Posting styles, and why top-posting is just fine
Something that always seem to raise a lot of opinion is how to reply to e-mail messages; or, to be more specific, where you write your reply in the context. I thought I’d explain my take on it.
Posts in the "Technology" Category
Why would anyone use Internet Explorer?
Don’t worry, this is not a post about Internet Explorer’s support (or lack thereof) of code support, but instead solely focused on the end user experience. I regularly try out a number of web browser, and I have one question:
Why would anyone use Internet Explorer?
Have web conferences, as we know them, played out their role?
From my own experiences, and based on what I’ve heard from friends, I start to wonder if web conferences as we see them now will lose their charm and become extinct, or at least more rare. Personally, I can’t motivate the cost of attending them to myself, since I feel that you don’t learn enough.
The importance of a semantic URL
I’m constantly baffled why most companies and web developers don’t understand, or care about, the importance of using good semantic URLs. Therefore, I though I’d outline some reasons to help you understand why you really should care.
Questions I’d love to have answered about SEO
When done properly and in a serious manner, SEO is truly a fascinating field! However, I have some wonderings about how Google and other search engines treat and index certain things.
Is invalid code created through JavaScript ok?
When developing web sites with heavy interactivity, your scripting skills are really put to the test. And, sooner or later, you will be put in a situation where it’s a fine line between following web standards and what’s best from a performance and structure perspective. One question that follows that is: is it ok to apply invalid attributes via script to elements?
A HaRd challenge – styling an HR element
One of the web sites I’m currently working on has a lot of line dividers, and they had been added somewhat inconsistently. Therefore, I decided to go the semantic route and throw out all div and p elements, and replace them with one single class-free hr. Oh man, did I open up a can of worms…
Phasing out Microsoft products
When I got my first computer back in 1996, it was an IBM PC with Windows 95 on. Since then I got into web developing and I’m living a fairly computer-intense life (at least in the daytime), and I’ve realized more and more that I’m phasing out one Microsoft product after another from the software I’m using.
Time to scrap IE 5 support? – (and general web browser support discussed)
With the advent and following mass adoption of Internet Explorer 7, I’ve been pondering what web browsers to ensure support in, and which one to finally ditch. I’ll explain my choices below, but while reading the post, something like TheCounter’s Browser Stats for February 2007 can be a good reference point.
Saddle up for the next Geek Meet, March 29th!
Yes, people, it’s time again: get ‘yer geek on! March 29th we will have yet another Geek Meet with nice people, beer for our throats and pizza for our overworked bodies!
DOMAss renamed to DOMAssistant, with added Prototype/jQuery compatibility
After I released DOMAss, I’ve gotten a number of e-mails from people telling me how happy they are with it and how well it compares to other libraries. They only have one problem: the name. What they’re saying is that they can’t use such a name, albeit funny, in production for large web sites and in their customers’ code.
Happy to oblige, the library is now renamed, with added side-by-side compatibility for other JavaScript libraries such as Prototype and jQuery.
How to specify dynamic font sizes consistently with CSS
This artice is also available in a French translation.
When developing web sites, we naturally want to offer our end users the option to freely resize the text size in their web browser of choice to their liking. What I would like to do here is present what I’ve found to be most consistent way to achieve this with CSS.
A tech conversation…
When you’re a consultant, you once in a while get to overhear (alright, I’m constantly eavesdropping) some interesting conversations that amuses you. Today’s one: a technical one.
The wrong hole?
This is about a conversation I overheard many many years ago, taking place between a couple of teenage guys. It was about the “wrong hole”…
In search of a good H1
I’ve always liked semantics and to choose how to properly mark up content to convey the information the best way possible. But, and I know this might sound weird, as of lately, I’ve had a harder and harder time to find the suitable content for one specific element: the H1.
“The HTML guy”
I’ve recently started on a new assignment (which is mainly the reason that I haven’t been able to muster any extra strength to blog, besides from my family being sick…), and I’m hired as a subcontractor. This means that I’ve been introduced to a lot of people the last couple of days, and it has almost exclusively been with a term that I hate:
The HTML guy.
Windows Vista doesn’t rock my world
Windows Vista is now finally released, and Microsoft are banging on their marketing drum, blowing their PR horn. I had the chance to try out a release candidate of it and have also seen some of the final version. I have to be honest and say that I haven’t tested it too much, so my view probably isn’t as balanced as it should be (therefore I won’t cover deeper functionality).
But from what I’ve seen, frankly, I’m not impressed.
Work your way to a Trig invite
There’s something new and exciting on the web called Trig. I’m not really allowed to tell you anything more about it (although I want to! :-)), but the fact that I have some invites to share.
If communities are your thing, this is an opportunity that you definitely shouldn’t miss!
HTML 5 or XHTML 2?
Vlad Alexander has written an article entitled X/HTML 5 Versus XHTML 2, discussing what he likes respectively dislikes.
DOMAss – The DOM assistant
Updated March 2nd 2007
DOMAss now has a new name, DOMAssistant, and it is also possible to run it side-by-side with other JavaScript libraries such as Prototype and jQuery. For more information, please read: DOMAss renamed to DOMAssistant, with added Prototype/jQuery compatibility.
Updated March 6th 2007
Per Zimmerman made me aware of the fact that I wasn’t as consistent when checking for names and whitespace in the addClass and removeClass as I am in the hasClass method, so this has been fixed to address any potential issues you might have had. Just download the DOMAssistantCSS JavaScript file and you should be good to go. 🙂
Updated April 11th 2007
Changed the license to a Creative Commons Deed.
Updated May 11th 2007
Minor fix for strange behavior in IE when using the addEvent method on the window object. For more information, please see DOMAssistant fix for addEvent method peculiarity in IE.
Updated July 11th 2007
PDF documentation added, kindly created by Michael Frühmann.
Updated September 20th 2007
Updated October 4th 2007
The DOMAssistantCompressed JavaScript file has been updated. My compression approach was a little too effective for the special DOMReady fix for Internet Explorer, so necessary code for optimal performance was unfortunately removed. This has now been addressed, so please download the new version if you use the compressed file.
Updated October 19th 2007
The DOMAssistantCompressed JavaScript file is updated again. I noticed a problem with the elmsByAttribute method in IE where the compression resulted in a wrong reference, returning incorrect results. Download the new version and it will be fine.
When I released my EJ code, while I felt that it contained very useful functions, it didn’t feel properly packaged. Also, I’ve always wanted a proper base to stand on for various DOM interaction, so I didn’t have to start from scratch in every project.
So now, I proudly present DOMAss!
Geek Meet January 2007 summary
Last night we had yet another Geek Meet, Geek Meet January 2007, in Stockholm, and a staggering 40 people showed up! I’m really happy that people keep coming back as well as new ones getting interested and showing up.
Apple keynote and hype
As you might now, yesterday Macworld Conference & Expo 2007 started with his keynote address. I thought I’d cover the new products, my opinion about them and the Apple hype.
Should we stop using iframes in IE?
In November last year, Aleksandar Vacić wrote his post Insert HTML page into another HTML page (found through No more iframes?). Basically, what it is about is finding a way to use an object element instead of an iframe to get the correct behavior in Internet Explorer.
Right about now, I guess your questions are why, how and is it necessary?
2006, the year that was
So, 2006 is almost over and it’s time to look ahead at 2007. Will it be an exciting year? No doubt, we have to wait to see just how riveting it can get! I thought I’d go through some notable things that happened in 2006, not just web-related, and scribble down some words about them…
Geek Meet January 2007
Time for Geek Meet again! The next Geek Meet will take place January 11th 18.00 at adocca entertainment here in Stockholm, located at Södermälarstrand 57B, floor 6 (map of the address).
And this time I thought we’d cater to everyones’ interests (well, as many as possible, at least), with a new addition to the concept.
Computer behavior hate of the week
During this week, I’ve encountered some computer problems and I just felt the need to share my frustration. And in all fairness, I have one hate about Apple and one about Microsoft; you decide which one was worst. 🙂
What would make you switch search engine?
So, you all have your favorite search engine, right? And probably also the tools/approach you prefer to search with it; for instance, a text field in your favorite web browser, perhaps a web browser toolbar or have it set up through Quicksilver. What I’m interested in, though, is what would make you switch search engine? What would make you use another one?
Preaching: Google is blind!
I thought I’d take on a slightly different approach with this post. I mean, all bloggers try to write about facts, rant or go to other lengths to get their message through. Therefore, in true TV preacher style (imagine someone with James Brown’s personality), let me tell you about Google:
Web developing can be tough sometimes
As we all know, web developing can be very tough and nerve-wrecking sometimes. Therefore, I would like to share a picture taken of me last night, the final day of the current iteration in the project I’m working in for the moment.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is outstanding!
I love taking and looking at photographs, but I am in no sense a professional photographer; rather the happy amateur! Therefore, I’m constantly on the look-out for better photo management and photo editing tools, making viewing and enhancing images better. As of lately, I’ve been taking Aperture and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for some test drives.
The one I definitely prefer and regard in that “war” is definitely Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and wanted to tell and show you some things about it.
World Usability Day: what’s your take?
Ok, this is apparently a lazy post since it won’t contain much information. Also, as of lately, it seems like I’m just asking you what you think instead of writing a more detailed post, so bear with me; I’ll write more soon where you don’t have to answer all the time! 🙂
Anyway, here goes:
Without expressing my opinions on it, what’s your take on the World Usability Day?
Initial focus to a text field – good or bad?
I think that in (almost) every project I work in, when a web page contains one or more form elements, the most common question is: should we set initial focus to the first element in the form when the page has loaded? Heated debates follow, where people argue very convincingly for their view on it.
However, to me it isn’t an easy black or white-question.
Using help or searching Google?
Scenario: you run into a problem when coding, or in some other way have a question about, or problem with, a certain application. Let us, for the sake of argument, say that you have no colleagues or friends to ask where you are at the moment, nor through e-mail or over IM. What do you do?
- Use a programming manual/reference or resort to the help function of the application?
- Search Google?
In my case, 9 times out of 10, I search Google. If you’ve encountered a problem, there’s always someone else who has as well; someone who is or has been in the exact spot as you are in right now.
But that’s just me. What do you do?
JavaScript frameworks – concept vs. code libraries
Personally, I’ve never been a fan of huge JavaScript libraries, an opinion that was probably clear from what I wrote in my EJ – The only JavaScript library you’ll ever need post. Even if they’re written by very competent web developers, they almost always consist of more functions and methods that are necessary.
However, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain the important difference between the two major types of JavaScript libraries: concept and code libraries.
Weekly Award: Web Site Most Likely To Have Been Built By An Intern
This might sound condemning, but I’m thinking of establishing a weekly award: Web Site Most Likely To Have Been Built By An Intern. It is about large companies targeting a lot of users who, in this day and age, still don’t have any clue about web standards, accessibility or semantics. If, for instance, a web site only works in one web browser (guess which one…) on one platform, something is fundamentally wrong!
Without further ado, let me probably announce this week’s winner: MSN Music.
PS. A little tip: first try it in Internet Explorer on a PC, and then in any other web browser on any platform. DS.
EJ – The only JavaScript library you’ll ever need
Updated March 2nd 2007
If you like this code, I sincerely recommend that you take a look at the DOMAssistant JavaScript library.
The web is littered with full-blown JavaScript libraries who say they will save your day and make your web development life much easier. You get encouraged to include these “mere 80 kb” libraries that is supposed to be the solution to all your needs, and practically make the web site work by itself. Needless to say, I’m not a big follower of JavaScript libraries,, especially since they almost always include lots of superfluous code, so I thought I’d put together a tiny library with only essential JavaScript functions.
The result of that is EJ – Essential JavaScript.
Unavailable fullscreen view on Mac is such a shortcoming
As you might now, I’m both a Mac and Windows user. I primarily use my Mac at home and my PC at work, and one thing that really annoys me is the inability to maximize windows in Mac OS X.
37 Steps to Perfect Markup at SitePoint
Just before I started blogging I got to know Tommy Olsson, through his now resting blog Autistic Cuckoo. I was impressed with his technical expertise and inspired by his respectful comments and discussions with his readers, and it was something I set up as a goal and role model for my relations with the readers of my web site.
Unfortunately, Tommy doesn’t write anymore on his blog, but he has now made an interesting contribution to SitePoint about HTML.
Firefox and Safari, implement the Zoom feature!
Say that you’re using a web page and you find the text, the images or the layout in general too small. What do you do? Some web browser makers understand just how important this issue is and some don’t; some have set a good example and some still linger on under the impression that being able to resize text is sufficient.
Who are the good guys here? Microsoft and Opera.
Want to take your JavaScript knowledge to the next level?
Have you dabbled with JavaScript for a long time but feel that you don’t really know how to get to the next level? Or are you one of the recent converts that till only recently only knew HTML and CSS, but has come to the realization just how cool and funky things you can achieve with JavaScript?
If you want to get really good at JavaScript and definitely move on to the next level, I have something for you to read.
How to run IE 7 and IE 6 side by side
Now that Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 7 and the whole web development world is trying to figure out what works in it, and, more importantly, what doesn’t (let’s just not go there right now, ok?), I thought I’d give you some solace to your doubts whether to install it or not on your main Windows machine (most likely you have doubts what will happen to IE 6, which you, unfortunately, still need to test in and cater to, for a long time to come).
Picasa Web Albums – A serious Flickr contender
When I wrote my post about the Flickr photo service, I promised that I’d review another one within the next week or so. Well, as we all know, time flies but now I’m ready to tell you about a service that I believe have a serious potential to become a Flickr contender.
This is Google’s picture service: Picasa Web Albums
Apple, grow up and act professionally
Recently a minor number of Apple Video iPods were shipped with a virus, namely RavMonE.exe. What do Apple do? Well, blame Microsoft, of course.
Minor bug fix for GLT
With GLT, a side-effect happened in Firefox when using GLT for any link; the status text simply wasn’t shown in the web browser status field. This issue has now been addressed. Just download the new JavaScript file and things should work fine.
Please let me know if you encounter any problems.
The answers to the “Looking for a good interface developer?” questions
When I wrote Looking for a good interface developer? Here’s what to ask to make sure you’ve got the right person, I wasn’t sure if I should reveal the answers to you or just let you do the research yourselves. However, I came to the conclusion that this web site is really about sharing knowledge, and also that some of you might have some good extra input on my answers.
So, here are some answers and links to more information about the questions:
Undermining freedom of expression in China – The role of Yahoo!, Microsoft and Google, by Amnesty
In July this year, Amnesty International published their report Undermining freedom of expression in China – The role of Yahoo!, Microsoft and Google, where they discuss and analyze these companies values compared to their actual actions (direct PDF link, 32 pages, 504 kb).
People who visit this web site (some statistics)
For those out there who are interested in statistics, or want to know more about the other readers of this web site, I’ve put together a little overview of the visitors.
It contains information about countries people come from, what platform they’re on and what web browsers they are using.
Looking for a good interface developer? Here’s what to ask to make sure you’ve got the right person
Are you perhaps looking for a talented interface developer? You’ve heard that web standards and perhaps accessibility is good to have experience with, but you don’t know how to determine the applicants’ experience.
Don’t worry anymore, I’ve put together a check list of what to ask to make sure they’re suitable and in the loop with proper and modern web interface development.
Accessibility is seldom just up to the interface developer
When developing a web site, amongst the initial questions is what level of accessibility one wants for it and what eventual extra measures are needed to achieve that. Sure, if you’re an experienced interface developer, you naturally write semantic HTML, use alt texts and try to avoid making the web site in question JavaScript dependant, and so on.
But, let me tell you something: you can be the best damned interface developer in the world and then still, in the end, you stand there with an inaccessible web site. What happened?
How to write a smiley
Maybe it’s just me, or maybe I share this feeling with other people. What, you ask, what? I can’t stand how people write smilies…