IDEs

I’ve been trying to write a PHP/MySQL site for someone…. Big mistake.

Textpad is pretty lame as a PHP editor. I spend more time scrolling down the file than I do writing code.

To debug PHP it’s confusing trying to get the right quotes and escape the right characters in a one-liner under either windows, cygwin on windows, or even linux.

So maybe I need a better IDE?

I install UltraEDIT, but can’t get past the registration phase, even if I give it all my personal details. Really! It says something about a SOAP parameter being incorrect. Guys, next time don’t bother with the ‘Rugby world cup special edition’ ffs, just make your software work.

I tried Eclipse, supposed to be really good. Added EPIC to it for Perl management. Couldn’t even get the debugger to work! The error: “File does not exist” Which bloody file?!!?

I’d call is a success though, just being able to see my subroutines in a list in the sidebar, and be taken to the with a click. Except it doesn’t work for existing files, you have to copy and paste the code into a new file. For *every file*. Also the completion of functions in packages (pop-up like visual studio) is useful.

Recycling bins

The BBC  has recently removed all the waste baskets from the Broadcast Centre in White City, replacing them with recycling bins in the kitchens. This is reprinted from an email by Paul R. with permission:

Ten things about recycling bins that are very depressing:

1) Dirty
2) never get emptied
3) Incapable of decent conversation
4) Stupid
5) Like the Home Office under John Reid, they are “Not fit for purpose”.
6) They seem benign, but actually they are the maws of hell
7) To quote Macbeth, in the end they “signify nothing”
8) They are both too big and too small simultaneously
9) They just sit there.
10) They have the wrong texture.