I learn't practically nothing about programming from University. I learnt a fair bit during my time there, but very little of it was actually taught. Ironically I failed a module on 2d graphics, then went on to spend my placement creating a GDI+ based Pocket PC client. Each class had a paint method that was called by the parent Canvas class, this avoided the need for anything based on the Control class allowing for a faster application and nice features such as translucent controls. Needless to say it was more complicated than the module.
If I typed everything I thought, I would seem as impatient and rude as Diesel can be at times. It really annoys me when somebody asks for a translation of something really simple like this...
C#:
If(a > b)
{
Messagebox.Show("a is bigger");
}
else
{
Messagebox.Show("b is bigger");
}
Maybe I've become jaded with experience, but how difficult can it be to work out that's a simple if statement. There are so few differences a trained monkey with a basic understanding of VB could translate it. I'm all for people learning, let's face it you look back at my posts, I imagine theres a fair few that make me look like an idiot (and no doubt theres more to come), but come on. It wouldn't surprise me if somebody asked how to convert this to VB.
C#:
System.IO.File.Exists("c:\file.xml");
In my opinion people that struggle with things like that shouldn't adventure out into forums, they should be reading books, tutorials or go to college. The problem is, they tend to be people that don't really want to learn, they want to be able to say 'look what I made', regardless of the fact its all cut and paste. When I was browsing through
CodeProject.com the otherday I came across forum reports of somebody having the nerve to take the code from a tutorial (a Bubble Bobble clone written in .Net for PPC) compile it, and try to sell it on
Handango.com.
The only thing that stops me berating people at times is the thought of how the Experts and Guru's such as the ever helpfull PlausiblyDamp et al must feel trying to drum information into my skull when I ask stupid question.
To prevent this post from becoming a complete diatribe and since I've already gone way of topic. I'd also like to mention that MrPaul, whilst being a newcomer to the community, has posted nothing but intelligent clearly explained posts. If MrPaul stays with us I personally feel they (I'd say he, but you never know) would be a good candidate for an expert ranking.
Maybe this thread should have been called Cagsy's blog.
