UI Development
February 12th, 2017
A simple guide to using Redux with React.js (yeah, right…)
Learning React.js always starts so well, but adding Redux into the mix can make things unnecessarily complex. The lack of accessible examples doesn’t help – this is an attempt at writing a stripped down, bare bones introduction that focuses on the main ideas behind Redux.
September 23rd, 2014
EPiServer CMS has come a long way in the last few years
I have recently done some work on an EPiServer build for the first time in a few years. The overall impression is of a rapidly maturing CMS that is much easier to implement than it used to be.
September 8th, 2013
Progressive enhancement still matters: Getting the JavaScript balance right
In the last ten years browsers have evolved from document viewers to advanced application runtime engines. Does this mean that we should abandon progressive enhancement and server-based processing for fat client applications built with JavaScript?
September 22nd, 2011
If Microsoft are pushing HTML5 for Windows 8 where does this leave Silverlight?
All change for Microsoft developers. Again. The new Visual Studio developer preview demonstrates that Microsoft are serious about promoting HTML5 and JavaScript as a primary application development platform for Windows 8.
May 8th, 2011
The EU “Cookie law” is still unclear, despite UK Government advice
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has finally released some advice on how to interpret the EC’s new cookie laws. Despite the continued lack of clarity, it does look like there will have to be some improvements in the way we communicate how websites work to the people that use them.
April 21st, 2011
Neither neither “web” nor “mobile” but “multi-screen”…
Have we reached a tipping point where mobile devices will replace the web, or are we just moving into a “multi-screen” future of increasingly diverse devices and contexts?
April 7th, 2011
Mobile myths: Development process and mobile apps
When it comes to development process, why should “mobile” development be treated any differently? After all, it’s all computer software.
February 23rd, 2011
Automating Adobe Air builds using Ant and Flex
The Flex SDK does contain some support for build scripting with Apache Ant. However, as with all automated build management, some script hacking is required to get a smooth automated build working for an AIR application.
July 12th, 2010
Using the WCF Authentication Service without cookies
How to use web services that are secured with the WCF Authentication Service in clients that don’t support cookies.
June 9th, 2010
How to add Flex MX controls to a NativeWindow for Adobe Air
Code sample for extending the NativeWindow class so you can safely add MX controls to it in a Flex-based Air application.
March 13th, 2010
Josef Muller Brockmann – grid-based layout and web design
Josef Müller Brockmann condensed design elements to focus on a core message with a clean and clear visual aesthetic. What does this have to do with software development? More than you might think, actually…
February 20th, 2010
Developing with Microsoft Surface – a few lessons learnt
Developing with Microsoft Surface isn’t quite like any other rich interface development. Here are some practical learning points that can help to ease commercial development on Surface.
February 8th, 2010
Silverlight and security: Developing secure applications
Silverlight is just like any other web-based interface – a lot of thought needs to be put into securing it properly.
January 14th, 2010
Forget the Kindle and iPad: Paper remains a superior technology
Despite the predictions that Apple’s tablet computer will be a game-changer I wouldn’t be writing off paper-based media for a while yet…
November 19th, 2009
Silverlight 4 beta: First impressions for rich application development
It’s only a few months since Microsoft launched Silverlight 3, but a beta build of the next version of Silverlight is already with us.