Monday, April 30, 2007

Microsoft Announces IronPython and IronRuby

The big Microsoft announcement is out at MIX. Microsoft has formally announced support for IronPython and IronRuby, as well as more goodies for SilverLight.

Also, SilverLight is now in GoLive licensing -- meaning we can officially release software for it. (if you happen to have some laying around right now)

You can read the details at Soma's blog.

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Saturday, April 28, 2007

Robocode Java Programming Challenge

According to Chris Brandsma, it appears David Starr has thrown down the gauntlet and challenged the rest of us to a Robocode Java Programming Challenge. In Robocode you use Java to program a little 2D robot to maneuver in the virtual arena and do battle with the other robots.

I always thought this was a great type of game. I built a fairly good robot for the 3D D-Robots from PlasmaCode (link no longer available, but I will find it if you are interested). The D in D-Robots is for Delphi, which is actually Delphi Web Script, a 3rd party, open source, Delphi syntax compatible scripting language. Just in case you didn't know, Delphi 2007 for Win32 is out (and ROCKS!) and there is also free Turbo releases of Delphi.

I figure this is a great way to brush up on my Java, and also have some fun doing virtual battle! One major advantage Robocode has over D-Robots (beyond still being available) is that Robocode is open source (as is Java now), so you know it will stick around as long as people are interested. Anyone else interested in a competition?

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

Basics of Compiler Design

Torben Mogensen from DIKU as the University of Copenhagen is offering the text book he has written on Basics of Compiler Design for free use.

I have taught an undergraduate compilers course for over a decade. In the last several years, I have used my own textbook "Basics of Compiler Design". I have now decided to make this available online.

Permission to copy and print for personal use is granted. If you, as a lecturer, want to print the book and sell it to your students, you can do so if you only charge the printing cost.

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Thursday, April 19, 2007

Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn Released

The new version 7.04 of Ubuntu Linux is available for download in both Server and Desktop editions. Check out the release notes and find a mirror and download it.

The desktop edition comes in a combination LiveCD (that runs from the CD) and installer, while the server version includes no GUI and is ready to create the perfect server for you with everything installed, and no ports open. The installation is really quick and straightforward.

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Visual Studio "Orcas" and .NET FX 3.5 Beta1 shipped!

Visual Studio "Orcas" and .NET FX 3.5 Beta1 shipped!

You can read about it on Soma's blog. Or go right to the MSDN page.

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Monday, April 16, 2007

WPF/E = Silverlight

OK, this is a first. Microsoft takes a crummy, unmemorable name like WPF/E and turns it into something interesting, like Silverlight.

Granted, some people still aren't going to like the new name, you can't please everyone, but I like the direction. Read more about Silverlight here: http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight Or on Soma's blog.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Delphi 2007 for Win32 Launch Event

May 11th, 2007 is our Delphi 2007 for Win32 Launch Event. You will want to be present to check out this first look at the first new Delphi release since the CodeGear spin-off and the begin of the Delphi Renaissance. It is a very impressive release! Come hear all the latest Delphi news and get those rumors cleared up.

Also at this meeting we will be showing off and using the new Camtasia to record the presentation. It is our goal to find a way to post this recording for everyone to reference after the meeting.

Then in June we will have a Delphi for PHP Launch Event. I am working on door prizes for both events.

Our usual meeting time is 7 PM at our usual Washington Group International location.