Yahoo SDK & YUI are simply awesome!!!!

I must appreciate the fact on how much Yahoo gives freedom and power to developers through libraries and toolkits.

I am currently using YUI and Yahoo SDK for building a small application and I am highly impressed with the libraries.

For sure Y! are doing great job, making our life lil more simpler

I have been using some libraries like Rico, scriptaculous, Dojo and trust me when I say, YUI stands tall here.

If you havent tried it yet, get yourself hooked on http://developer.yahoo.com. Loads of tutorials, code, demos. For FREE

Try it now…

Cheerz
Shri

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

Why should bloggers have all the fun????

And, when I use the word bloggers here, it refers to people who are using http://blogger.com

After the launch of Google indic translator, now bloggers can easily type in Hindi but what about WordPress users? <wink>I perosnally love wordpress platform</wink>

So, now Im trying to create a plugin by integrating my project OpenKey with TinyMCE{ the editor which WP is using}

Yes, we already have one such thing, thats from Indic Joomla group. But that doesnt fill the gap. So Im trying to that

For now, you take a look at how it would look when we are using it.

The picture you are looking at is TinyMCE editor being hacked for indic purpose.

What do u think about it? Would it be useful for u? Drop in ur comments

Cheerz

Shri

Tutorial: How to store UTF8 (indian language) data in mysql?

Well, let me put it straight this tutorial also applies to any other native languages like latin, spanish etc. But, since I have tried for Indian languages I am writing exclusive for it.

Okay, so before we say code I must tell you this tutorial intends, a thought provoking stuff

Lately, we have seen enough number of Indic-translators, and you must have got your hands on with typing in ur mail/blog. Now, just think for a while, when u sent a mail, and try to read it back from “Sent Mail”, u still see the indian language or even in that case blog articles. For that case, even in Orkut.

How are they stored inside database? Was what I was trying.

Again, I am not sure for any other DB, I have tried with MySQL. But, I guess should be same.

Quick Explanation:

We assume we have a DB with table articles, and a column named posts, which will save the article written in your blog. Best part, we know that all major DB’s support UTF8. And we shall explore that feature.

Now we write a article in hindi, हेल्लो वर्ल्ड

If the UTF8 is not specified, you should see something like ?????? in ur DB else u shud see the hindi data. Clear? Koool lets see the code

Quick Code:

First check for UTF8 compatibility with this query. If it supports you should see the output as “Character_set_system”| “UTF8″

SHOW VARIABLES LIKE ‘character_set_system’;

Now that being checked, alter the table and just modify the column, Posts in our above example and specify it as UTF8

ALTER TABLE articles MODIFY Posts VARCHAR(20) CHARACTER SET UTF8;

Now, try to insert the hindi value and save it. Query it and u shud see the hindi text

We have go ahead and use many other options as well, like Collate etc. But this tutorial intends to keep it simple.

I hope you find this useful and interesting. If you have tried any hacks similar to this, pls drop in comments and share with us.

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

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

Web Design Tips #2: Alternate Row Colors in Resultset!!!!

Web Design Tips #2: Alternate Row Colors

In my recent post of Web design tip, I have shown how to use Yellow Fade Technique. If you have missed it. Read it Here.

Okay, What is alternate row coloring?

Imagine you have a set of records in database, you fetched them and just “echoed” them as a bulk in form of table. How appealing right?

So we solve this problem. I know, I understand not everyone just echo’s the result directly. But then, how you show is, what your user sees!!!

Now, imagine this, we fetch the rows from database and then while placing them, we modify them in a way it looks more clear, decent and ofcourse appealing as well.

How do we do it then?

Simple. let us suppose we have got 17 rows as result of some fetch operation. Now using a while loop{for can also work}, use n/2 formula and get the even and odd results.

For every even result set we use a specific color, and for odd result set we use different color. This helps in making it in a readable and appealing form.

Wasnt it simple? Most of us, programmers make this mistake of choosing wrong colors for display { red/blue, yaak }, which is often called as Programmers Design!!!! No wonder why they call it

Accept the fact that design is not programmers cup of taste!!!!

Anyways, I am working on some script for my project, so soon I will post the result and code of this as well.

If you know/happen to work, or anything related to Design techniques, pls feel free to contact me, and you can be our guest author.

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 {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

Embedding of PDF inside HTML using frames

Some days back, I wrote a article regarding which PDF library to choose and work with, either PDFLib or FPDF. I decided to go with FPDF, since its free

So now, what is the problem that almost everyone of us have faced using PDF documents?

Think again. No, not that one. Take another shot. Okay, let me tell you.

When we open up PDF file, it opens in “Full-Mode”, that means, we cannnot see the html links, page etc and it just ocupies whole web page. Now, this is a serious issue. Since, the only way is to hit the “Back” button.

What can be done to make this experience better?

Embed the PDF document inside a html frame. Consider the pdf file as a widget and we can load it inside the frames of html.

If you are wondering, if I am speaking arabic or something. Have a look at this.

http://www.jewishpress.com/TESTPDF1.CFM

But, there are serious flaws in implementing this way. Coz you cannot navigate through the pages in the PDF. I am trying to hack and fix the issues.

If you have tried anything similar to this. Please drop a comment.

Cheerz
Sridhar

PS: Please spare the commercial/licenses one. Yes, I am aware of Macromedia Flash Paper. But something free is more tasty

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

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 

Tutorial: How-To make a Tag Cloud using PHP & MySQL

How to make Tag Cloud using PHP & MySQL

Tag Clouds are pretty common now-a-days in almost all the web 2.0 company sites. Be it Technorati, Zoom CLouds, WordPress, Blogger etc.

Why Tag Clouds are important?

Pretty much for the same reasoon: Appealing Users.

On seeing all these even I have decided to introduce the Tag Cloud feature in our project.

Now, the very important question: How do we code to create a Tag Cloud using PHP & MySql?

Here I will show you how to code it.

First the logic:

1. Collect all the tags & Count{how-many times it has been tagged} from DB{MySQL}

2. Put them into a array {PHP}

3. Calculate the maximum and minimum count of the tags used

4. Now, loop through each tag and just change the size of the font.

5. Define a simple class say “wrapper” which will contain the tag clouds

6. Call the function to generate the tag cloud.  {Javascript}

Now, since Im falling short of time, so I will cut the crap and you guys take the code directly.

Yes, a word from me, I will surely update it as time permits in full detail.

Cheerz

Srinix

PS: Download the Code here: Tag Cloud Code

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.

PHP and Script.aculo.us Book

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

Web tutorials *Yawn Yawn*: Webonic

Do u also Yawn thinking of tutorials available on web? Be it Php, Mysql, CSS etc, Its all same stuff, again and again in new fonts!!!!

Its time for some real new useful stuff and not same yawning.

I have started a new blog, which I call it as my technology playground.

Its important to write code, and Its even more important to build some useful code and share it with community.

Since, this blog is more personal. I will write and collect all the tutorials which I will be working/learning for buliding my own web product.

http://webonic.blogspot.com/

Webonic will contain tutorials, code, demos related to PHP, MySQL, AJAX & CSS. Its not user-generated/collected, all will be stuff I am working on. You are free to add if you want to.

Happy Hacking
Sridhar

How-To create Rounded Corners using RICO Library!!!

How-To create Rounded Corners using RICO Library!!!

In my previous two posts I have covered some tutorials using Script.aculo.us to enhance the User Experience. But, Script.aculo.us doesnt have the beauty of adding Rounded Corners, which RICO is rich in!!!!

1. Making a simple SlideShow using Script.aculo.us
2. How to Use Script.aculo.us Effects to add beauty

In this tutorial, we will explore yet another AJAX library. RICO Library

RICO is a powerful, creative ajax library which gives you control over UI designing as well as functionality.

In this tutorial, we will see how to create Rounded Edge Corners.
I assume these steps are already done before you see the naked code.

1. You have downloaded RICO library. If not, you can do it here
2. You have downloaded the Prototype Library. If not, you can do it here
3. Enable javascript in your system.

OKay, so lets see the code:

Include all the files{Rico & Prototype} inside the html code.

<head>
<script type=”text/javascript” src=”../src/rico.js” mce_src=”../src/rico.js”>  {SRC should be ur rico.js path}
<script type=”text/javascript” src=”../src/prototype.js” mce_src=”../src/prototype.js”>  {SRC should be ur prototype.js path}
</head>

so once, we are done with including the libraries to your html file.

Now, time to add some content to the Body of the html file.

<body>
<div id=”roundMe” style=”position:absolute;top:240px;left:35px;width:250px;background:’lightblue’;color:’red’;”>
<div id=”Content” style=”height:200px;width:250px;padding:8px;”>

Hello This is me, a Rounded Corner hell.

</div>
</div>
</body>

Understanding this particular code is very important, from the compatibility point of view. Coz if you skip some of the style parameters, this code wont work properly in IE.

U know IE sucks!!! {Keep an eye on Padding, it stinks in IE}

Okay, so no big deal here in code. Just two DIV tags and inside the child DIV the content is placed.

Simple, Isnt it? kooool. Lets go and add a simple line and see the magic.

Now, that we have decided the structure and included the libraries, what are we waiting for? Oh, yeah we still need to call the functions of RICO.

<script type=”text/javascript”>
Rico.Corner.round(’roundMe’);  // The parameter is the id of the outer DIV tag
</script>

What else? Not much. Just save it and see the magic.

If you still want to keep on hacking other options, you are always welcome!!!

Just add these parameters to the same line.

Rico.Corner.round(’roundMe’,{color:’transparent’,compact:true,blend:true;});

What all other options one can add to Corners?

1. Color
2. Blend
3. Compact
4. Color
5. BgColor
6. Specify which corners to be rounded
7. border.

For more information. Visit Demos @officially site of RICO.

Yes, some folks out there can argue that we can do it with CSS also. I agree with you. But can you do it in just one line of code?

Sorry dude!!!

Anyways I have attached a simple code for the same at the bottom if you can want. Take it, use it, try it and please let me know as well, if I missed any.

Cheerz
Sridhar

Download COde: ROunded Corner Using RICO Library

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

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

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