EnGraph Help!

Use Preprocessor Directives for better debugging

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:08:48 GMT

The most common use for Preprocessor Directives is to intelligently group your code using the #region . #endregion tag (sidenote: Ctrl + M, M is a great keyboard shortcut to expand and contract your regions).� Preprocessor Directives can also be used to tell the compiler which code should or should not be compiled based on the configuration environment.� Wrapping code in an #if DEBUG . #endif block will only execute if the environment is in debug mode.

This proved to be a handy way to debug a situation this morning in a multi-threaded scenario where breakpoints and Console.WriteLine were not giving me enough information.� I added a new tab with initial visibility as collapsed, set it to visible in an #if DEBUG . #endif block, and wrote events to it also in a debug block.

For situations where you want code to execute only in a production environment, use #if !DEBUG . #endif.

View MSDN's page on Preprocessor Directives for more information.

Hibbard family is growing

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:43:37 GMT

On Jan 16, 2011, we are expecting a new addition to our family.� Ben is going to learn words like "share" and "don't put that in the baby's nose".� We expect he'll do great!

Get to No as fast as possible

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:46:13 GMT

�

There is a sales technique where the strategy is to get the customer to say "No deal" as soon as possible.� The idea being that by establishing terms that your customer is not comfortable with with, the sooner you can figure out what they will be willing to agree to.� The same principal can be applied to code design.� Instead of nested if.then statements, a code block should quickly eliminate the cases it is not equipped to handle and just focus on what it is meant to handle.

This is code that will quickly become unmaintainable as requirements change:

private void SaveClient(Client c)

    if (c != null)

        if (c.BirthDate != DateTime.MinValue)

            foreach (Sale s in c.Sales)

                if (s.IsProcessed)

                    SaveSaleToDatabase(s);

            SaveClientToDatabase(c);

�

If an additional requirement comes along that requires the Client to have Manager approval or for a Sale to be under $20K, this code will get messy and unreadable.

A better way to meet the same requirements would be:

private void SaveClient(Client c)

    if (c == null)

        return;

    if (c.BirthDate == DateTime.MinValue)

        return;

�

    foreach (Sale s in c.Sales)

        if (!s.IsProcessed)

            continue;

        SaveSaleToDatabase(s);

    SaveClientToDatabase(c);

This technique moves on quickly when it finds something it doesn't like.� This makes it much easier to add a Manager approval constraint.� We would just insert the new requirement before the action takes place.

Use Extension Methods to find first and last day of the month

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:41:18 GMT

A lot of reports work on data from last month.� It is a nice touch to have these dates pre-populated for your users.� Using extension methods, the code can look cleaner too.

Extension Methods:

public static class DateHelper

    public static DateTime FirstOfTheMonth(this DateTime dt)

        return new DateTime(dt.Year, dt.Month, 1);

�

    public static DateTime LastOfTheMonth(this DateTime dt)

        return dt.FirstOfTheMonth().AddMonths(1).AddDays(-1);

Consuming Code:

void Prepopulate()

    startDateBox.CurrentlySelectedDate = DateTime.Now.AddMonths(-1).FirstOfTheMonth();

    endDateBox.CurrentlySelectedDate = DateTime.Now.AddMonths(-1).LastOfTheMonth();

Declaring variables in SQL

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:46:05 GMT

I would like to blog more about the problems I encounter on a daily basis.� I find that taking 10 minutes or so to write a simple solution to my problems helps me retain that information.

I always forget the specific syntax to declaring variables in T-SQL.�

declare @startdate datetime;

declare @enddate datetime;

�

set @startdate = '04/01/2010';

set @enddate = '04/30/2010';

�

select count(id) from triphistory where tripdate between @startdate and @enddate

More From OneNote

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:47:04 GMT

OneNote 2010 has a Back button and I can add links to other OneNote Pages! I used OneNote Mobile at CTAA as well.

Confused About Microsoft Online Services

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Fri, 14 May 2010 06:04:04 GMT

Now that I am running Office 2010, it has the ability to save documents to their new WebApps online service. You can manage your files with your SkyDrive, you get 25 GB free with your Microsoft Live account. This has led me to dive a little deeper into their online services and I am just getting confused about everything they provide.

For instance, is it...

Live SkyDrive or Office Live Workspace Documents?

Office Web Apps and/or Live Office?

or even now Office 2010 (Save to Web)?

Live Photos and/or Flickr?

Live Network, Groups, Contacts and now People?

Live Profile or is it Live Spaces? wtf?

As I have adapted Google Docs (now that I found Google Drawings) I will keep posting and comparing the 2 here.

Sorry Zoho and Office Live

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:16:05 GMT

I just switched to Google Docs because you guys are too slow.

New EnGraph Website Coming Soon!

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:22:01 GMT

Tim has got me cranking on a new web presence for EnGraph Software. We have posted a preview screenshot on our company facebook page and twitpic. We also decided to put the estimated prices of our software products on our website.

I am back and Microsoft OneNote rocks!

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:35:00 GMT

While working on our new website, I have found that I have started to get disorganized with my potential thoughts, pics and content. I had many random text files of content I created, stuff I copied from old sites/brochures, powerpoint slides and photos strewn about several folders. This became difficult to manage...so I recently tried out MS OneNote again and it is PERFECT!

You set up a workbook like a canvas, then you add folders and pages to those folders. This is just how my brain works, but I needed a nice neat way to store it visually and this is perfect. You can drag files, photos and type random thoughts wherever you want. If you think in random spurts like me - you should try out OneNote!

Associating your MentionNotifier subscriptions with OAuth

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:27:50 GMT

We recently added OAuth to MentionNotifier so that users can quickly view and edit their subscriptions without needed an additional login.� This is enabled by default for new users, but existing users will need to do the following steps to associate their subscriptions with OAuth:

1)� Go to http://software.engraph.com/ManageMentionNotifier

2)� Click "Sign in with Twitter"

3)� Verify that your twittername and email are correct

4)� Click "Associate with OAuth"

This will also allow you to reply to notification emails and MentionNotifier will tweet on your behalf.� This is made possible by @sidePop written by @ferventcoder

Note that the reply by email is new and buggy, so make sure that what was tweeted is correct and as expected.

If you run into any issues, sent me a reply to @timhibbard.

You can also join the MentionNotifier fan page on facebook, or follow @MentionNotifier on twitter.

Auto Starting Virtual Server

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:14:47 GMT

�

If you want to specify that a virtual server starts up automatically when the host server starts up:

1) On host server, browse to "C:\Users\Public\Documents"
2) Right click "Shared Virtual Machines", select Properties
3) Browse to security tab, add yourself as having full control over this folder
4) Repeat steps 2-3 for "Shared Virtual Networks"
5) In Virtual Server web interface, shut down the virtual machine you wish to auto-start
6) Navigate to Edit Configuration -> General Properties
7) Check "Run virtual machine under the following user account"
8) Enter the credentials from step 3
9) Select desired startup action and delay, then start virtual machine.

Now when your host machine reboots, your virtual machines will start up automatically.� Step 4 is very important as my wasted morning can attest to.

Happy New Year For EnGraph!

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:22:01 GMT

It's been a while since I have posted, but Tim and I are in Fayetteville, AR at Razorback Transit. Where we just installed our latest version of ParaPlan.

Shown above are Jay and Barrett using ParaPlan 4.0.

On another note, EnGraph Software is now solely owned by myself and Tim. He has assumed the roles of CEO/CTO/CFO, whereas I have assumed the role of sales, marketing, support and business development. We are currently overloaded and looking for help on the software development front. For more information, please read Tim's post here:

http://geekswithblogs.net/thibbard/archive/2009/12/30/engraph-is-hiring-ndash-asp.net-kansas-city.aspx

EnGraph is hiring – ASP.NET, Kansas City

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:07:03 GMT

EnGraph is looking for an ASP.NET developer to join our team.� We are a small company in Lenexa, KS that creates .NET applications for Paratransit agencies.�

A good candidate would be very comfortable with ASP.NET, Forms Authentication and JavaScript.� A huge bonus would be knowledge of IIS, Google Maps API, AJAXPro, ActiveReports, WPF and SQL.

We are accepting resumes immediately and look to hire as soon as January 18th.�� We would consider contract or full-time and we would require office attendance.�

Please send your resume to timhibbard@engraph.com

I missed October 2009

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:53:04 GMT

Its been a tough late few months for me as I have moved away from what I thought was my mentor. I am doing well and so is EnGraph. I will be posting very soon!

My first race win

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:11:24 GMT

�

Last weekend I ran the Shoreline Shuffle trail 5K.� It was my first trail race and also my first first place finish.� As a bonus, I also broke 20 minutes, which I didn't think was possible for me on a trail run.� I've posted a full race report (with way too many pics) on my running blog.

Get notified via email of twitter mentions

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:44:54 GMT

TwitApps was a great tool, it would email you when somebody @mentioned you on twitter.� But, alas, they are shutting down and leaving what I think is a huge hole.

So I built my own service that does the exact same thing.

To use the service, visit MentionNotifier, and subscribe to your @mentions.� To get notified of updates, follow @MentionNotifier or @timhibbard on twitter.

Here are some of the FAQ's:

Q:� What is this?
A:� It is a service to notify you by email when somebody has mentioned you in a tweet.

Q:� Who do the emails come from?
A:� MentionNotifier@gmail.com

Q:� How quickly will I be notified of a new tweet?
A:� Currently, it checks every minute.

Q:� How does it work?
A:� It uses the search API of twitter to check for your twitter username.

Q:� Isn't that just a glorified RSS reader?
A:� Yes.

Q:� Will it work with hashtags?
A:� Yes.� Put in the search string you want to be notified on (#KUbball) and the email address to send new tweets to.

Q:� Will I receive multiple emails if I get multiple mentions?
A:� It will group the mentions into a single email each checking cycle.

Q:� Will it work if I get a mention from somebody that protects their tweets?
A:� No, because protected tweets are not part of the public timeline.

Vista Transit

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:01:02 GMT

EnGraph just installed its first deviated fixed route and curb-to-curb combined ParaPlan solution! I have learned a ton here this week in Sierra Vista, AZ and how they run their unique transit operation.

I'd like to thank Rex, Nacho, Steve and Helen for a great install/update!

NW Olathe is Blowin' up!

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:01:05 GMT

New stuff coming to my hood.

119th & K-10 - Salty Iguana, Goodcents and Johnny's Tavern
95th & K-7 - SMC Emergency Room and Outpatient Care
College & K-7 - Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus
College & Lone Elm - Subway, Brusco's New York Pizza
College & K-7 - Olathe Medical Center Plaza
Harold & K-7 - New strip mall *no tenants yet.structural by ASB!
Santa Fe & K-7 - BK, CVS, Panda Express, Jimmy Johns, Sport Clips
College & Ridgeview - New Ridgeview Corporate Center

The Ole Village Greens Golf Course

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:05:02 GMT

Peez took me out to one of our old college favorites 2 weekends ago. The course is called THE VILLAGE GREENS and it resides in lovely Ozawkie, KS near Perry Lake. We played this course quite a bit in our later days in college because it was cheap and fun. All we had was Alvamar when we were at KU and she's a little pricey for college kids. Anyway, it was humid and hot but good times. After, we stopped in Oskaloosa to watch the final round of the PGA at some local 'downtown' bar called Angie's?

Finally able to get rid of Outlook

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:49:55 GMT

I use Gmail for my personal email, and as an archive for my EnGraph email, but haven't been able to use it as my main email client as it appends a "On Behalf of" to messages sent from Gmail using a non-gmail address.

Google has recently released an update to Gmail allowing you to use an SMTP server of your choosing, which removes the "On Behalf Of".

Now I can email my clients from Gmail and they don't know the difference!

The last couple months of our life via twitter

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:51:48 GMT

Pre-approval letter in hand, let the house shopping begin!10:10 AM Apr 28th

Apparently it's impossible to look at a house without the realtor begging to be your buyer's agent. Back off people!1:36 PM Apr 30th

Finally going live with software that I've been working on for 2+ years!3:59 PM Apr 30th

First install and we run into a proxy brick wall...smooth4:43 PM Apr 30th

Done with an exhausting day of house hunting. Found a lot that we liked. One that we LOVED, in shawnee of all places.6:40 PM May 2nd

We still aren't sure if we could actually leave lawrence though. So much coolness in this town.6:41 PM May 2nd

Found another very cool house in shawnee. Love this area, didn't even really knew it existed before this weekend.3:01 PM May 3rd

My fav website these days: http://land.jocogov.org/ - amazing how some people are asking 2-3% above appraised value. Crack smokers8:59 AM May 6th

We just had a realtor tell us she wouldn't accept our pre-approval letter from BofA. Umm, seriously?5:47 PM May 6th

Officially submitted an offer on the shawnee house. Many knots in stomach.1:31 PM May 9th

Ugh...their counter offer sucks and they probably aren't going to like our counter offer...preparing ourselves to walk away from this one9:12 PM May 9th

Counter counter offer submitted. This is starting to get fun. Bring it on!12:13 AM May 10th

Still in negotiations, only battling over closing and possession dates now. Everything else is ironed out.4:32 PM May 10th

Our counter offer was rejected over...get this...$172 of rent we asked for because they wanted to live in the home for 4 days past closing7:55 AM May 12th

@ericjgruber That's how we feel. If this was such a big deal, what else would they have been stupid about during the rest of the process8:09 AM May 12th

Couldn't have said it better myself - @chibb's take on our offer being rejected - http://bit.ly/6m1Wt 8:12 AM May 12th

http://twitpic.com/51v8d - The camry is rocking the gowagon.com sticker. Thanks guys. Unrelated: Sorry @chibb :)2:49 PM May 12th

Ben and @chibb landed safely in Chicago and Ben was a champ during the flight!10:09 AM May 14th

I don't know if "trained" is the word I'm looking for, but my wife is out of town and I still put the toilet seat down10:12 PM May 14th

Ugh...I've been up all night with the Buffalo Wild Wings Flu. No trail run for me this morning.6:58 AM May 16th

I slept 13 hours and feel a lot better. Still a little light headed and queasy and down about 8 lbs from avg weight. Never eating BWW again.7:27 AM May 17th

Excited that @chibb and Ben come home today. Trying to get the house cleaned up before I go pick them up from the airport8:08 AM May 17th

Choking down oatmeal with no milk. Apparently I have the bug where you feel fine on Sunday, but kicks you in the junk on monday.2:57 PM May 18th

Great bday dinner with @chibb, Ben, @kylejarcher, Allie and Sophs - http://bkite.com/07W4y 7:20 PM May 28th

Ben is growing up. Got rid of the infant car seat today and installed the @Britax 1:46 PM May 30th

Just placed an offer on a great place in Lenexa8:21 PM May 30th

Our offer was accepted!!10:42 AM May 31st

My favorite part of our new house - Pic: http://bkite.com/084g2 11:41 AM Jun 1st

Buying a warranty actually paid off for me. Got a new TomTom 930 today cause 910 that I bought 3 years ago has been crapping out.2:31 PM Jun 6th

We hit a few snags today during the inspection and getting insurance. Hopefully all will be resolved quickly.8:37 PM Jun 8th

Heading to a WPF conference in Chicago via Pella, IA and Madison. Ben's first really big road trip. #fb 7:12 AM Jun 11th

Round 2 of negotiations (post-inspection) are done!8:14 AM Jun 11th

Getting ready to check in for my classes. Gonna be a great day of WPF learning. - http://bkite.com/08qvX 7:58 AM Jun 12th

Awesome trail run tonight with the crew from TrailHawks - they were gentle popping my trail cherry :) - http://bit.ly/6ifZo 10:25 PM Jun 17th

Heading to KC with @chibb to P&L to spend a night boozin' celebrating my 30th, father's day, buying a house and getting a babysitter :)2:10 PM Jun 19th

Video of Ben crawling around and standing himself up for the first time - http://bit.ly/t9eiU 9:59 PM Jun 21st

@fxdgear we have too much crap!9:40 PM Jun 24th

Closing on Lenexa house in 12 hours! #fb 11:19 PM Jun 25th

Homeowners!11:09 AM Jun 26th

Thanks everybody. @chibb and I are thrilled. And also a bit exposed, didn't realize that there wasn't any blinds :)12:23 PM Jun 26th

Everything is off the truck and into the house. Many thanks to my dad for helping and Chels mom for watching Ben #fb 10:43 PM Jun 28th

First ever #bike commute. 2.91 miles in 11 minutes and 2 seconds. Pretty easy ride. A few hills, but nothing major.2:01 PM Jun 29th

@mintchaos The place is an absolute disaster of boxes. I couldn't find any clothes so I came work in gym clothes :)3:40 PM Jun 29th

Backed up pipes! Poop in the basement! Yay for home ownership!! - http://bkite.com/097G0 1:18 PM Jul 1st

We are moved in enough that we can park one car in the garage! - http://bkite.com/09c4i 12:08 PM Jul 3rd

Enjoying a beautiful night with @chibb on our new deck. -http://bkite.com/09fMg 9:16 PM Jul 4th

I ran a 5:46 mile this morning. My fastest ever since high school -http://bit.ly/16tKNT 9:02 AM Jul 10th

I promise to be a better blogger :)

At client site in Sheridan, WY

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:49:02 GMT

I am here at Sheridan Minibus and Misty took me out around town a bit after picking me up from the airport.

This first pic is for Timmay!

Then here are a few pics from the site.

Very odd weather here in Wyoming :) That is my hotel and it looks like it is on fire.

Funny Tiger pic and caption at the U.S. Open

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:17:04 GMT

Saw this pic today on the official US Open website.

Perfect.

Royals/Cards GNO

kylejarcher@gmail.com (Kyle J. Archer) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:23:03 GMT

The old school Burns & Mac boys try and go to the Royals/Cards game every year for our 'Guys Night Out'. We had a blast in the rain this year and even saw the Woods at Coach's after!

Andy, John Von LaFron & Rohe

bRalls, Crash and Mahlandt

The Royals lost 7-1 btw.get 'em next time?!?