Author Archive

Flash on the iPhone?! No, but it’s a step in the right direction…

None

Jun
07

It’s obviously been big news for a while now, how can you get Flash onto the iPhone, iPad, iPod?  Well technically you still can’t, however, Smokescreen certainly seems like a step in the right direction, or maybe a good alternative anyway.

In simple terms Smokescreen is; “a new open-source project aimed at converting Flash to JavaScript/HTML5 to run where it previously couldn’t and better interoperate with webpages where it previously could.”

Provisionally it is being promoted as a Flash ad replacement technology for devices that do not support the Flash plugin.

On first impressions it does indeed appear to be a good option for opening the web to platforms and devices that restrict Flash, although work is still required on the JavaScript size, currently standing at 175kB

At present it is, seemingly, limited to Flash Ad replacement due to the complexity of rendering anything larger or more detailed with JavaScript, but it’s a fantastic first attempt and it will be very interesting to see how this technology takes off and how developers implement it.

Keep your eye on: http://smokescreen.us/

Teach me SQL Injection

1

Jun
01

An important role of any competent developer is to understand the potential flaws/weaknesses their applications may contain and ensure that they are remedied.

Without this knowledge you leave your applications susceptible to SQL Injection attacks, among others.  in this case, the only way to beat them is to join them, so to speak, although please don’t think that’s your que to go on a hacking rampage.

If your knowledge is slightly light within the realms of SQL Injection this site could come in very handy: http://www.codingspace.org/2009/04/teach-me-sql-injection/

The premise is very simple, they supply you with a demo application that can be exploited and you attempt to be as devious as possible with some cunning SQL statements to drop, delete and generally do all manner of nasty things to the demo database.

Obviously this is purely an example application but it definitely aids the learning process.

JavaScript made easy with Pines Notify and jQuery

None

May
27

Whether you’re developing an admin system and want a simple yet stylish way to display system messages to your users or you just want to display latest news notifications on your website, Pines Notify is the script for you.

Simple to use and stylish out of the box, Pines Notify could certain save you a great deal of time and money.

Features include:

  • Timed hiding with visual effects.
  • Sticky (no automatic hiding) notices.
  • Optional hide button.
  • Supports dynamically updating text, title, icon, type…
  • Stacks allow notice sets to stack independently.
  • Control stack direction and push to top or bottom.
  • Supports HTML (including forms) in title and text.
  • Variable opacity.
  • Supports Pines icons/jQuery UI icons/any CSS based icons.
  • Supports custom classes for individual notice styling.
  • Standard and custom effects.
  • Optional drop shadows.

You can find the code and examples on Sourceforge.

SeeSaw offers PPV (pay-per-view) service

None

May
20

SeeSaw, now owned by Arqiva after previously being known as Project Kangaroo -  (then owned and run by BBC Worldwide, ITV.com and Channel 4), have released a premium PPV online TV service.

The service will include content from BBC Worldwide, Disney, MTV and Comedy Central offering a wide mix of UK and US premium content.

It’s fair to say this looks like a cracking deal and could encourage users to the site in droves.  I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the service over the next few months to see how they progress.

For more information see “SeeSaw launches pay-per-view premium service” – Brand Republic

Litmus – Email testing made easy

None

May
17

If you are a developer who’s looking to quickly and easily test your email templates without the mundane task of logging into each email client, testing in all the major browsers (for online email clients) or maybe you’re a client who wants to ensure the agency that’s building your templates is keeping up their side of the bargain then this tool is for you.

Although Litmus is more than a testing app, its USP is most definitely its ability to speed up the development process by quickly and seamlessly highlighting problem areas within HTML templates.

With a wide range of email clients to test with this tool will most definitely prove to be a string in any developers bow:

Mobile devices

  • Apple iPhone 3GS
  • BlackBerry 8800
  • Symbian S60
  • Windows Mobile 6.5

Email clients

  • AOL Mail  IE & Firefox
  • Apple Mail 4
  • Apple Mail 3
  • Entourage 2008
  • Gmail  IE & Firefox
  • Hotmail  IE & Firefox
  • Lotus Notes 8
  • Lotus Notes 7
  • Lotus Notes 6.5
  • Mobile Me  IE & Firefox
  • Outlook 2010 Beta
  • Outlook 2007
  • Outlook 2003
  • Outlook 2002/XP
  • Outlook 2000
  • Postbox
  • Thunderbird
  • Windows Live Mail
  • Windows Mail
  • Yahoo!  IE & Firefox

Although I do hope the browser support is increased there is no doubt that I will be looking to use this tool on future projects.

Take a look at Litmus for yourself.

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