Simplicity Lost in 3D

Patrick Work Related

I don’t know about you, but if I see a three-dimensional array being returned by a method in Java, alarm bells start going off (without, of course, suitable (and it better be mighty) justification). I have no idea how this method was added to the code base without review by another developer (my guess is that it wasn’t), but proper developer hygiene and good conscience (who would want to inflict it upon anyone else?) won’t let me leave it there. After studying the single method for over half-an-hour and dragging over the original author, I finally realised what it’s purpose in life was.

There are already far too many articles about what simplicity is (try this link), but my favourite rule of thumb is, if you have to stop and think about what code is doing while you’re reading it, it may be excessively complex. I avoid writing complex code, not because I am lazy or stupid, but because it is a waste of time that prevents me from writing other code that adds greater business value.

Missing the Bike And Too Much Music

Patrick Music, Sport

Well it’s been almost three weeks since my I was supposed to have my bike back, and almost four weeks since the store has had physical possession of it. At the end of this long waiting period, let me just say that I have not been a very happy customer. I think I tend to be a pretty reasonable customer, being rather understanding of the one or two things that might make something late, but there are only so many times I will let my expectations be crushed.

The current story is that a single part (the headset) that is required has not been sent by the supplier (Avanti) and is apparently on its way from New Zealand. Now I’m not sure on what planet the supplier happens to be living on, but I am under the impression that New Zealand is only a few hours flight away! Since it took a while for me to be accepting of the actual frame I am getting, I’m not entirely enthused by the alternatives that are now being suggested by the bike store. I don’t know about you, but either a) paying more for another frame or b) accepting a lesser frame to get the job done quicker, are on none of my “acceptable scenarios” list. Of course, I’d be willing to upgrade to a better frame if there was no cost involved, especially considering the time that it has taken.

Oh and while I’m really in the mood for ranting tonight, curses to JB Hi-Fi for enchanting my wallet to spill more blood. The chain always offers such great value for all types of music and tends to have a pretty comprehensive range. It’s such a danger when I have to wait for my bus because a store happens to be right next to my bus stop and I’m always bound to find something of interest. Tonight I ended up purchasing four more CDs to add to my collection including:

On A Bike Again

Patrick Sport

I’ve been rather careful about putting excessive pressure on my leg after severely aggravating it two weeks ago walking to and from work. The bruising and tenderness has been healing, but not quite at the same rapid pace it had been originally. The result is that I haven’t been nearly as active as I’d like to have been, and I my diet was accordingly adjusted. Read more “On A Bike Again”

On Pair Programming

Patrick Agile, Work Related

The other day, I commented on how I had participated in my first proper pair programming session. Compared to the “pairing” session I had back in November, (where I was, more often than not, the back seat passenger instead of Navigator) this experience beat it hands down. As keen as I have been in the past to attempt pair programming, project constraints have never really been conducive to real pair programming. Luckily I had been preparing for this opportunity unwittingly by reading “Pair Programming Illuminated“. The book that Brett had kindly loaned me was an excellent resource for describing constraints that hinder and identifying techniques to improve pair programming practices. Read more “On Pair Programming”

A Better Place For Buying Books

Patrick General

Today I received my first book (Bug Patterns in Java) from the Amazon Marketplace (press the link where it says “X used and new”). I was surprised to receive it (in perfect condition) so quickly as the order was only placed six days ago. It’s amazing what deals you can find on the web, with the cost of shipping (US$9.79) outweighing the cost of the book (US$8.85), all in the process of still saving US$14.22 off the Amazon US$23.07 list price! Awesome value.

A Perfect Pair Programming Experience

Patrick Agile, Work Related

I’ve been working on a story card that is part of the “critical path” by enhancing a framework not really designed for what we need it to do (not that they ever are). I have almost no test coverage, very little documentation and a completely different architecture and context to work in. I think that after today, I can honestly testify to my first proper pair programming experience. I intend to write more once I identify what made it all flow, but let’s just say I’m hungry for more. Stay tuned.

You know it’s not a good sign when…

Patrick Work Related

A RAM test doesn’t stop reporting numbers like this. The computer I develop on at work started freezing after numerous JVM shared object crashes. Testing the RAM in another machine and other RAM in my machine seemed to indicate that a) the RAM had not been properly installed in the first place, b) had magically come loose over the weekend, or c) is dodgy RAM (I’m voting for the latter). This is the first day that I have been unable to develop any code, it made for a very good opportunity to do other things.

Another Year, Another Big Day Out

Patrick Music

The Gold Coast Parklands hosted yet another perfect Big Day Out, welcoming 50 000 people with bright blue skies and a pretty average Queensland summer temperature of about 29 degrees (Celsius). Three main stage areas, two amazing tents and a number of other smaller stages hosted a fantastic lineup of people from 11 in the morning to 11 at night. With huge names like The Chemical Brothers, Beastie Boys, Carl Cox, and the Freestylers (only to name a few), awesome tunes were enjoyed by all. See the image below to find out where I was during the day:

My Big Day Out Schedule

If you care to see how the rest of the day was (be warned it’s a long one) then brace yourself and read on. Read more “Another Year, Another Big Day Out”