When I originally approached this topic, I wanted to explain to those GUI users why a TUI is more powerful. As I tried to write down my opinions, I realized that once again this was more a case of it depends than I had thought. I really should know better by now. In order to… Read More »
As I said in the last entry, you can separate computer users by their user interface preferences. In that entry, I made the argument that a text-based interface (TUI) is better than a graphical interface (GUI). Since that isn’t inflammatory enough, I’m now going to argue that GUIs are better than TUIs. A Short History… Read More »
One of the ways that you can separate groups of computer users into groups is by their preferences in user interfaces. A few decades ago, most computer interfaces were simple text. The display hardware didn’t support fancy graphics, and the processors weren’t fast enough to do the calculations needed for reasonable graphics. As computers and… Read More »
Despite being convinced that we are rational people, many programmers or software types can be rabid about our favorite technologies. If you want to hear a passionate opinion, ask about favorite programming editor, programming language, or operating system. If you want to start a fight, suggest that the preference is not an objective decision. That… Read More »
In the past few months, I have been focusing more on SVG. The most important reason was the SVG Open 2009 conference the first weekend of October.1 Some truly amazing demos and research are being done in this area despite nay-sayers claiming that the technology is dead. Some of the biggest announcements leading up to… Read More »
The Productive Programmer Neal Ford O’Reilly, 2008 When I found out about this book, I knew I had to read it. I have been a programmer for a long time and I’m always on the lookout for tips about how to become more productive. I expected a list of tricks that would make individual development… Read More »
Information Dashboard Design Stephen Few O’Reilly, 2006 This book covers a growing trend in user interfaces, the dashboard. The purpose of a dashboard is to display important information clearly and concisely. The author makes a point of stating that a dashboard must convey information you need to act on. This generates a shift in viewpoint… Read More »
SVG Essentials J. David Eisenberg O’Reilly, 2002 A little over a year ago I bought and read SVG Essentials by J. David Eisenberg. At the time, I was moving from dabbling in SVG to beginning a contract which required the use of SVG. This book provides a good working overview of SVG. I have seen… Read More »