Introducing the winker : iwinkr.com

iWinkr.com is the web start-up I have registered today

In my coming posts I shall reveal all the details about this project and ofcourse we will soon open up Beta test sign-ups.

So just hang on….till then.  And, ofcourse keep Winking!!!!!

I leave you with a simple question…. What are you winking today???

Cheerz
Shri

37Signals vs TechCrunch : A Ridiculous debate!!!!!

Michael Arrington of TechCrunch has gone crazy to post such an article attacking 37signals, which has led to heavy debate over web.

The debate is about should software be given free or should be charged?

Michael says it should be free and I guess he probably mis-understood, the concept of 37signals. 37Signals has a array of web based simple applications some of which are free and some of which are paid services.

Yes, you cannot charge every software product, but if some products have extra features, value and above useful stuff. Why wudnt anyone pay?

Give free version of your product, if people like it and find it useful, they would surely want to have a Paid version of the same.

I mean if you cannot ask people to “Pay-N-Search’ but it is not applicable. But, project management suites need more security, features and simplicity. So they can be charged.

What do u think? Should software be free? or charged?

Drop in comments……

<span style=”color:#008080;”><em>If you are reading article, you might also be interested in the PHP and Scriptaculous Book I have authored. </em></span>

<span style=”color:#008080;”><em>The book gives you insights about effects, drag-n-drop, slideshows, applications, auto-completion, in-place editing and more. Complete code snippets and explanations.</em></span>

<span style=”color:#008080;”><strong>CHECK out and BUY the PHP and Script.aculo.us  book {My Book} at Packt official site</strong>
<a title=”PHP and Scriptaculous Book” href=”http://www.packtpub.com/php-and-script-aculo-us-web-2-0-application-interface/book”> http://www.packtpub.com/php-and-script-aculo-us-web-2-0-application-interface/book</a></span>

How to learn Programming????

Most of the time, I hear people saying I am NOT good at programming but at “XYZ”, yes this is completely okay, but if you have some inclination towards learning programming or be a good programmer, here are few simple tips, I follow them so I thought I would share with you pals.

1. Join some Developer Network.

With lot of developer network platforms, half-of the work of the developer is already done and distributed in the form of “Packages”.

Im hooked to Yahoo Developer Network, for many reasons. One, it supports all the languages be it .Net, Java, PHP, Python etc etc.

More reasons for using any Developer Network, I can feel are

1. Cross Browser compatibility, one doesnt have to worry about the small issues of browsers

2. Loads of tutorials, code and examples

3. Forums and discussion boards

You can even learn a lot by looking at the code, examples and tutorials.

Some of the developer networks available are

1. Yahoo Developer Network

2. Google Code

3. Facebook Developer Network

4. Script.aculo.us Network

If you have used or know of any other developer network, drop in comments.

Cheerz

Web Design Tip #3: Epicentric Design!!!

I admit its been sometime I have been out of blogging. Almost a week. I was out coz of some hectic deadlines, personal work and above all I didnt try anything new last week. But I am back!!!

Epicentric Design is a must to read and follow for all the web designers. It is not a new technology or something, but a simple way to make great applications.

Let me just start by giving a simple example.

Consider this blog you are reading. What do u feel is the most important feature?

Yes, you are right. The article.  And then follows the sidebar features, footers and headers.

What does that mean?

It means for this particular page, the epicenter is “the article”. Just that article. Forget rest all.

Now, when you get to really start designing or building an application, consider only the epicenter. Most of the web apps I come across fail to do so, which leads in lot of messy stuff on page and creates confusion.

Rediff.com, I dont have any personal problem with them, but yes when u see the home page, what do u feel? U feel its for Logging in? or Shaadi.com Ads? or wht?

Now, simillarly consider the login page, Its functionality is to implement login system, no need for junk there. Best examples Yahoo Mail, Gmail. Their foucs is only on “Login” rest all are not focussed.

So what should be the best possible approach to build the app?

1. Sketch the raw UI, this is imp as we get an idea of what it shud look like.

2. Figure out the Epicenter for the page. Stick to it.

3.  Design a simple html page before coding. It is a MUST, afterwards it may be of no use but it adds to a clear picture of what it should like and contain.

4. Code it. If u fail to do the above 3 steps, chances are you will loose an eye from epicenter.

A personal note from my side, DONT start coding first. It is a serious time waste. If u cant have a design or layout or epicenter dont proceed to coding.

Which methods do u follow to build your app? Do share with us.

Cheerz
Sridhar

PS: extract from 37signals

If you are reading article, you might also be interested in the PHP and Scriptaculous Book I have authored.

The book gives you insights about effects, drag-n-drop, slideshows, applications, auto-completion, in-place editing and more. Complete code snippets and explanations.

CHECK out and BUY the PHP and Script.aculo.us book {My Book} at Packt official site
http://www.packtpub.com/php-and-script-aculo-us-web-2-0-application-interface/book

Getting Real : Book from 37signals

37signls needs no introduction.

Yes, the same guys from Basecamp, Campfire, Highrise, backpack, ta-da list!!!! Never heard of these? Okay, Heard of Ruby On Rails framework? Yes, the same guys.

I must tell you, they are awesome.

“Undo your competition”. They focus a lot on design, technology and only essential features and dropping everything else.

If one wants to develop and deploy a successful web application, this book “Getting Real” is a must to read and follow.

Every aspect of project is covered, technology, hiring, users, customers.

Nothing great or something, but I would say these are essentails which we all must have come across but we fail to implement them.

Go ahead. Did I tell u that its free? Read on….

Cheerz
Sridhar

For Open Source Lovers!!!!

I must admit, I love Open Source products and applications. I first got introduced to it during my days in Indictrans.

Since then I have always prefered Open Source!!!

Yes, now you will argue that my compaq notebook is running MSFT XP???? Now, everyone has their own stand, so my way to look at it is, something which does not cost you, can modify, distribute even build commercial apps on it.

If one loves Open Source, that does not mean you “MUST” hate MSFT products!!!!

Anyways, its a debateable topic, and we dont want to get into that.

Okay, so I write this post to introduce you, http://openproducts.blogspot.com

Yes, Its a new blog , dedicated to Open Source products. Most of the time, people get confused at what to use/ Is there any better alternative?

Thats not problem with users, coz everyday so many products are getting released and proposed. You cant keep track of everything. But, yes we shall try to keep in our blog.

What will this blog have?

1. Product Features
2. Applications Features
3. Plug-Ins
4. Categories
5. Scripts
And Lots more

Why the heck again Blog?? Anyhow, Web is full of Open Source.

It sure is full of open source, in this blog, I will try to organize things I come across and write about them as I use.

If you happen to work on Open Source products/plug-ins/apps drop me a line. Will put it up with full credits.

Cheerz
Sridhar

Web Tip #1: Yellow Fade Technique (YFT)

Web 2.0, Web 2.0 *Yawn Yawn*

I guess the web is half full with Web 2.0 jagron. I wont go deep in explaning what exactly  web 2.0 is, but I would stress on one point.

“No Refreshing of Whole Page” {AJAX, as we call it}

I surf web for more than 20 websites {new} a day, one thing I find pretty common and uncommon is the UI. Some sites suck so-much that I never visit them again, and some are so awesome that i fall in love with them.

So here, I am starting a new section “Web Tips” for web workers to plan and design sites in a way to impress the users.

Web Tips #1: Yellow Fade Technique

When you are using AJAX in your site, often one feels it’s a big deal to implement AJAX and then they feel like next Google. But, most of them fail to understand that the user is unaware of what happened just now? For god sake, he doesnt understand AJAX

So the user panics, can be to an extent, he says “Goodbye”

What can be done to avoid such things? Tell the user you have posted/got the data.

How? Simple

Yellow Fade Technique

Just change the background of the DIV to light yellow and then once the operation is done, again with a time duration fade it out to the original color. This really helps users in understanding that something has happened.

If you are one of the fans of WordPress, it has that implementation in the comments tab.

I am implementing it as well, so you can expect a YFT treat tutorial soon from me.

If you are reading article, you might also be interested in the PHP and Scriptaculous Book I have authored.

The book gives you insights about effects, drag-n-drop, slideshows, applications, auto-completion, in-place editing and more. Complete code snippets and explanations.

CHECK out and BUY the PHP and Script.aculo.us book {My Book} at Packt official site
http://www.packtpub.com/php-and-script-aculo-us-web-2-0-application-interface/book

Cheerz
Sridhar 

Why do I blog?

Why do I blog?

Most of the blogs I surf, are mostly about How-To blog or “Earn through your Blog” or more or less same pitch!!!!

Blogs have become a prominent way of expressing self/marketing etc. We can see millions of blogs around us in the virtual universe called “Web”.

Himanshu: Blogging Breeds Entrepreneurship, has a good write up on the same lines, which says Blogging gives you a Entrepreneurial edge!!!

Now, coming back to my question, I blog because whatever I am trying/doing/re-searching etc I find it very easy to write down for later purpose or even better if someone is also looking/working on the same lines can find the tips/tutorials useful.

I mostly write about AJAX{my love} and some tutorials on CSS, MySQL & PHP.

A simple example, I would like to give you how this works for me and others.

Try to google, “script.aculo.us based slideshow”.

What you find as first link is my tutorial “Script.aculo.us based Slideshow”. I wrote this particular piece of code, coz I was frustated of not finding the same. Now, if someone else is also looking for the same, just feel free to use it. Why to re-invent the wheel?

And, lastly I write whatever I am trying to build, which is getting added to my application. In this way, I am keeping track of building my own product/features as well helping others.

My two cents in helping web community and making web more fun place to live & learn.

Now, your turn: Why do you blog? tell everyone through comments.

Cheerz
Sridhar

Podworks.in: Unconference Unplugged Again!!!

 

What is Podworks?

Podworks is India’s biggest unconference on Audio & Video podcasting.

Podworks Schedule?

Its in Tidel Park, Chennai on June 9th and 10th 2007.

Who’s behind Podworks?

I bet if you are one of those active bloggers/web-workers/entrepreneurs, you must have heard of Knowledge Foundation, Chennai. Sorry, gifts for guessing, the same guys behind Proto, BarCamp, WikiCamp.

What we can expect in Podworks?

You trust me on this, all unconferences are worth attending!!! No wonder, in Podworks, lot of sessions on Audio Sessions+ Video Sessions+ Social + Professional Networking.

Did I tell u, one can have loads of fun as well?

Where should I register for Podworks?

Awesome. You are already eager to attend. For now, just register here

I have already registered, and If you are also planning to attend. Drop me a line, we can surely catch up on coffee.

Cheerz
Sridhar

A must to be read for every Indian!!!

Please go through this, a must for all Entrepreneurs and educated sections of India.

A story about Suresh Kamat, Managing Director of LaserSoft Infosystems about how one can really make a difference.

Hats off to you Sir!!!

http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/may/10bspec.htm

Cheerz
Sridhar

For wanna-be Entrepreneurs..Why Not to Start a Start-up?

I hear a lot of people around me, wishing but not willing to start a start-up. Reason?

“There can be a beautiful excuse if you dont want to do anything and there can be no reason why one cannot win if he wants to win”

But, there is more to this line. So being very obvious and general.

Paul Graham of YCombinator has a beautiful write-up on Why Not To Start a Start-up?

You can read it here!!!

I would say it’s a must for all wanna-be Entrepreneurs or for everyone!!!

Cheerz
Shri

Tutorial: How to use Script.aculo.us effects?

Okay, so its been a long time since I have posted any How-To’s. So, I decided to write down one for How to use Script.aculo.us effects?

Script.aculo.us is an javascript library to enhance the UI and the user experience. We are also using the same in our OpenIndx projects as well. I have mentioned it here in my previous post also.

Before, you get to hack this library, grab it from here.

Now, presuming that you have the library with you, lets rock!!!

A simple HTML file : index.html

<html>
<head>
<link rel=”stylesheet” href=”../scriptaculous.js> {Here mention the path of the library}
</head>

<body>
<h2>Hello AJAX Effects</h2>

<div id=”test_this”>  {Div which we will be adding effects to}

<table>  {a simple table with three rows }
<tr>
<td>Username: <input type=”text” name=”first”></td>
<td>Password: <input type=”password” name=”password”></td>
<td>Submit: <input type=”button” name=”submit”></td>

</tr>
</table>
</div> {DIV ends}
</body> {Close body}
</html> {Close HTML}

Now, this was just a simple html code to insert a table which will be having fields username, password and submit button.

Lets add some Script.aculo.us effects to this code.

<html>
<head>
<link rel=”stylesheet” href=”../scriptaculous.js> {Here mention the path of the library}
</head>

<body>
<h2>Hello AJAX Effects</h2>

<div id=”test_this”>  {Div which we will be adding effects to}
<table>  {a simple table with three rows }
<tr>
<td>Username: <input type=”text” name=”first”></td>
<td>Password: <input type=”password” name=”password”></td>
<td>Submit: <input type=”button” name=”submit”></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<a href=”#” mce_href=”#” onclick=”Effect.Fade(‘test_this’);”> {here ‘test_this’ mention the “div” you need to add effect to} Fade Me</a>

</body>
</html>

Similarly, you can also add other effects, in this flow.

<a href=”#” mce_href=”#” onclick=”Effect.Shake(‘test_this’);”> Shake Me</a>
<a href=”#” mce_href=”#” onclick=”Effect.Appear(‘test_this’);”>Appear Back</a>
<a href=”#” mce_href=”#” onclick=”visualeffects(‘test_this’,’slide’);”>Slide Me</a>
<a href=”#” mce_href=”#” onclick=”Effect.Grow(‘test_this’);”>See Me Grow</a>

For further reference on effects, please refer here

Do let me know if this helps you, in giving a overview of how-to use Script.aculo.us Effects. Drop in the comments, if you have any suggestions too.

Cheerz
Sridhar

If you are reading article, you might also be interested in the PHP and Scriptaculous Book I have authored.

The book gives you insights about effects, drag-n-drop, slideshows, applications, auto-completion, in-place editing and more. Complete code snippets and explanations.

CHECK out and BUY the PHP and Script.aculo.us book at Packt official site

PHP and Script.aculo.us Book

http://www.packtpub.com/php-and-script-aculo-us-web-2-0-application-interface/book

Now, after CamStudio. its Script.aculo.us + OpenIndx

I was like busy for now 2 weeks, deciding which AJAX library to use with OpenIndx.

I have tried enough of them now, which includes Dojo, OpenRico, YUI, Script.aculo.us.

What features am I looking for in a Javascript AJAX library?

These features are a must for OpenIndx:

Drag-n-Drop
Fade-In/Fade-out
Flexible with PHP
Inline Editors/Multi-Line editor/ Full-Fledge editor integration(TinyMCE/FCkeditor)
Sliders

After all these screening I have decided to go with script.aculo.us.

After All its about UI, Honey!!!

So if you are one who likes the AJAX-powered functionality in WordPress. I must tell you even wordpress is using Script.aculo.us

Who else using Script.aculo.us?

To name some of the key projects WordPress, Apple etc.

So what does it mean anyway?

Expect beautiful UI and powerful functionality.

When will we see it?

Did I tell you the release date is June 07. Yes, it would just be a alpha version with all basic features first. Based on your feedback we will be modifying and adding new features on requests.

okay, so keep hanging around. Be good, Take care

Cheerz
Shri

BarCamp Bangalore 3 is live…..

So, here I am live, with Bar Camp Bangalore 3 @ IIM-Bangalore.

I have finished my talk on OpenIndx project in social tech domain. And, now I am attending Sowmya Karmally’s talk on Mifos(Micro-Finance) of grameen foundation.

Will write u soon on more stuff from BCB3.

Cheerz

shri

BarCamp Bangalore 3: 31st March & 1st April, IIM Bangalore

BarCampBangalore 3 is going to held at IIM Bangalore on 31st March & 1st April.

Its one of the famous “unconferences” where you can get to meet many other Nerds/Geeks having same interest as you have.

Yes, I will be there and will talk about our project Kourse, Virtual Learning Environment.

Kourse, is a one of the projects we are working on in a set of families of Management suites, OpenIndx.

Its good to see that, Major IT companies have started sponsoring the events like BCB. This time TCS, Cognizant(our Company), ThoughtWorks etc are sponsors for BCB3.

If you are someone who has keen interest to attend. Please visit the site for more details.

http://barcampbangalore.org

And, if you are one who is from Bangalore and attending BCB, drop me a mail. and we can catch up during the event.

Cheerz
Shri