Building a Robust System

This is a technical entry, for all your techies out there.

One of the major issues with developing software, is the question of how to ensure that your software that you are creating, is robust and (relatively) bug free.

One of the best ways that I know of is thinking about how to test the software right from the beginning. (Also known as Design for Test)

In the case of the website registration, I am using some new technology (new to me), and building the tests to confirm that my database interfaces are working correctly.

The basic structure for the website user registration is:

[Database] <-----> [C# Entity Framework] <---> [Database Interface Class] <---> [ASP Page]

So, in order to confirm that the database interface is working correctly, I use NUnit to create real world usage tests (i.e examples of how I'll call the database interface in the ASP web app), before I complete the implementation of the database interface. By creating both positive tests (tests that do something) and negative tests (tests that use bad data); I can make sure that any bugs are ironed out before I start to use my database interface in anger.

The upshot is, by writing the tests for the code, at the same time as writing the actual code, you can trap any bugs as soon as they appear, and have the confidence that your software will work, before using it as part of a larger system.

Things that have been done:

Website has been moved to Windows, so I can use .Net

User registration database is set up

Unit tests for database interface are written

Outstanding

Finish implementing user database interface

Create web pages to talk to database interface

Create program to send email to people in database.

Changes

On of the things that comes up during software development, is the question of what technology to use?

The main angelic-developments site was originally setup to use linux/php. One of the functions that the site needs to have is to be able for people to register with an user name and email. Once the game is up and running, a flag will be activated against the user name, allowing the user to use all the features of the game.

I had started to implement the database in mysql (with stored procedures) and PHP.;but found that it was taking just too long, as I can't spend everyday working on the project.

So, I have changed the web server platform over to Windows, so I can user C#/ASP to power the website. As I already have database code in C#, it seems like a good idea.

Time will tell.

Engines

We're still here :)

We are currently looking into different game engines to use.

Looking at Slick 2D http://slick.cokeandcode.com/

New Things

Ok -

1) new things... we now have an applet that shows our experiments with 2D graphics. )It's the side scrolling applet on the development page.)

http://www.angelic-developments.co.uk/

2) Our minecraft classic server is up

http://www.minecraft.net/play.jsp?server=66e4a6dcdce5dd52b151f5ed488ff05c

Today's News

Work is progressing on the website sign up pages, as well as research is on going into the correct framework to use.

I am currently looking at JMonkey which provides high-level 3d game orientated functions on top of the light weight Java game library.

Of course, all of this goes at the same time as me being a husband and a father :)

What's Happening ?

The game development website is currently having the ability for people to register their interest.

By registering, interested people will receive an email when the website or this blog is updated.

Meanwhile, the team (yep, it's more than one person), are continuing to brain storm and come up with ideas of what should go into the game, and when. For example, we want the whole game to be first person 3D, however, in order to get something out of the door, sections of the game may be in overhead 2D, for people to evaluate the game play, and make suggestions on how the game play should be changed.

Stay Tuned, and don't be afraid to add your comments/view, like Jonny 5, we need input!!

www.angelic-developments.co.uk

It Works!

Ok - so work is continuing on the game project. I now have been able to create an applet that is installed alongside the runtime for the lwjgl.

See the new developments page

http://www.angelic-developments.co.uk/

Server Move

www.angelic-developments.co.uk has now been moved over to it's new server.

Development Website

The new website detailing more details about the game.

http://www.angelic-developments.co.uk/

A New Project

Inspired by the success of Minecraft (danger highly addictive - 'it's like crack, except you're given the tools to make your own crack'), and the fact that I have wanted to write the best game in the entire history of the universe. (50% of adults polled agreed with this statement*)

I want to really take a look at what aspects of games have inspired me, as well as yourself (yeah you, the person reading this). In a sense this project will be a crowd source game.

I will continue to post more details as I come up with them regarding scope and genre of game. What I can say is :

o It will be multi-user.

o It will have user created content

o You will be able to blow things up. (very important)

o It will have procedural generated content.

o It's probably going to be space based, although I did toy with the idea of making in pirate based (sorry, ninjas need not apply)

(* out of two adults asked )

Rain Rain Rain

It's raining...

According the to the weather report .. "It's sunny everywhere, expect England".

Welcome to England Y'all

Weariness

It sure seems that today there is not enough time to do everything that is on our todo lists. Work, Home, family and friends all take away the time that we have, and often we come to a point of saying "I wish there were more hours in the day"

We need to learn to take time out, and re-adjust our priorities.

I, for one, in recent days are finding things hard. When I read Matthew 11:28, it says all who are weary and heavy-laden, how many of us fall into that category. Maybe we should do what Jesus says to do in this situation.. come to him, and learn from him. Which of course, requires time.

I long for rest, and a light yoke, I guess I need to take some time out, in order to do so.

Matthew 11:28 (NASB)

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Gnostic Theory

Ok... so today, a message was posted on another forum talking about the 'Gospel of Thomas'

What? Huh? I hear you say.

The Gospel of Thomas is not part of the bible, but considered (by some) to 'strengthen' the word of God.

Here are my thoughts ..

http://worldwidechristiansonline.co.uk/index.php?topic=7949.msg61056;topicseen#msg61056

For more information on Gnostics stuff see ..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Thomas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnostic (import - see the bit on 'an imperfect God'

Hey Hey,

Lots have been happening over the last few months.

I am going to try and be more proactive in the future when it comes to blogging...

Stay Tuned...