Link Stew
Don't Use StringBuffer!
One thing I have noticed among Java API users is that some don't
seem to know that there is a difference between StringBuffer and
StringBuilder. There is: StringBuffer is synchronized, and
StringBuilder isn't. The same is true for Vector and ArrayList,
as well as Hashtable and HashMap. StringBuilder avoids extra
locking operations, and therefore you should use it where
possible.
More ...
Usability Tip: Use Verbs as Labels on Buttons
We're all familiar with the "OK" and "Cancel" buttons you get on
dialog boxes. Simple labels that ask us whether we agree or
disagree to the next action the application wants to take. The
interesting thing is that using exclamations like "OK" and "No"
isn't all that usable. Instead, you should use verbs.
More ...
Protecting Your Cookies: HttpOnly
To appreciate just how significant XSS hacks have become, think
about how much of your life is lived online, and how exactly the
websites you log into on a daily basis know who you are. It's
all done with HTTP cookies, right? Those tiny little
identifiying headers sent up by the browser to the server on
your behalf. They're the keys to your identity as far as the
website is concerned.
More ...
Django vs Symfony
As you can see from the posts Ive always been a big Symfony fan.
Symfony is really great, but my current favourite is clearly
Django. I had to dive deep into python to use it, but it was
well worth the effort.
More ...
Developer Timesink: Name Paralysis
Name paralysis happens when you get stuck on a naming issue and
nothing is done until the name crisis is solved. And it happens
at every level. Ive known people who cant write a line of code
for some new application until they figure out what the name,
logo, and icon should be. Same for web pages. Same for entire
websites. Hell, even the same for entire companies. There are
people who cannot do any work on their start-up idea because
they need a name and a logo first. Im not an expert but thats
definitely not healthy.
More ...