Old Coding Notes

Flash AS3 XML SlideShow with Preloader and Link Hot Spots

Here is the full source for an XML-based slideshow featuring a preloader and hotspots for links!

Flash AS3 Scratch Off Class

Here is a really sharp ActionScript 3 class that creates a quick way to make a fun promotional or interactive scratch off effect. Much like the rub off effect used on lottery tickets and sweepstakes, with this class you can add in your image and then have your website visitors interact with the page to reveal the hidden message, image, video, link, or promotion that is underneath.

WordPress multiple jQuery inclusion fix

Ever look at your WordPress page in Firebug and notice that jQuery is sometimes loaded more than oncea second jQuery file that cannot be found inside your header.php file? We can fix that!

Simple HTML DOM baked CakePHP component

While we loved using the Simple HTML DOM PHP class provided here, we wanted to use it on our CakePHP sites as well. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we decided to port the Simple HTML DOM parser (which uses a delightful jQuery-like DOM element filter) into CakePHP! On top of that, we even added in the ability to use the PHP cURL library instead of the default file_get_contents() calls. Take a look at the ease of use in our Simple HTML DOM baked CakePHP component.

XML: Basic Structure

XML structure makes encourages simplicity and usability with strong Unicode support (to use the myriad languages of the world). XML is created for documents, but it is extended into arbitrary data structures, file centric database organization, and even web services.

PHP: Basic Class - Display a copyright tutorial

We are going to build a very quick PHP class that will automatically generate the copyright for the footer of your website

Craigslist overuse of the word Guru

WTF Craigslist? Why is it that whenever you look for a job on Craigslist, or a short HTML or PHP gig you see these same stupid posts about hiring a guru!? Why do people still use this word? It is so overused and so lame to use that when…

WordPress: Disable automatic image thumbnail resizing

If you already knowingly and thoughtfully crop your images, then you may not need to have WordPress automatically create thumbnails or resize the images at all. Plus, every time you upload a new image, there are two or three more created from the resizing!

HTML: i vs em and b vs strong

Countless web developers and designers alike seem to misunderstand the usage of certain HTML tags. While we can berate them all day long about their poor coding skills (and really why wouldn't we?), it is much more charitable to help them! First,…

IE6 and IE7 standalone text input field bug

IE7 standalone text input and IE6 standalone text input bug While the separate install executable versions of Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7 provided by tredosoft are great when used for testing CSS or most JavaScript functions,…

The correct way to check PHP form submission

Ever have a web-based form not submit the data or seemingly break for no reason?

Good ideas come from collaboration

While this animated comic strip is playing you will start to unravel where good ideas come from. Author Steven Johnson unleashes a heavy dose of information about the impact of social networks, the internet, and connectedness on the modern…

Web development tools and plugins to help you debug

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter There is a famous cheat from way back in February of 1997 from a little game (or well known game that has been lacking as of late) called Turok. This first interactive foray into the world of Turok the Dinosaur Hunter…

ActionScript 3: Basic Content Loading

In this tutorial, we will learn how to do content loading with an XML file, a common file format that is used to feed data into Flash applications (among other things), and lay some groundwork for more advanced Flash programming with the use…

When to use third-party plugins or frameworks

Here's the scenario: You are on a tight deadline, and you need to ensure the greatest quality product with the quickest turnaround. The decision now is whether or not you have time to finish the project! What are you going to do if you don't? Well…

ActionScript 3: Basic Class

An ActionScript 3 class is arguably the best method for a programmer to create, manipulate, and share their Flash animations and scripts. Placing classes into their own file within a package helps coders reuse their old code as well as utilize…

ActionScript 3: Basic Animation

In this tutorial, we will learn how to do a basic animation with a text box, and lay some groundwork for more advanced Flash programming with the use of AS3. For this example we will create all of the content through ActionScript code, although…

Lame names for a programming language

What could be more uninspiring then using a terrible programming language? Easy! Using a language that has a stupid name. Imagine going to a job interview and discussing your skills and experience with these languages: Buggy Happy Funtime…

Linux vs Mac vs Windows

When it comes to Operating Systems, everyone has their favorites. In order to provide a better understanding of the choices for computer users today, here is a list that clearly states the reasons why each respective OS is better.   Why…