Title Screen (night version) for our game

This month has been a total blast!

What with starting a new uni term, and also embarking on NaNoRenO.

Through the Ren’Py game engine I was able to learn Python, and also create a visual novel/adventure game.

NaNoRenO is ending tomorrow and there’s still some loose ends that need to be tied up, but all in all I am very pleased with this month’s output ^_^

Sorry for neglecting the blog though!

I know I’m probably shooting myself in the foot given that I already have uni starting in a couple of weeks, but a girl can dream

What pushed the issue? It’s all part of my plan/goal to better myself as a developer:

1. Become a better developer by learning more about software development best practices.
2. Become a better developer by learning more advanced/in-depth concepts on my current technology stack.
3. Become a better developer by learning a new language/technology.

The first two books I will read are:

• Code Complete by Steve McConnell
• The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas

(I’m cheating. I have started reading these books way before I made this goal. Life gets in the way of finishing them however.) I may or may not change books midway, depending on my interest in the book. Also, not sure yet if my uni textbooks are considered!

I only took up one subject (MGI511 Project Management Fundamentals) in that session and now, I will be taking up three subjects!

Two of my subjects are IT-related (unlike MGI511, which only generally related to IT) so expect some updates on this blog regarding them. ^_^

Here’s a synopsis of my next subjects and some thoughts:

ITC467 Games 1 PG

This subject addresses the fundamental ideas behind the design of electronic and non-electronic games. It touches on relevant formal fields like systems theory, cybernetics and game theory. Game Design also includes basic interactive design including interface design, information design and human computer interaction. Perhaps most important for Game Design is a detailed study of how games function to create experiences including rule design, play mechanics, game balancing, social game interaction and the integration of visual, audio, tactile and textual elements into the total game experience. More practical aspects of Game Design, such as game design documentation and playtesting, are also covered.

A subject on Game Design! My first formal foray into the game industry world. Looking at the required assessment items, it’s going to be extremely difficult… and also the most interesting. By the end of the course, I will have a design document and a prototype for a game of my own. The downside is, it’s not actually part of my course (Master of Systems Development), but it is part of the Mobile Applications Development graduate certificate, which I plan to incorporate into my studies.

ITC508 Object Modelling

This subject covers the theory and practice of system development using object oriented (OO) methodologies and UML tools. The subject provides an opportunity to develop a good understanding of object-oriented concepts and skills in the creation of various system models.

The models should be suitable for use as the basis for developing a useful object-oriented computer system.

ITC508 is one of the core academic subjects. I’m a bit iffy about this – I only added the subject for this session because I need to make some progress into my course. I know object modelling is used extensively in Software Engineering, but I really don’t see a purpose for it in the real world. I’m hoping the subject will change my mind. ^^

Classes of interest for me:

• Software as a Service
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Game Theory
• Lean Launchpad
• Technology Entrepreneurship

That’s a lot of stuff to take in, but I’m too excited to worry about that now

I had to manually add my old posts since the previous platform (FunnelWeb) didn’t have an export function. >_<

Oh, and it’s using WordPress, the same as my other blog. I’ve found that so far, nothing beats WordPress when it comes to simply blogging. I can focus more on writing the content rather than other non-important dev stuff.

Sorry, Orchard…

According to some tech blogs out there, if you’re still not on board mobile application development (for either Android, iOS, or WP7), you are seriously missing out. The mobile app trend is riding the same wave as the web last decade, and the wave is very strong.

I haven’t developed an app yet.

Though I’ve been meaning to for some time now.

Nope, still doesn’t count.

Cue Krissy’s Attack Plan for Learning Mobile Application Development:

1. Learn WP7 development – since I’m coming from an MS background.
2. Learn Droid & iOS development
3. Learn how to make good apps
4. ???
5. PROFIT!

It really sucks how you can’t have cross-platform apps – there’s HTML5, but the market still prefers native apps… So yeah, there’s really no way to cut down the steps. But hey, I must take up the challenge!

Onwards!

I came across this question: “Is Software Engineering a mature discipline?”

My answer is a big resounding NO. Everyone who works in IT knows how quickly everything changes. There isn’t enough time to formalise standards. Computing and software engineering is like the Wild West – everyone does their own thing.

I found this gem of an answer too:

Nope. An analogy would be that we are practicing alchemy (emerging discipline with lots of “folklore”) rather than chemistry (matured/formal discipline with outcomes that can be proven before implementation).

So I’m a software alchemist then?

Sounds great.

I love programming (yes, I’ve recently had the epiphany ) and I’m looking for girls who program for a living or those studying to be programmers.

Let’s face it, there are less girl programmers out in the workforce, or for those who are, they’re not as visible.

I’m not looking to change gender equality or anything like that, but I would like to connect with more programmers who happen to be girls.

Any suggestions on how to start a group?

Edit: There’s a Girls’ Programing Network but it targets school students.

If you’re a programmer, you should be writing unit tests. Period. It’s part of the job. Coding and unit testing go hand and hand. Don’t leave it to testers to make sure your code works, or else how can you make sure that it works all the time?

Test-Driven Development finally makes so much sense.

And I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when my unit tests pass

I have to thank Pragmatic Unit Testing for opening my eyes to this new world of unit testing. If you’re like me, who had no idea how to unit test before, I suggest you read the book!

My thoughts go to his loved ones.

Rest in peace, Mr. Jobs.

”No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet, death is the destination we all share.”

”No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.”

”Right now, the new is you. But some day, not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it’s quite true. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”