about a week ago from one of the blogs I came across (If I remember the name, I'll update), so I thought I'd give it a shot yesterday. RescueTime is a program that keeps track of your productivity at work or home and it's FREE!
It works like this. Visit RescueTime.com, create an account and download the software, then install it on your computer. They will have you test your connection to verify you can indeed communicate with them. Once connected, RescueTime will begin to pay attention to the programs you use.
After a bit, RescueTime populates cool flash charts on your dashboard. Label or tag programs that it sees you have been using with keywords like 'work', 'personal', 'development' or 'coding' to enhance the program's ability to track and categorize your work for the day. Add a weight to each tag to communicate how productive each is (from -2 for personal email to +2 for hardcore development). Once all of this data is populated, the results get very interesting and eye opening. Each time you use a new program that RescueTime has not seen, you will have the opportunity to tag it.
RescueTime allows users to set goals as well. For example, one of my goals is to work more than 6 hours a day, while keeping non work activities under an hour. So far so good.
All this being said, you must be honest with yourself and the program in order to get honest results. You could weight every keyword to the maximum value and look like a hero, but that would sort of defeat the purpose of using the program. To ensure you get valid tracking for say, work only, RescueTime allows itself to suspend tracking for lunch or playing on your laptop at home.
As stated above, the program is free for individual users, but costs for businesses and groups. I recommend giving it a shot if you are interested in improving performance at work.
Labels: Nerdy Stuff, Programs
Let me start off by saying I've worked pretty much exclusively on a computer since I left high school. As a result, my handwriting isn't what it used to be.
I was turned on to a good idea by a friend; create a font of my handwriting. They pointed me to FontCreator by the folks over at high-logic.com. A free trial last 30 days and is enough to get your hands dirty. Additionally, there is tons of support on the web about the steps involved in the process of creating a font. Now I'm able to simply type out my letter, fill in my form etc and print it out. The result is essentially the same as if I were to write it all out myself.
So here is a preview of my handwriting, for better or for worse.
If you actually find my handwriting legible and want to give it a try, download the .ttf file here.
Labels: Fonts, Gadgets, Programs