Merlin Project http://www.merlinproject.org better software development through smarter methods Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 The Top 100 Programming Tools For Webmasters http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/08/05/the-top-100-programming-tools-for-webmasters/ http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/08/05/the-top-100-programming-tools-for-webmasters/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.merlinproject.org/?p=32 It takes a lot of work and research when meddling in the programming business. There are many things to consider and take in when completing these processes. The websites or programs you create and host plus the purposes it is set to serve have to be in sync at all times. You would want when you create the program or website that the users be completely satisfied and in need of nothing else. One common issue found with certain programs is that you cannot do everything you need to in one place. This is not a problem for people who have no issues multi-tasking often but what about non-savvy people?

The top 100 programming tools for webmasters which consist of factors like website design, web programming and E-commerce solution help provide you with ways to master the program you create. These web tools which can also be found online, assists the user in having access to your website. In your favor, there are services available all over the internet to help you use these programming tools. Pricing for these options can vary anywhere from expensive professional help to decent and affordable priced services which too are professional. Always keep in mind when creating, the purpose that needs to be served and what tools you can use to master it to benefit the users.

]]> http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/08/05/the-top-100-programming-tools-for-webmasters/feed/ 0 Distributing software in the modern age http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/08/02/distributing-software-in-the-modern-age/ http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/08/02/distributing-software-in-the-modern-age/#comments Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.merlinproject.org/?p=31 Distributing software in the modern age can be difficult due to pirating. Pirating is the illegal practice of downloading software that you did not pay for. This problem is becoming widespread and due to this, it is of utmost importance that a company distributes software in a reliable manner.

One way to distribute software is through a retailer. If a retailer is willing to carry your product on its shelves, then the consumer has easy access to your product. Once people start using your product, word of mouth increases and the demand for your product increases. When people want your product, they will flood the local retailers to try your product.

Another way to distribute software is to give it away for free on a trial basis. A trial period normally lasts for approximately one month and allows people access to your product. If they like your product, they could start paying for the software which generates money. Additionally, they will start telling their friends about the great software and how it’s free to try. This will have a domino effect as other people start trying out your software. Once people get hooked, it becomes very easy to distribute the software.

]]> http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/08/02/distributing-software-in-the-modern-age/feed/ 0 Out with the old, in with the new: modern software development http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/07/30/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-modern-software-development/ http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/07/30/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-modern-software-development/#comments Sat, 30 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.merlinproject.org/?p=30 Programming has moved far beyond the days of using punch cards, and writing code in assembler or fortran. The languages themselves have become more structured and easy to use. C, C, Java, and other object-oriented programming languages make code much easier to read and understand. Even that progress has not been enough for the software development world.

Development environments have become far more powerful then their predecessors. Software can be built and debugged with a single click. These development environments can also check to find syntax errors, and they often times will help developers complete lines of code based on the previously written code base. Creating user interfaces has become extremely efficient. Developers can now visually design an interface by clicking and dragging. When this is finished, they can easily add the logic behind the interface using computer-generated code.

With the development of version control systems such as SVN, development teams are able to efficiently manage new code while also managing older versions of software. Operating systems with enormous code bases such as Linux are able to be expanded upon by massive online communities. Teams can methodically check code for any problems and revert to older files if found necessary.

With each new advance in development technology, programs can be quickly developed to suite needs that arise.Can’t get enough? There’s more: Freelance Web Development: 9 Tips for Better Project Management

]]> http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/07/30/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-modern-software-development/feed/ 0 Where the Jobs are in Software Development http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/07/05/where-the-jobs-are-in-software-development/ http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/07/05/where-the-jobs-are-in-software-development/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.merlinproject.org/?p=24 If you’re interested in software odds are you’re looking for a bigger and better job and for developers out there who really know their stuff, the opportunities are endless. Here are a few of the best industries to dig into if you’re trying to find a new gig in software development:
Energy: believe it or not there’s a lot of need for software among energy corporations. Drilling and sourcing are big business and require extensive personalized software so if you know more about energy than where to find the best electricity rates in dallas, give this area a shot.
Gaming: what kid didn’t dream of working for a video game company one day? Gaming is a huge industry with development needs to spare and if you’re okay with relocating there are opportunities abounding. The best thing to do is get in on the ground floor then work your way up to development.
Healthcare: with so many new systems and equipment in place, hospitals need developers to help them manage. From supply chains to HR, healthcare industry professionals are clamoring to find good developers so if there’s a big hospital near you, give them a call.

]]> http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/07/05/where-the-jobs-are-in-software-development/feed/ 0 Embedded systems terminology: what you need to know http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/04/30/embedded-systems-terminology-what-you-need-to-know/ http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/04/30/embedded-systems-terminology-what-you-need-to-know/#comments Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.merlinproject.org/?p=23 Embedded systems terminology: what you need to know. An embedded system is a type of computer system created for the purpose of carrying out different functions. Embedded systems are commonly seen in PC’s, mp3 players, and video game consoles. There are several different parts that are included in an embedded system. The following are some parts that are encountered in an embedded system: RAM, flash memory, and microprocessor. RAM, or random-access memory, is a storage place for volatile memory. Volatile memory is memory that is present when a computer system is turned on. Volatile memory is temporary, which means that the memory will not be stored once the computer system is turned off. Volatile memory can be saved on a computer if it is stored in a computer data storage device. Data can also be stored on flash memory. Flash memory is a computer storage device that keeps data even after a device is turned off. The memory stored on flash memory is called non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is memory that can be stored and accessed at any time. Non-volatile memory will not disappear, but it can be changed and edited. The microprocessor carries out the functions of a CPU, or central processing unit. A CPU is required for carrying out different computer processes. Computer functions rely on a CPU in order for them to work.

]]> http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/04/30/embedded-systems-terminology-what-you-need-to-know/feed/ 0 Setting up a software focus group http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/04/16/setting-up-a-software-focus-group/ http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/04/16/setting-up-a-software-focus-group/#comments Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.merlinproject.org/?p=22 If you are looking for ways to check out the newest technology focus groups are for everyone, they are very informative and for all ages. They can be used in many different ways, depending on what whoever is reading this has in mind and can help anyone who looks. People already use focus groups to find out everything they need to know about a certain subject or many. Technology can help anyone with anything that they need help with and can do so for anyone regardless, if they want to learn. Whatever people want to do technology can help. It is the future after all and can pass any obstacle that gets in the way of what anyone wants to achieve. It is easy once you learn and is the key to many things even if you are multitasking. If you are reading this you are already using technology, people as a whole use it every day for almost everything they do. It doesn’t matter if you are turning on your car or watching television. If you are looking to learn something new then this is for you, many people strive on learning. If you want to join them, then why not join a group and see for yourself.

]]> http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/04/16/setting-up-a-software-focus-group/feed/ 0 Interacting with the user http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/01/06/interacting-with-the-user/ http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/01/06/interacting-with-the-user/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000 www.merlinproject.org http://www.merlinproject.org/?p=11 One of the most important parts of any software is the user interface. When it comes to embedded software, it’s even more important that the interface does exactly what it needs to doand only what it needs to do. It should be clear from the beginning whether your system will even need a user interface or not. Embedded systems that do only one task will not need to interact with the user. The simplest forms of user interaction are simple buttons of LCD screens. Buttons will take up room on your embedded system hardware, and must be designed to be reliable.On other embedded devices (like GPS devices or some MP3 players), customers can use a touch screen to interact with the system, choosing where they want to go or what they want to listen to, respectively. This doesn’t take up any hardware space, but is more complex to program. A compromise between these two systems is placing buttons on the edge of the screen, whose meaning changes as the screen does. In this way, you can “recycle” your buttons and use them for different tasks.Some embedded systems are operated remotely. This is obviously the most complex method to set up, but it pays off in the long run, eliminating the need for buttons and graphic displays on the embedded system itself and letting developers create a less-constrained user interface than they would have been able to do otherwise.

]]> http://www.merlinproject.org/2011/01/06/interacting-with-the-user/feed/ 0