TechSoda

Using Underscores with wildcards in SQL queries

2006-03-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I wanted to do a wildcard query on table names that included an underscore. Since the underscore is considered a wildcard for a single character, I needed a way to 'Escape' the underscore. Fortunately there is a keyword that can be used in SQL.

Example: where fieldname like '%sp^_%' ESCAPE '^'

The Escape character now is the caret.

XMLRead and XMLWrite MSBuild Tasks

2006-03-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I found what I was looking for...MSBuild Tasks for Reading and writing to a config file.

http://msbuildtasks.tigris.org/

MSBuild Equivalents to NAnt Tasks

2006-03-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a pretty good link to equivalent tasks in MSBuild. I was looking for an equivalent to xmlpeak and xmlpoke. Guess I will have to write my own, unless someone else has one created.

http://channel9.msdn.com/wiki/default.aspx/MSBuild.EquivalentTasks

Creating Project and Item Templates - Visual Studio 2005

2006-03-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Folks,

It doesn't get much easier than this. I have created several templates in 2003, what a pain in the rear end.

Life is now simple,
http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/06/01/CodeTemplates/default.aspx

Hanselminutes

2006-03-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Scott has really done a fine job in all of his Hanselminutes episodes. Great Content!!!!

I thought it is particularly cool that he mentions the ASP.Net 2.0 MVP Hacks book written by David Yack, the head of the Southern Colorado .Net User Group, which I will be presenting at next month.

Partial Classes - Adding a new method from the class designer

2006-03-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday during the Southern Colorado .Net User Group, a question came regarding adding methods to a particular partial class. This is how it is done.

Right-Click on the heading of the partial class in the class diagram and choose Properties.
Change the New Member Location property to the file you want to add to.
Add your method, property, etc. It will now go to the appropriate file location.

You Can't Beat the Price - Axosoft OnTime 5 Users 5 Bucks

2006-02-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

What a great deal. I have tried the eval before. It is real well done.

Thanks to Rob Zelt for the link.

http://www.axosoft.com/Products/ontime.aspx?cn=otm_stepromo

Deal ends February 24, 2006

ASP.NET 2.0 Chapter 13 - Working with XML

2006-02-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

This chapter gives a basic overview on what XML is all about. It shows how to work with all aspects of XML. It is just pure coincidence that Scott Hanselman has put out a Hanselminutes episode this week on XML. As usual, he provides a lot more insight into using XML, including some very good tools to use.

What was that shortcut key

2006-02-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

I prefer using keyboard shortcuts whenever possible in the Visual Studio IDE. There have been several keyboard shortcuts that have changed in 2005. I got frustrated going to Tools - Options just to find a keyboard shortcut, so I wrote a macro that brings up an input box to allow me to type in some text that is equivalent to a command.

But go figure, after implementing this macro and coding on my own, I found a very similar example here.

http://www.mobydisk.com/softdev/techinfo/dotnetkeyboard.html

Data Management in ADO.Net - Chapter 12

2006-02-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Wow!!!! What a lot of new features:

SQLBulkCopy
MARS
Asynchronous Connections and Commands

And my favorite, The DataTable is now serializable, woohooo!!!!

There is great detail in this chapter about the above areas. This should really enhance the way data retrieval and updates are currently done.

Chapter 11 - Databinding

2006-02-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

The new datasource object, can it really be that simple. At least when it comes to direct access to the database from the UI tier.

I wish that business object binding would have been covered a little more in depth, however, there are some great tips on how to do it.

Even though this is much simpler than the old way to bind data, I still am a little disheartened about such a direct connectivity to the datasource. I wonder what Rocky Lothka did with his CSLA archtecture to utilize these datasource components?

DNRTV

2006-02-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

DotNetRocks podcasts To DNRTV, Carl Franklin has outdone himself again. These shows are top notch.

Kudos go to Mark Miller, the DXCore show was absolutely amazing. I now am going to spend a lot of time looking at the object browser to understand more of what I can do with this FREE (Did I Say Free) developer add-in to extend visual studio in ways I never even thought of before. Thanks Mark.

Chapter 10 - The curveball in the book

2006-02-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

A chapter describing collections and lists (in an ASP.NET book????)

I am not complaining however. This is probably the best reference that I have ever seen on the hows and whys of ArrayLists, Collections, and etc, etc, etc....

Phenomenal guys...This could have been a small ebook all by itself....

Chapter 9 - Themes and Skins

2006-02-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

This chapter tells how to use thems from the App_themes folder to styles, css, and images in the theme. I didn't go too into depth into this chapter, however, doing some more reading on theming and skins won't hurt. I currently build my own skins for DotNetNuke, so I am very familiar with CSS and styles.

Chapter 8 - Working with Master pages

2006-02-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

Visual Master Pages - How Nice!!!!

The best thing about this chapter was how the authors delved in to work with Master Pages for different situations, showing how to work with Master page properties and controls, and configuation options in the web.config file specifically geared to Master Pages.

Of course.... Visually view master pages is the best...

Chapter 7 - Validation, Validation, Validation

2006-02-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

In depth coverage of the validation controls are found in this chapter. What a concept, using images as the validation error. I had no idea. These are the best examples of the CompareValidator that I have seen.

And how about the best...."Validator Groups"

It doesn't get any better than this

Chapter 6 - The New Server Controls

2006-02-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days of slicing images and placing them in a table to create an image map ("Hotspots"). This chapter delves into some of the best new Web Server Controls that are included in ASP.NET 2.0. I am really happy to see:

A bulleted List Control
The new file upload control rocks!!!! There is a lot of detail in this chapter about using the file upload control. It is fabulous.
Wizard and Multi-View Controls (hmmm) I will have to see how customizable these are. I wonder, can the multi-view be set up as tabs?????

All these and more. Microsoft has really helped the developer with these new controls.

ASP.NET Web Server Controls

2006-02-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

I thought this chapter had some very good insights on how some of the standard web server controls (ASP.Net 1.0, 1.1) have changed. Key changes that caught my eye:

Hot key functionality (accelerator keys). This should provide for better navigation.
Mode attribute in the literal control - This should really help with code examples.
A great reference to the autocomplete attribute is in this chapter. Great for those of us who don't like to type.
Postback URL Attribute on buttons...Awesome...

Also there are several great examples of coding controls such as checkbox lists, calendars, and the table server control. I am especially going to look at the new OnClientClick attribute for buttons.

Enjoy

Chapter 4 - Server Controls and Client-Side Scripts

2006-02-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

This chapter was a pretty high level overview of server controls and how to use them in development. Some good information was given regarding CSS. I really like the example that was given with the HTMLGenericControl, and it was interesting to see the new server controls that are now available in 2.0.

A fantastic job was done, explaining how to use javascript with the server controls. There were pretty detailed examples of how the different ClientScript.Register methods are used.

Implementing a Client-Side Callback in javascript was something that I had never done. This section was very well written and I plan on using this functionality later down the line.

Great Chapter!!!! This is the kind of information developers need.

ASP.NET 2.0 - chapter 3 (Now for the content)

2006-02-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

Where Chapters 1 and 2 were pretty much just an overview, chapter 3 introduces the user to some pretty good information. This chapter titled Application and Page Frameworks, covers many great things.

Directives and attributes tables: these are a fantastic reference
Cross-page postbacks - I can't wait to use this functionality. This should save developers an immense amount of work in capturing workflow and confirmation pages.
An Explanation of the new App_ folders. Great information here.
Compilation of the website by just typing in the URL + precompile.axd. It also covers how to precompile from the command line. No more hitting every page to bring the site up to speed.

This was real good information. I am looking forward to the next chapter.

Professional ASP.Net 2.0 - Chapters 1 and 2

2006-02-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1 - Introduction

This chapter gives a very very quick overview of what is new in ASP.Net 2.0.

What I benefited from:
I gained a new appreciation as to the intent of the change to 2.0. I believe that there has been a great focus shift to better equip the developer with the best tools and resources.

Chapter 2 - Visual Studio 2005

A broad overview was given on how the Visual Studio 2005 IDE is organized.

What I benefited from:
It is good to see some of the vast improvements in the IDE were hit on in this chapter. The tip on right clicking the tabs to get the new list of options for opening containing folder and closing all documents was the best nugget for me.

Professional ASP.Net 2.0 (User Group Book Reviews)

2006-02-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to reviewing the Professional ASP.Net 2.0 Book by Wrox for my local .Net User Group. It is a pretty cool idea to get members from the user group to review some books by the top developers in the world and let other members know what we think.

There were several books to review, but I chose Professional ASP.Net 2.0 because of my respect for the authors of the book. I have my work cut out for me though. It is over 1000 pages of content.

Unit Testing in Visual Studio 2005

2005-12-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Unit Testing in Visual Studio 2005: "Unit Testing support should be included with all versions of Visual Studio 2005 and not just with Team System."

Visual Studio Magazine - Execute User-Defined Functions From ADO.NET

2005-09-14T08:58:00.000-06:00

The framework I am currently using has provided no support for executing scalar UDFs in the data layer, or for that matter scalars period. Since I am not able to modify the framework, I went searching. Roman Rehak has provided a very good article on executing UDFs. To my surprise, treat them like a stored proc.

View this article online

Visual Studio Team System Weekly Tips

2005-09-07T06:45:00.000-06:00

A quick way to get some good ideas on the Team System Environment.

Upon subscribing you will receive in email (upon subscribing) each week a short (5 - 8 minute) video link which will present a useful Visual Studio 2005 Team System feature, such as code analysis, testing, or IDE enhancements and so much more! You can view the video from your PC, at your convenience.

http://blogs.msdn.com/trobbins/archive/2005/08/29/457595.aspx

The Code Project - CollapseAll Macro for Visual Studio .NET - Macros and Add-ins

2005-09-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a great little macro to collapse all of the projects in the solution explorer. I created an alias for it also in the command window (Works Like a Champ!!!) Thanks Edwin.

Code Project CollapseAll Macro

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

2005-08-30T20:50:00.000-06:00

The google of job searching.

Wonderful job...

Indeed

Creating Passionate Users: Build something cool in 24 hours

2005-08-30T19:29:00.000-06:00

This is cool. I think I would be very interested in something like this. Will have to give this a try

Creating Passionate Users: Build something cool in 24 hours

Jay Kimble -- The Dev Theologian : Some DXCore Addins (I think all that exist)

2005-08-30T19:25:00.000-06:00

I have been looking around for some good DXCore plug-ins to get some examples of extending the Visual Studio IDE. I think my Larkware Contest project will use DXCore as a base.

http://codebetter.com/blogs/jay.kimble/comments/130595.aspx

Team Agile | Recorded audio interviews with leading figures in the blogsphere

2005-08-30T19:11:00.000-06:00

There are some pretty good interviews here.

Team Agile | Recorded audio interviews with leading figures in the blogsphere

Announcing a New Larkware Contest

2005-08-30T18:47:00.000-06:00

This is a great reason to get my 2005 project off the ground. I am sure that there are going to be lots of great ideas.

Join the contest.

http://www.larkware.com/contests/contest2005.html

Enhancing the Server Explorer Window

2005-08-28T15:26:00.000-06:00

I have been experimenting with DXCore from DevExpress (you guys rock!!!!!) for the last couple of days. I am now revisiting an issue I had about a year ago. I had an idea to try to extend the Server Explorer window through an add-in (done the hard way, by not using DXCore) in the following ways:

Right click on any table/view/stored procedure and create an interface based upon the columns.
Build a strongly typed collection and business object based upon these items.
Based upon a database diagram, generate a strongly typed dataset.

When accessing the Server Explorer window, I am able to get the name of the selected node, but I can't figure out how to access the properties. What I would like is a way to get the properties for a selected node in the Server Explorer window.

I use CodeSmith (thanks Eric) to generate the information now, but would still like a way to do this through the Visual Studio IDE. The company I am working for will be with 2003 for a while after 2005 becomes available, so I would like to make this work in 2003.

I would appreciate any feedback....

Until next time

MrDave's (David Yack) Blog! : Get A Free Copy of CodeSmith!

2005-08-27T12:50:00.000-06:00

GrokTalk

2005-08-26T19:00:00.000-06:00

Want to hear 10 minute presentations from the regional directors at Microsoft? Here is your chance. Over twenty presentations on various different items. So much information so little time. Thats why I used DrizzleCast

http://www.groktalk.com

I also used DrizzleCast to get the latest DotNetRocks MP3s.

CR_Documentor is the ticket to better commenting

2005-08-25T11:08:00.000-06:00

I was looking for some DXCore add-in Samples to give me guide on how to develop a new "plug-in". It wasn't long before I came across CR_Documentor, a wonderful plugin to help document my code in style. Requires DXCore (A free download from devexpress.com)

http://www.paraesthesia.com/blog/comments.php?id=701_0_1_0_C

Customizing the File Open/Save Dialog box

2005-08-25T08:41:00.000-06:00

How many clicks does it take to get to the folder you want to open or save an item? Sounds like the lollipop commercial huh..

The "My Places" toolbar can be modified very easily. Check out this microsoft article:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;826214

I am now finding really good uses for it.

Whats the focus?

2005-08-24T11:20:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been wondering where I need to focus my research efforts, Framework 1.1 or Framework 2.0. So many code samples, webcasts, and other tutorials are now focusing on 2.0 at an alarming rate. I currently work in 1.1 most of time. Hey, thats what I get paid to do.

The Ying:
The 1.1 framework will be around for a while because many companies won't adopt 2.0 for at least 2 years.

The Yang:
If you don't keep up with the new, the learning curve will be that much greater when you have to use it. How to find the time....

Do I wish to become specialized in a particular area or gain a great general knowledge. These are the questions that I am trying to figure out

Code Generation To The Nth Level

2005-08-20T15:24:00.000-06:00

This has to be the best code generation webcast that I have seen. When I first heard Scott speak in Colorado Springs, I realized that I needed to be more productive in everything that I do. This was just another example on where I need to improve my thought processes.

Scott Hanselman's TechEd2005 Talk on Code Generation and More

Googling Tips

2005-08-18T08:29:00.000-06:00

How many times do you use google in a day. I use it all of the time and was thinking about how much google could do for me if I just understood its capabilities. This led me to look at the advanced search options and the examples off of googles main site. Some of the best of these are:

date:
intitle:
Surrounding search text in quotes

Another great set of examples is found at the following site:
Examples of Google Searches

Enum Boundaries

2005-08-17T07:44:00.000-06:00

I have been using enums in my code whenever I can to replace literals. For example, I use CodeSmith to generate an enum for all of the stored procedure columns to make my code more readable. If the order changes on the stored procedure, I just change the enum item order and I am done.

In chapter 12 of McConnell's Code Complete, he talks about various ways to use enumerations as a best practice. Of these ways, two uses really caught my attention:

1. InvalidValue Enum

When setting up your initial enum, create the first value in the enum as an InvalidValue:

public enum EmployeeType
{
InvalidType,
Internal,
External
}

This will allow for setting defaults as well many other uses.

2. Setting up boundaries

public enum SurveyScale
{
FirstItem = 1,
Poor = 1,
Average = 2,
Excellent = 3,
LastItem = 4
}

This allows for the setup of a loop on the enumeration. Try it out, and tell me what you think.

Code Complete 2 - Code Complete, Second Edition

Aliases and the Command Window

2005-08-16T07:44:00.000-06:00

I am a big fan of using the keyboard whenever possible instead of the mouse. The command window (CTRL + ALT + A) provides a great opportunity for me to keep my fingers on the keyboard.

One of the awesome things is to create aliases. I do for lots of items from building a project to browsing to my favorite website.

Many times I skip the command window and go straight to the Find/Command Box (CTRL + /). From there I can type in the greater than(>) character and type my alias. For more information on how to use the command window and aliases, Microsoft has a pretty good reference.

Pre-defined Visual Studio Command Aliases

MZ-Tools - Productivity Tools for Visual Studio .NET, Visual Basic and VBA

2005-08-15T07:45:00.000-06:00

This weekend I happened to be doing some dreaded VBA work in Access for a client. What a switch from C#!! It took me a while to get used to the environment again. Then I remembered that I used to use an add-in for VBA from MZ-Tools. It is a great add-in for VBA coding.

It looks as if Carlos has continued on enhancing the IDE for Visual Studio. I am going to try to look at his add-ins for 2003. You can't beat the price either.

MZ-Tools - Productivity Tools for Visual Studio .NET, Visual Basic and VBA

Integrating Visual Studio.net with Outlook

2005-08-12T09:43:00.000-06:00

I have been troubling myself on how to quickly bring up a new outlook task when in Visual Studio 2003. There are automation samples that show how to sync up tasks, even add new ones to outlook. However, I wanted to be able to set more options then just a title for the task.

Then I remembered External Tools.

1. Select Tools - External Tools
2. Click Add with the following properties

Title = Outlook Tasks
Command = Location of Outlook Executable
Arguments = /c ipm.task

3. Select OK. This should now be in your menu under tools.

For more information on outlook switches go here:
Outlook 2003 Command Line Switches

Master Detail Datagrid with Datasets

2005-08-11T07:40:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine was asking how to do some initial sorting in a datagrid when binding to a dataset. He was going to have master-detail records in the grid. I told him to use a default view and set that as his datasource. I am used to using either the infragistics or devexpress grids and had never created a master-detail grid so I decided to search how to do this with the default Microsoft DataGrid. I am hoping that the new grid in 2.0 will have better features.

Check out this article for a Microsoft how to do it

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/vbcon/html/vbtskcreatingmasterdetailslistwithdatagrid.asp

Where did TechSoda come from

2005-08-10T10:46:00.000-06:00

One day Chris (http://www.surrealbox.net/) and I were brainstorming on new domain names for myself. I wanted something catchy that people could identify me with.

Technology = Tech +

S – Streamlining
O – Organizations
D – Daily
A – Activities

The Soda part is also a play on words. My last name is Kola.