Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Avoid Common CSS Problems

Here is a useful link in avoiding common CSS problems when you are creating CSS from scratch.

Problems addressed are pushing your footer to the bottom and padding issues.  Basic but if you aren't in CSS everyday but when you are you like to start from scratch this is useful.

http://helabs.com.br/blog/2014/01/21/prevent-common-problems-when-writing-css-from-scratch/

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Combo Boxes in Windows Forms

OK, I know windows forms are viewed as ancient technology by many, but my company still uses windows forms for harnesses to test things sometimes.  It has been awhile since I used windows forms, so I ran into a slight issue in using windows forms combo boxes.

Firstly, the data binding is done slightly differently, as the combo boxes can also be bound easily to objects as well as a traditional say SQL data source.  Example of it being done in code behind on a form.

/* I got my datatable the traditional with a query to the database using a SqlDataAdapter */

mycombobox.DataSource = myDataTable;
mycombobox.DisplayMember = "description"; // your description field from your dataset
mycombobox.ValueMember = "value";  // your key field from your dataset

Slightly different mark up than the web.  Also note there is no databind() needed.

Second, getting the selected value of that combo box has a non-obvious (to me anyways) way of  getting it.  I ended up with something like this-

string selectedvalue  = ((DataRowView)mycombobox.SelectedItem).Row["value"].ToString(); //value = ValueMember

The having to cast the SelectedItem as a DataRowView makes sense when you think about it, but not something that just jumped out at me at first.

So, I hope that helps someone (including me next time I fire up an ancient windows form project).

This threat was helpful on getting the selected value http://www.xtremedotnettalk.com/showthread.php?t=93882


Friday, January 03, 2014

Building the Ultimate Dashboard

This dashboard slide deck is targeting marketing and sales people, but dashboards are useful everywhere, even in games.


45 Useful Javascript Tips

Flippin' Awesome has compiled a list of 45 useful Javascript tips in one useful spot.  Well worth checking out.

[Link]