Bryan J. Holmes' Weblog

Comments in Code

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:37:01 -0500

A trip down memory lane: Years ago, while attending the fine institution known as The Pennsylvania State University, I anxiously awaited a grade on my latest programming assignment. Pardon the pun, but I was trying to avoid another C on my C++ programming project. I had thought that the last program I turned in was completed perfectly, but I got knocked by the professor for not commenting my code. I thought it was nonsense. And then when I got my 2nd consecutive grade of a C –, I thought it was even more nonsensical. Why would I need to comment my code? My thoughts were that the professor was an expert in this field and that he and should know exactly what my code meant. … Now back to the present day.

Soup To Nuts

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:45:03 -0500

I have come to love this saying even though, until recently, the origin was never apparent to me. Regardless of the origin, the idea of taking something from start to finish is a wonderful idea. I have worked on a couple of different projects where I started very close to the beginning and ended my work on the project very close to the end. But why don’t all aspects of the project follow a beginning to end cycle?

Data Migration

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:46:16 -0500

As the IT industry matures, companies are starting to realize the benefits of having a standardized approach to IT. This includes the use of common applications within a business sector. These applications can be a new application entirely for the company or an upgrade of one of a number of existing products in place. When a company decides to go down the path of standardization there are a number of things that need to be considered. One of the most important issues that a company needs to consider is the question of what to do with legacy data. Depending on the type of application, legacy data may or may not be required. In the LIMS world, foreseeable situations exist where the answer to the legacy data question is both! The question is then – migrate the data to the new system or warehouse the data? I will explain some of the considerations that should come into play when making this decision.

Useless Information - or is it?

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 09:38:52 -0500

Have you ever had that friend who always comes up with what is seemingly ‘Useless Information?’ If however, this information came up in a topic of conversation and it had some use or value, it would therefore render the useless argument - well useless. My main problem with people who categorize this information or any other information as useless, is the fact that they are only taking the data at face value. Where am I going with this you might ask? And if you aren’t asking that - you may be asking how this could be applicable to what we do at J&R?

The Art of Planning

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 09:12:59 -0500

Today’s society is one focused on results. People need to see results and see them fast. If the final result will take a while to become visible, progress must still be shown. We must have it and must have it now. Well, this attitude probably ends up costing corporations and people an extraordinary amount of time. The instant gratification needs of our society have resulted in a lost art: The Art of Planning.