I went into this session with a basic understanding that BlazeDS and LiveCycle Data Services [LCDS] are both tools that can be used to allow Flex to communicate with a ColdFusion backend.

I took a *lot* of notes during this session…
Since the presentation is available as a recorded connect session (linked above), I don’t think I need to put all of my notes online.
What follows are high level notes on what was covered.

Tom explained the history of the product currently known as LifeCycle Data Services (or LCDS).
He went on to explain the origins of the BlazeDS product.
What are the differences?
LCDS is: RPC, Messaging, Data Management, Flash Remoting
BlazeDS is: RPC, Messaging, Flash Remoting [NO Data Management]
Tom gave very detailed explanations for each of those terms and what they mean in the context of Data Services.

Tom went on to demo a simple Chat app built with Flex, with a CF backend.
He also demoed a simple data entry app, then he showed a more complex version of the same app with conflict handling, then an even more complex example with a pretty slick conflict handler.

This session was everything I wanted and more. I know have a much better understanding of what the differences between these 2 products are, and I have tangible examples of how these products can be used to make better applications.

Great job, Tom!

Some of my notes are below:
RAD OO:
– Patterns [enable you to quickly build OO Apps]
– Collection of tools

RAD OO IS NOT:
– Standard Approach [one size does not fit all]
– Suitable for all projects [some projects are small enough that they don't justify the extra overhead]
– hack job [not solutions to fix a problem quickly that could lead to hard to maintain code]
RAD OO IS:
– Fast
– DRY [Don't Repeat Yourself]
– Maintainable

Actually, most of my notes appear to be straight from the slides, so I won’t bother repeating them.
A quick Google search finds the presentation online in other places. This version is apparently from Web Maniacs 2008.

I got a lot out of this presentation, and plan to take the automation ideas and find places I can use them for my client.

Michelle’s aunt moved this weekend, so we offered to take Mary off their hands for the weekend.  This gave them the ability to pack/unpack without having to entertain 10 yr old Mary, and gave us the opportunity to entertain Mary for the weekend.  We really like her, and she really likes to come over, so it worked out great!  She has had a good time.  I found a used eyeToy for the PS2 at gamestop and she has had a lot of fun being part of the video game.  I figure it is almost as much exercise as going out and playing or something, so… good enough!  She goes home tomorrow .  It has been fun having her around!

My weekend has been very productive in the garage as well!  I built a table on wheels.  It is a little over 3 ft by 5 ft.  The table top is about 3’6″ off the ground, which is a perfect height for me to work at.  The original goal was to build something that could store plastic tote bins.  Michelle has 10 of them with school materials in them, and they are taking up quite a bit of room in the garage.  I want to get everything off the floor.  So anyway… after I started building this, I realized that i didn’t just want some small shelf, I wanted a nice workbench to use for other stuff after we get rid of Michelle’s boxes…  So this table is solid. Very solid.  The only part I cheaped out on is the table top, which is made from scraps I had laying around.  When it falls apart, I will but a good piece of plywood for the top.  I also covered the top in vinyl to protect it and keep it clean(ish).  The legs are 4×4′s.  The frame for the top is 2×4′s.  I am very happy with how this came out.  I added a thinner shelf about 8 inches off the floor and used a 1/4 inch piece of plywood as it’s top.  I have already put half of michelle’s boxes on that shelf.  I am still using the top as a workbench.  I figure I will be done with most of my projects at the end of the weekend, so I will put the rest of michelles boxes on top of it then.

Speaking of other projects… I also finished hanging my other shelf over the garage door.  I spent a good bit of time organizing things and am pretty impressed with how things are going.  I am so sore! lol.  My neighbor has been a good inspiration for a lot of this.  We seem to push each other to work on our projects…  This weekend, he helped me by going with me to Lowes since I don’t have a truck for the lumber.  He also helped me hang the shelf over the garage door.  It was a lot easer with two tall people.  We also loaned each other a couple of tools and I helped him shovel some sand that he got for one of his landscaping projects in the backyard.  I will spend a few hours tomorrow organizing and cleaning the garage.  Then all I will have on the floor will be our to garbage cans!

I might post pics later…

my blog is starting to get comment spam… they really, really want me to buy INSERT NAME OF USELESS EXPENSIVE DRUG HERE…

eh… I really don’t have anything else to say…