Validating properties across i18n files - RscBundleCheck

For our project we have merged a number of custom labels in properties files. Other than manually validating locales there was no easy way to validate that labels have been copied to all locale properties files (en_US, enGB, es_MX, etc.). While trying to do via. scripts, I found RscBundleCheck. This library provides a ant task to check if labels which are missing from specific label properties.

Installation:
1. Download and install Apache Ant at a convenient location  (D:\apache-ant-1.8.4)
2. Download the rscbundlecheck jar from website and add it to ANT_INSTALL/lib folder
3. Make sure you add ANT_INSTALL/bin folder to your path
4. Create a  new build.xml like the one given below OR you can add the ant task to an existing build.xml 

<?xml version="1.0" standalone="yes"?>
<project name="project1" basedir="." default="default">
<target name="default">
    <taskdef classpath="D:/apache-ant-1.8.4/lib/rscbundlecheck-bin.jar" resource="task.properties"/>
    <resourceCheck failonerror="false">
        <fileset dir="D:/project1/java/res/com/homyarb/resources">
            <include name="page_labels_*.properties"/>
        </fileset>
        <checks>
            <include name="cross bundle check"/>
        </checks>
    </resourceCheck>
</target>
</project>

Execution:
1. open Command prompt and go to the folder where build.xml is saved
2. Type "ant" enter

The script should show you the labels which are missing across various label properties.

Next Generation of Web Frameworks

There is a lot of fuss around the framework you choose for a project. Everyone has their opinions but seldom do you have one person who has worked on multiple frameworks and clearly articulates which is the right framework to choose from.

Most frameworks are about:

• reading and processing pages
• differentiate view from business logic 
• provide multiple widgets which determine the UI

Inherently all frameworks deal with processing at a "page" level and all of them compete against each other on how fast a page loads.

We have seen a rise of web-apps; miniaturizing parts of a website and delivering content via. multiple channels (desktop & mobile are the two most common). We have also seen that the idea of page load speed is no longer applicable.

The next evolution will delve deeper into building the building blocks of these web-apps. It will not be about interaction between pages, instead components of a page will interact to improve user experience and focussed content delivery.

1. Interaction between page widgets... combo box, text box etc.
2. Use multiple widgets to form web-apps directed to a simple purpose
3. Web-apps will work together on a page to give advanced features
4. Back end integrations will make working on websites seamless
5. You will never know that you are actually dealing with multiple applications

A new world awaits us.

Delhi Belly

Although a lot of people have applauded Delhi Belly as a great movie, I failed to like it. Its different than the regular India movie but it did not seem that great.

It was in production for the past few years. Overall the movie feel was pretty amateurish. I did not understand what the fuss was all about.

@Amir Khan: take your time and come up with a movie but not like this.

Windows takes over Skype

The question everyone is asking is, what's MS upto? Skype does not really fit into its profile. I think its simple. MS has realized the importance of dominating the mobile space and that is where Skype comes into picture.
Skype although not profitable, has a good fan following and available on multiple devices (a new concept for MS!) Voice calling is not the priority of mobile service providers. Wireless data access will be the future of communication.
If Skype holds ground, MS can potentially integrate it into Win 7 Mobile landscape. Adding new services like teleconferencing etc. Skype's position would be very strong.
As always, wait and watch.

Blackberry woes

Blackberry is primarily aimed at corporate users. If I have a blackberry, it is obvious that I will have a personal mobile also. Now I have to keep two mobiles with me so that I am connected to everyone.
Blackberry should have dual SIM capabilities in all their devices. This way a person only needs to carry one device and attend to calls on both personal and business calls.

Why are such simple design needs not catered to by professional devices? What are the developers thinking?