Ages ago, I only made database systems through Foxpro for DOS. Then, through school - sponsored trainings, I learned Visual Basic. However, when I started holding an administrative position, my programming skills did fade gradually.
After years of rest from programming, I started learning what is one of the hot programming languages, JAVA. Netbeans Java was easier to work with. But, learning a new language is totally frustrating. I simply acquired my skills from training, online tutorials and references available.
Definitely, programming consumes mental and physical energy. I remember my students and college classmates before would acquire pimples, blackheads, headaches, and body cramps because of deprived sleep and rest. However, most programmers would say, programming is quite challenging but very rewarding. I could only agree with them.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Know Local and Global Variables
I remember during summer classes that one of my students asked me about making her main menu for a number system conversion. I answered her to make use of functions to break down the conversions into binary, octal, hexadecimal and decimal and vice versa. Further, I added that she can use local and global variables to pass values among functions. She replied," What are local and global variables, maam?"
It hit me that I missed to cover these variables in details. Programming languages like C or C++ do differentiate global and local variables.
If variables are declared before the main() function, then these variables are declared global. These variables can then be accessed anywhere inside and outside the main function.
However, the opposite of this declaration is the declaration of variables within the main function. These variables are local, thus, they are only valid and known within the main body.
Click Show/Hide link for the sample.
[+/-] show/hide
#include stdio.h /*enclose this in <> */
int compute(int birthyear);
int currentyear=2009; /*this is global variable*/
main()
{
int birthyear; /*this is a local variable*/
clrscr();
printf("\nEnter your birthyear : ");
scanf("%d",&byear);
printf("Your age is %d ",compute(byear));
getche();
}
int compute(int birthyear) /* these are your formal parameters */
{
return currentyear-birthyear; /* 2009 is passed to currentyear with the encoded value for birthyear*/
}
It hit me that I missed to cover these variables in details. Programming languages like C or C++ do differentiate global and local variables.
If variables are declared before the main() function, then these variables are declared global. These variables can then be accessed anywhere inside and outside the main function.
However, the opposite of this declaration is the declaration of variables within the main function. These variables are local, thus, they are only valid and known within the main body.
Click Show/Hide link for the sample.
[+/-] show/hide
#include stdio.h /*enclose this in <> */
int compute(int birthyear);
int currentyear=2009; /*this is global variable*/
main()
{
int birthyear; /*this is a local variable*/
clrscr();
printf("\nEnter your birthyear : ");
scanf("%d",&byear);
printf("Your age is %d ",compute(byear));
getche();
}
int compute(int birthyear) /* these are your formal parameters */
{
return currentyear-birthyear; /* 2009 is passed to currentyear with the encoded value for birthyear*/
}
Back to School, Back to Programming
June 1 is my birthday and it is also the start of school classes in the Philippines. My new school however, will start on June 8.
From a two-month vacation, students may find this new school year as more pressing than the previous years. Normally, as students accelerate in their school year level, their subjects become more difficult and draining too.
I remember when I was in college, I joined my daytime classes but worked on my programming projects at nighttime when everyone else was already in dream wonderland. I burned my eyebrows with my old IBM tower-type desktop and a dim lighting to help me with my notes and books. Three to four hours of sleep was already a privilege to me.
I am quite sure that academic - oriented students now go through that same ordeal too. Programming works are never easy. They always entail hard work, discipline and dedication unless students would just Google their solution.
From a two-month vacation, students may find this new school year as more pressing than the previous years. Normally, as students accelerate in their school year level, their subjects become more difficult and draining too.
I remember when I was in college, I joined my daytime classes but worked on my programming projects at nighttime when everyone else was already in dream wonderland. I burned my eyebrows with my old IBM tower-type desktop and a dim lighting to help me with my notes and books. Three to four hours of sleep was already a privilege to me.
I am quite sure that academic - oriented students now go through that same ordeal too. Programming works are never easy. They always entail hard work, discipline and dedication unless students would just Google their solution.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Don't Get Lost During School Enrolment
Normally, a college freshman, all fresh from high school, is anxious to find a good school and an appropriate degree.
It is then helpful that you identify the potential schools where you can possibly go to and check their offerings. You have to check their services and facilities as well, not to mention, accessibility and school fees. Having considered all these can make your enrolment easier and more motivating. Your high school buddies may have similar interest on your school. This can be more helpful. But, in most occasion, you are a total stranger to the place and to everyone. Make friends and contacts then. This can make your stay in your new school less compelling and boring.
Enrolment is physically draining. It will do you good, if you check first enrolment flowcharts and school grounds for easy traffic and direction.
Remember, school is fun if we choose it to be. So, find the most suitable school first, and make your stay there remarkable and productive.
It is then helpful that you identify the potential schools where you can possibly go to and check their offerings. You have to check their services and facilities as well, not to mention, accessibility and school fees. Having considered all these can make your enrolment easier and more motivating. Your high school buddies may have similar interest on your school. This can be more helpful. But, in most occasion, you are a total stranger to the place and to everyone. Make friends and contacts then. This can make your stay in your new school less compelling and boring.
Enrolment is physically draining. It will do you good, if you check first enrolment flowcharts and school grounds for easy traffic and direction.
Remember, school is fun if we choose it to be. So, find the most suitable school first, and make your stay there remarkable and productive.
Get Fat or Slim With Computer Programming
Don't get me wrong but I find computer programming as challenging, mentally draining and physically consuming. But ironically, I quite enjoy my time whenever I have to solve computer problems.
I spend long hours to solve problems and find my way through the technicalities and codes of a programming language. I normally forget time and other people around me. Needless to say, I forget my other duties and even food. But, other programmers do have other means to keep them awake; some stay on beer, and food among other things.
But, if I can't actually solve the problem, I take a free time from it through my regular viewing of movies and jogging on treadmills. They seem to clear my head and make me think straight. As soon as our classes will start this June, I shall be back on my programming routines.
I spend long hours to solve problems and find my way through the technicalities and codes of a programming language. I normally forget time and other people around me. Needless to say, I forget my other duties and even food. But, other programmers do have other means to keep them awake; some stay on beer, and food among other things.
But, if I can't actually solve the problem, I take a free time from it through my regular viewing of movies and jogging on treadmills. They seem to clear my head and make me think straight. As soon as our classes will start this June, I shall be back on my programming routines.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Remember These Computer Ads?
I got these few pictures of advertisements on computers through an email from Funzug. Funny and amazing it is how computers evolved in terms of size, speed and performance. Can you still remember these?
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Maximize Computer and Technology for Education
As a computer education instructor, I impart my lectures and sample computer programs through the typical whiteboard. But, it has to be noted that students prefer a "live - motion picture" instead. They prefer to see the idea implemented through a computer program. Only then, they will understand the topic on hand and better appreciate the learning.
It is for this knowledge that some schools use computer technology with wide screen TV or projector or with Slingbox to present computer codes and other media before a class.
This instructional strategy is more effective and efficient. I can't imagine myself babbling for hours while my students are lost in their imagination. Having a multimedia teaching makes only my time with them more effective, fun and interesting.
It is for this knowledge that some schools use computer technology with wide screen TV or projector or with Slingbox to present computer codes and other media before a class.
This instructional strategy is more effective and efficient. I can't imagine myself babbling for hours while my students are lost in their imagination. Having a multimedia teaching makes only my time with them more effective, fun and interesting.
Choose the Appropriate Computer Education Course
There are several specific computer education courses. Topping the list includes computer science and information technology. However, in the Philippines, CHED offers three (3) general categories for computer education: computer science, information technology and information systems.
I was normally asked the distinction of the three programs. These are all highly in demand courses but I asked first students what are their inclinations. If they are interested in computer fundamentals, and engineering works, computer science fits them well. But, if they are more interested in web development, networking, game development among technology - oriented stuffs, then, information technology works best for them. Information System however, requires complementary education in business and management. So, this fits well for business system development and management.
There are now a number of computer schools that offer specific majors under these three major programs. So, choosing the right computer education degree, is always based on the student's primary inclination. With this, his skills and potentials can be further harnessed and motivated.
I was normally asked the distinction of the three programs. These are all highly in demand courses but I asked first students what are their inclinations. If they are interested in computer fundamentals, and engineering works, computer science fits them well. But, if they are more interested in web development, networking, game development among technology - oriented stuffs, then, information technology works best for them. Information System however, requires complementary education in business and management. So, this fits well for business system development and management.
There are now a number of computer schools that offer specific majors under these three major programs. So, choosing the right computer education degree, is always based on the student's primary inclination. With this, his skills and potentials can be further harnessed and motivated.
Look for High-End Laptops for Programming Needs
Software programming is draining and frustrating at some time. I quite remember during college days that I slept only for 2-3 hours and sometimes none simply because I kept my days and nights of schooling and programming. My first computer unit was the old and heavy IBM desktop computer. It suited me well in answering my programming requirements from school.
When I started working, I personally bought a 386 Pentium ASUS computer and had been up for several years until I handed it down to my sister who was also working on software projects.
However, since I was all busy with schooling and teaching, I needed then a laptop. We purchased a Dell Inspiron that still functions for almost a decade now. It is highly durable except for the consumed battery and keyboard key because of played games.
Now, I do have my ASUS Eee notebook which got busted while it was 3 - weeks old; quite frustrating. I will soon go back to my IT masteral course and I will be needing a laptop computer that meets my programming requirements. I need something that will endure average hours of use and will offer speed and performance than typical computing.
It is only wiser that we invest on high - end computers if we know that they meet our specific jobs and lifestyle. I am always on the go and restless, my computer must, at least be, portable and durable.
When I started working, I personally bought a 386 Pentium ASUS computer and had been up for several years until I handed it down to my sister who was also working on software projects.
However, since I was all busy with schooling and teaching, I needed then a laptop. We purchased a Dell Inspiron that still functions for almost a decade now. It is highly durable except for the consumed battery and keyboard key because of played games.
Now, I do have my ASUS Eee notebook which got busted while it was 3 - weeks old; quite frustrating. I will soon go back to my IT masteral course and I will be needing a laptop computer that meets my programming requirements. I need something that will endure average hours of use and will offer speed and performance than typical computing.
It is only wiser that we invest on high - end computers if we know that they meet our specific jobs and lifestyle. I am always on the go and restless, my computer must, at least be, portable and durable.
Weigh Your Skills and Aptitude for Computer Education
College student dropped outs and delinquents are common to any school and to any college program. But, having a troubled student can be a very frustrating and draining news among parents and schools.
However, when I was once an school administrator, typical reasons given by these delinquents students are that they are simply not interested with their courses; they were just pressured by parents or friends. Other reasons include addiction to computer games, poor study habits and intellectual aptitude.
Computer education programs need prerequisite skills of problem solving and analysis. Other basic skills like communication, and personal relation can also contribute to having a better college life. However, these skills are oftentimes ignored that students are left tormented by poor grades and social pressures.
Thus, if you are not inclined to solitary works, mathematics or science among other things related to computer degrees, better scout for a more preferred degree.
However, when I was once an school administrator, typical reasons given by these delinquents students are that they are simply not interested with their courses; they were just pressured by parents or friends. Other reasons include addiction to computer games, poor study habits and intellectual aptitude.
Computer education programs need prerequisite skills of problem solving and analysis. Other basic skills like communication, and personal relation can also contribute to having a better college life. However, these skills are oftentimes ignored that students are left tormented by poor grades and social pressures.
Thus, if you are not inclined to solitary works, mathematics or science among other things related to computer degrees, better scout for a more preferred degree.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Upgrade Your Computer for Software Programming
I was told by George, a family member in New York City that my ASUS Eee PC has been shipped to his place after being repaired. He buzzed me that he will right away ship my unit as soon as the unit arrives his place.
I find this very timely since I will soon enrol in my IT masteral course and finish the remaining two semesters before I can finally have my comprehensive examination and earn that degree. But, this will also mean that I have to go through again several programming projects. I only have my notebook with quite a lower specification that I have to upgrade its memory cards among other things to really maximize its use.
I could have gotten a bigger unit that is fit for my programming works but budget restrained me. Thus, I might as well settle for my little black notebook.
I find this very timely since I will soon enrol in my IT masteral course and finish the remaining two semesters before I can finally have my comprehensive examination and earn that degree. But, this will also mean that I have to go through again several programming projects. I only have my notebook with quite a lower specification that I have to upgrade its memory cards among other things to really maximize its use.
I could have gotten a bigger unit that is fit for my programming works but budget restrained me. Thus, I might as well settle for my little black notebook.
Pick Your Own Computer Education Degree
It enrollment time in the Philippines and schools are simply flocked by very eager freshmen. But just like an average first - timer student, somehow, he faces an anxiety if the college course he will pursue is really the right one. It will be 10x harder to go to school everyday and listen to babbling teachers if you don't personally like your course.
Thus, if you wish to pursue any of the computer courses, make sure that you are personally interested in it. There are courses like computer science, information technology, computer engineering and information systems among other computer - oriented degrees. You don't want to wait for a couple of semesters or bundled expenses before you can realize that you are stuck in a wrong degree.
Thus, if you wish to pursue any of the computer courses, make sure that you are personally interested in it. There are courses like computer science, information technology, computer engineering and information systems among other computer - oriented degrees. You don't want to wait for a couple of semesters or bundled expenses before you can realize that you are stuck in a wrong degree.
Weigh the Pressure of Software Programming
I first took computer science as a degree since I rather calculate and solve than memorize some difficult terms from a medical degree. I do love the challenge of identifying and analyzing the need for computer programs. However, software programming brings pressures mentally and physically. I gained weight by simply sitting and thinking before my computer and hitting the keyboard until wee hours in the morning that I began contemplating of taking Fenphedra as a weight loss pill.
Software programming is one of the IT services highly demanded worldwide. A software programmer may have an average annual fee of $50,000.00 - 100,000.00 as compensation. No wonder, a number of programmers either go abroad or accept outsourced programming assignments.
The worth of a software programmer is only determined by his or by her outputs. Regardless of the health risks and tensions poised by programming, I find this job rewarding and fulfilling.
Software programming is one of the IT services highly demanded worldwide. A software programmer may have an average annual fee of $50,000.00 - 100,000.00 as compensation. No wonder, a number of programmers either go abroad or accept outsourced programming assignments.
The worth of a software programmer is only determined by his or by her outputs. Regardless of the health risks and tensions poised by programming, I find this job rewarding and fulfilling.
Join the JEDI Java Summer Trainings
In my related post, the Java Education Development Initiative (JEDI) - Philippines holds nationwide summer trainings on Java among professors, teachers and students.
This is a free workshop among the academe in partnership with the industry and Java community. However, in Region 12 the trainings were postponed. Other regions do have their on - going trainings for anyone interested.
To check available JEDI trainings near you, check their site here. For free downloads of MySQL, Java, Netbeans, GlassFish, OpenOffice and OpenSolaris, click here for the Sun Microsystem site.
This is a free workshop among the academe in partnership with the industry and Java community. However, in Region 12 the trainings were postponed. Other regions do have their on - going trainings for anyone interested.
To check available JEDI trainings near you, check their site here. For free downloads of MySQL, Java, Netbeans, GlassFish, OpenOffice and OpenSolaris, click here for the Sun Microsystem site.
Evaluate the Effects of Computer Technology
As an information technology education teacher, I emphasize to my students the significant contributions of computer technology to the society and to the institutions in general. Communication, research, e-commerce, entertainment through internet alone are prime examples of these applications.
I personally use the net for my academic and entrepreneurial needs; I research for some online resources to support my instructional references and for some tips and trends for my fashion store where some of the stocks like sexy adult costumes are purchased abroad, specifically, USA.
But, what I am alarmed as a parent and as a teacher is the unrestrained exposure of the young to violence, sexual and physical. If only, there are authorities who actually screen these sites from public access. Most likely, values of human respect and dignity can still be internalized. Environment plays the biggest influence among the young minds. If only adults can be more responsible.
I personally use the net for my academic and entrepreneurial needs; I research for some online resources to support my instructional references and for some tips and trends for my fashion store where some of the stocks like sexy adult costumes are purchased abroad, specifically, USA.
But, what I am alarmed as a parent and as a teacher is the unrestrained exposure of the young to violence, sexual and physical. If only, there are authorities who actually screen these sites from public access. Most likely, values of human respect and dignity can still be internalized. Environment plays the biggest influence among the young minds. If only adults can be more responsible.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Join JavaOne Conference
Since I use and teach Java among my students and projects through its free online resources, I only feel obliged to invite anyone interested to join the JavaOne conference slated on June 2-3, 2009.
You can advance or explore more the opportunities for Java applications. From this conference, you can choose from 70+ technical sessions. And, talks and hands-on labs will be led by experts on*:
*training topics adopted from Sun Developers' site.
You can advance or explore more the opportunities for Java applications. From this conference, you can choose from 70+ technical sessions. And, talks and hands-on labs will be led by experts on*:
- Cloud Platforms – Development and deployment in the cloud.
- Web Platforms – Dynamic languages, databases, and Web servers.
- Social and Collaborative Platforms – Social networks and Web 2.0 trends.
- Server-side Platforms – SOA, tools, application servers, and databases.
- RIAs and Scripting – Rich Internet Applications, scripting and tools.
- Mobile Development – Mobile platforms, devices, tools and application development.
- Operating Systems and Platforms – Performance, virtualization, and native development.
- includes two virtual tracks: Developing on OpenSolaris and Managing OpenSolaris - Free and Open – Open-source projects, business models, and trends.
*training topics adopted from Sun Developers' site.
Know the Java Education Initiatives in the Philippines
Open source software is getting hotter and hotter these days. This is only predictable since proprietary software has its conflicting issues too. However, it cannot be denied that lapses are present even in non-proprietary software. We can only await for fool-proof software at low or free cost.
However, since the Philippines faces also the issues of poverty, intellectual property and privacy, it is only most appropriate that we find means to alleviate the economic condition of most companies and to address software piracy.
It this cause, the Java Education and Development Initiative (JEDI) forms alliances with academic institutions and the software/technology industry to deliver Java education among IT professionals, teachers and students. This is indeed quite noble as participants get free training, resources and certifications. In return, their Java applications and education are reciprocated to the community for minimal or free costs. Just recently, Netbeans featured JEDI and certified JEDI Java instructors. There are indeed immeasurable opportunities for JEDI members.
This May 2009, our Region 12 will hold its Phase 1 (Java basic education) and Phase 2 ( Software Engineering/Mobile computing) trainings in the cities of Gensan and Koronadal. Other parts in the country may hold the same trainings this summer.
There can be similar initiatives in other countries. The thing is, are these initiatives enjoyed by the IT professionals and students. Check the JEDI official site for more information.
However, since the Philippines faces also the issues of poverty, intellectual property and privacy, it is only most appropriate that we find means to alleviate the economic condition of most companies and to address software piracy.
It this cause, the Java Education and Development Initiative (JEDI) forms alliances with academic institutions and the software/technology industry to deliver Java education among IT professionals, teachers and students. This is indeed quite noble as participants get free training, resources and certifications. In return, their Java applications and education are reciprocated to the community for minimal or free costs. Just recently, Netbeans featured JEDI and certified JEDI Java instructors. There are indeed immeasurable opportunities for JEDI members.
This May 2009, our Region 12 will hold its Phase 1 (Java basic education) and Phase 2 ( Software Engineering/Mobile computing) trainings in the cities of Gensan and Koronadal. Other parts in the country may hold the same trainings this summer.
There can be similar initiatives in other countries. The thing is, are these initiatives enjoyed by the IT professionals and students. Check the JEDI official site for more information.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Use JasperReport and iReport for Java Applications
iReport 3.0.0 designer window for JasperReportWhen I did my Java Database system for our store, I used iReport 3.0 as a designer for JasperRepor. I had easier time with designing the reports for the database system since the iReport has very easy drag-and-drop and window features.
All I did wad connect MySQL database with iReport, set my table fields, customize the report and preview the report.
It was only different when I have to filter the reports for an ID or for dates since I have to use customized parameters to connect my Java values to reports.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Great Applications Made in C and C++ Languages
I have been searching for applications made in C or C++ and I was only grateful that one article answers this search.
We still teach C and C++ as fundamental programming languages since we know that some of the great applications before and now are done partially or completely in C or C++.
The author has listed below his compiled top ten applications created in C and C++.
1. Adobe systems
2. Google
3. Mozilla
4. MySQL
5. Alias System - Autodesk Maya
6. Winamp Media Player
7. 12D Solutions
8. Bloomberg
9. callas Software
10. Image Systems
OS partially made in C/C++ through their different variants:
1. Apple OS X
2. Microsoft
3. Symbian OS
Click here to check on their details and author's evaluation on these applications.
source: www.mycplus.com
We still teach C and C++ as fundamental programming languages since we know that some of the great applications before and now are done partially or completely in C or C++.
The author has listed below his compiled top ten applications created in C and C++.
1. Adobe systems
2. Google
3. Mozilla
4. MySQL
5. Alias System - Autodesk Maya
6. Winamp Media Player
7. 12D Solutions
8. Bloomberg
9. callas Software
10. Image Systems
OS partially made in C/C++ through their different variants:
1. Apple OS X
2. Microsoft
3. Symbian OS
Click here to check on their details and author's evaluation on these applications.
source: www.mycplus.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Know How Your Country Ranks in Information Technology
The World Economic Forum released for eight consecutive years The Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009. Denmark and Sweden topped the rankings of 134 countries where ICT was assessed in terms of its impact on the country's development and competitiveness.
This report was created by World Economic Forum in partnership with INSEAD and CISCO.
Below is the top ten:
1. Denmark
2. Sweden
3. United States
4. Singapore
5. Switzerland
6. Finland
7. Iceland
8. Norway
9. Netherlands
10. Canada
My country, Philippines ranked 85. What is your country's rank? Click here to see the full rankings.
This report was created by World Economic Forum in partnership with INSEAD and CISCO.
Below is the top ten:
1. Denmark
2. Sweden
3. United States
4. Singapore
5. Switzerland
6. Finland
7. Iceland
8. Norway
9. Netherlands
10. Canada
My country, Philippines ranked 85. What is your country's rank? Click here to see the full rankings.
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