Recent Posts

2276

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 25, 2011, 09:13 AM »

Charging for vowels is just one way in which the program gives a nod to the old Wheel Of Fortune game.  Another is the fact that it offers WOF bonus puzzles (i.e., "Same Name", "Before & After", etc.)  At the beginning of the first game, you have no points and so must guess at least one correct consonant before being able to afford a vowel.  As games continue, vowels become more expensive.  The idea is that clever players will use letter-frequency knowledge and context to guess the most likely consonants first (s, t, r), thereby saving themselves point expenditures.  As your post suggests, you could take a different stance.

A more practical reason not to change it is that people who are already playing the game with the existing charges-for-vowels setup would be handicapped in comparison to later users who used a version that doesn't charge for vowels.  It would skew scoring, as recorded on the online database.  But your point is well-taken, sir.

Also, how come I have to toggle between keyboard and mouse in the settings? When I click on the button to guess a letter, instead of popping up a box telling me that I have keyboard guess method selected, why not just guess the letter?

An excellent observation, Deozaan!  Why introduce unnecessary work for the user?  I have implemented it in v1.0.3.0.  The program now automatically accepts either form of input.

Everyone should use "About"->"Update" to update to the newest version.  Thanks, Deozaan!!

2277

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: Gentlemen (and Ladies), Start Your Engines!!

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 25, 2011, 08:35 AM »

Awesome, Crush!

2278

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 10:00 PM »

LOL!  About 30 seconds after my previous post, I get this from the other host:

Hello,

Administrator review of domain kyrathaba.netii.net is now complete. The website has been approved. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused.

2279

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 09:58 PM »

Got irritated with lame host, so switched.  By the way, the only reason I'm not using DC as host is I can't get my scripts to work correctly here (though they have worked fine on three other sites I tested).  Will eventually get this figured out.

Important: those who've downloaded and installed the program already, you should click "About" and then the "Update" button.  The program should tell you there's an update available (v1.0.2.9) and will offer to download it.  You should respond "Yes".  It'll download it, and exit the current app instance after opening the directory to which you downloaded it.

Install v1.0.2.9, which contains a couple minor tweaks, and switches to a new host for the database.  All existing registered users data has been successfully migrated.

2280

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 08:16 PM »

Normally, the program checks at the end of each play-session and, if your accumulated score is the highest yet (on your local PC), it sends it to the database.

In view of the possibility of occasional interruptions in website service, perhaps I need to add a "submit high score" menu item to the game, so that users can do this manually at anytime.

2281

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 08:14 PM »

I just tried it from my kids desktop, and they're blocked too.  And I haven't yet received the "We're done reviewing" email I was promised earlier this afternoon.  Hopefully, this'll be over in the next bit.  If it becomes a standing problem, I'll move the database elsewhere...

2282

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 08:09 PM »

Could it perhaps be a browser cache issue?  Dunno.  You're probably more knowledgeable about this than am I...

2283

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 08:06 PM »

Very odd.  I'm able to access them (using Firefox):

2284

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / N.A.N.Y. 2012 Brainstorming, Suggestions, General Discussion

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 07:17 PM »

This thread is for brainstorming ideas for pledges.  Feel free to ask any questions regarding the 2012 NANY event.  Valuable suggestions always show up on these threads each year during NANY, as more experienced programmers weigh in with advice.  You can also feel free to post a Pledge-Request here, asking for a particular sort of program to be entered.

2285

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 06:23 PM »

It's done reviewing.  You should have access now.

2286

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 12:09 PM »

Curses!  Hamradio has beaten my High Score!

2287

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 08:55 AM »

Registered user-names aren't locally affected by updating to a newer version of the hangman program, because they are stored elsewhere than the app's Program Files subfolder.

2288

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 07:24 AM »

Perhaps we should call early releases differently than the final releases.. like "NANY 2012 Pledge and Early Beta"?
Because "official" NANY releases shouldn't happen until the end of the year

Agreed.  Updating this in the Ground Rules thread.

2289

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 07:21 AM »

hamradio,

Thank you for downloading and trying it out, and for the bug report!

Here is what should happen (I've modified the code in the double-click method for the animated hangman.  Try uninstalling, then re-installing after re-downloading the updated setup file):



Let me know if that solves it for you.  If not, I'll take out that code, as there are plenty of other ways the program provides to launch an email to the developer.  

Expected result: clicking the animated hangman should do nothing.  Double-clicking it should launch your default email program and insert my email address and a subject line.

Again, thanks!

2290

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: Gentlemen (and Ladies), Start Your Engines!!

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 24, 2011, 07:08 AM »

Whatever gets posted to the DC blog gets automatically posted to the facebook page, twitter, and friendfeed.

Aha!  Good deal!  Thanks, app!

2291

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: Gentlemen (and Ladies), Start Your Engines!!

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 23, 2011, 08:05 PM »

I've shared the launch of this year's NANY on my Facebook page.  We should probably do the same on DC's page.

2292

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Pledge & Early Beta: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 23, 2011, 07:45 PM »

Nah, it's gonna be a labor of love.  I could never produce anything I'm proud enough of to actually release in just 5 hours...

And its up to 50 25 hours.  If I can do it in 5, great  

In considering your advice, mouser, I've lowered the hours-of-coding on offer.

2293

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: NANY 2012 Ground Rules & Goals

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 23, 2011, 07:42 PM »

Yep!  Everybody GIT 2 IT! 

BTW, I updated my OP above to include a template people can use for submitting their Pledges/Releases.

2294

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / NANY 2012 Release: Kyrathaba's Hangman

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 23, 2011, 07:24 PM »

NANY 2012 Entry Information

Important News-Flash!	My program, Kyrathaba's Hangman, allows you to register a user-name.  If you do, the High Score on your particular installation of the application will always be sent to the online database. For the Highest Scoring DC member, as found here, I will donate up to 25 hours of programming for FREE on a small to mid-size project of your choice!!  I reserve the right to determine what is within my skills, however.  The top-three high-scoring DC members will receive an additional prize from the site. I reserve the right to throw out a score that has obviously been obtained through some hack: being intimately conversant with the program's level of difficulty, I have a keen idea what's humanly possible. On the last day of each month between now and the culmination of the NANY 2012 event, I will donate $5 DonationCredits to the highest scorer showing on the scoreboard, provided that the scorer is a DC member.  Visitors who may be reading this: join now!  The first disbursement will be on July 31st, the final one December 31st.  That's an opportunity for someone to win up to $30, not to mention bragging rights!
Application Name	Kyrathaba's Hangman
Version	1.0.4.5 (released 8/21/11)
Short Description	competitive Hangman with prizes for highest scorers (see blog entry)
Supported OSes	Windows XP forward
Setup File	A link to the Setup program {will check for absence of .NET Framework 4.0 and download if needed} (1.41 Mb)
PAD file URL	http://kyrathaba.dcm...tups/hangman_PAD.xml
System Requirements	.NET Framework 4.0 installed
Author Info	coded by kyrathaba | Profile page | Kyrathaba DC page | author of Kyrathaba's Source Code Line Counter. My past NANY entries include: Crocus Contacts, Blackjack, and NANY Excuse Manager.
Description	This was a project I did for the Boss Assignment of C# Programming School, Phase I.  I liked it so much that I continued to develop it, eventually bringing in cranioscopical for some expert testing.  I owe him a debt for the many bugs he made me aware of; and to mouser I say "thank you" for encouraging me not to give up in learning enough PHP to build the online scripts and database to implement my desired features-set. Destined to replace time wasted by people watching "Wheel Of Fortune"! -- PC Magazine. What!  This program is FREE!??  A crime, that's what it is!  Someone slap the developer around until he starts showing some sense and charging for this gem of genius! -- Gamasutra
Features	+ choose between an Individual Word or a Phrase, and try to solve before you are hanged! + optional audio cues + option to register a user-name with online database, so that you can submit your High Score and compete against all other players! + option to use mouse or keyboard for input + Highest Scorer, as recorded on the online database will receive free coding of a small-to-medium sized project of his/her choice! + ToolTips and context-sensitive help for each control in the application's interface I would appreciate suggestions for future features of the program. Please consider donating.
Screenshots	screenshot collage
Online Help	http://kyrathaba.dcmembers.com/my_programs/KyrHangmanSetups/HangmanHelp.pdf
Installation	Simply use the installer created by Inno Setup
Using the application	The GUI is fairly intuitive.  However, there is a textual help file under the "Help" menu, and a more in-depth PDF help file (with screenshots) available via the F1 key.
Uninstalling	Use the uninstall Program Files menu-item.
Known Issues	What?  You mean like bugs?  None (but please make me aware of any that you may find...)

2295

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / NANY 2012 Ground Rules, Submission Template & Goals

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 23, 2011, 05:31 PM »

NANY 2012 Ground Rules

• Pledges MUST be submitted no later than December 30, 2011, 11:59:59 GMT.  The clock is ticking...
• Your pledged application must be brand-spanking new (to the world, if not to you); it cannot be an update of a previously released app
• You reserve the right to withdraw a pledge; but please try to avoid this: it's a let-down, and careful thought beforehand can usually avoid the need
• You can release teaser descriptions of your pledged app, to garner feedback
• You may also release full-blown early betas of your app, to allow for beta-testing and more in-depth feedback
• It is permissible for two or more participants to submit similar or even nearly identical (in terms of function) apps: it's a competition, after all!
• You may enter more than one app, but I would discourage anyone from attempting more than two: think quality, not quantity.  That said, if you can enter more than two and assure thoroughness, go for it.  The emphasis here is on not over-extending yourself
• You may enter a group pledge, in which two or more DC members team-up in the software-development cycle.  Be sure to announce it as such
• It should go without saying that your app should avoid any racial slurs or pornographic content or innuendo, although it can make fun of mouser...

When you're ready to make a pledge, simply post a new topic in this section, with the title:
"Pledge: {app name}"

If you're posting an early beta-release for testing, title your post
"NANY 2012 Pledge {app name} and Early Beta"

Only your final release should be titled:
"NANY 2012 Release: {app name}"

You should use the following template for your pledge details, leaving out details that are not yet available.  My advice is that you copy this text and use it in your Personal Area, where you can edit/modify your post until you're satisfied with it, without others' seeing; then, when you're happy, copy/paste it into a new topic here:

[Select]

[center][size=12pt][b][url=https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?board=304.0]NANY 2012[/url] Entry Information[/b][/size][/center]

[table]

[tr][td][b]Application Name[/b][/td][td][b] My App Name goes here...[/b][/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Version[/td][td] 1.0.2.8 (replace with YOUR app's version info...[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Short Description[/td][td]insert a brief phrase that'll grab people's attention about your program[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Supported OSes[/td][td] Windows XP forward (replace this description as needed...)[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Setup File[/td][td] [url=http://kyrathaba.dcmembers.com/my_programs/KyrHangmanSetups/KyrHangman1028Setup.zip]replace the link with your own url...[/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td]System Requirements[/td]
[td]
list any special requirements here...[/td][/tr]
[tr]
[td]Author Info[/td]
[td]might wanna insert a link to your profile page, your website, etc., here...[/td]
[/tr]

[tr]
[td]Description[/td]
[td]
Very important that you try to give an engaging description of your program here...[/td]
[/tr]

[tr]
[td]Features[/td]
[td]
list some of your app's prominent features...[/td]
[/tr]

[tr]
[td]Screenshots[/td]
[td]
you can insert inline images, or url links to online images here...
[/td]
[/tr]

[tr]
[td]Installation[/td]
[td]installation instructions go here...[/td]
[/tr]

[tr]
[td]Using the application[/td]
[td]
Any special pointers about using the app should go here...[/td]
[/tr]

[tr]
[td]Uninstalling[/td]
[td]
instructions for uninstalling go here...
[/td]
[/tr]

[tr]
[td]Known Issues[/td]
[td]
insert known issues here...
[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]

NANY 2012 Goals

Last year, there were a total of 48 Pledges.  Our goal this year is an even 50.

Last year, there were 34 apps released (6 of them late).  Our goals this year are 40 releases (5 or fewer late-releases).

Last year, there were a total of 8 withdrawn Pledges.  Let's shoot for 6 or fewer this go-round!


As we gear up and the posts begin to gain momentum, consider showing your support, and giving encouragement, to those Pledges you admire or have high hopes for, by giving a donation to the coder behind it.  Even if you donate a fraction of a dollar, at least that coder received some acknowledgment of their hard work, and will think "Hmm, someone is paying attention...."  This can be critical, as many coders have busy lives and it's a struggle to find the time to pump out a decent app.

If, at any time, you have a concern, question, or suggestion regarding this year's NANY competition, feel free to PM me here on the forum.

2296

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: Gentlemen (and Ladies), Start Your Engines!!

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 23, 2011, 03:13 PM »

Thanks, cranioscopical! 

2297

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Re: Gentlemen (and Ladies), Start Your Engines!!

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 22, 2011, 09:51 PM »

Volunteer?  Who said anything about this being voluntary?  Somehow, mouser has taken control of my laptop remotely and is holding it hostage until I comply (dang it's hard doing all this from that old Win98 machine...)

No, seriously, I'm very pleased to help, and mouser has been gracious enough to give me the opportunity.  I appreciate your comment, Deozaan, and look forward to the next six months worth of excitement and anticipation 

2298

N.A.N.Y. 2012 / Gentlemen (and Ladies), Start Your Engines!!

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 22, 2011, 09:18 PM »

N.A.N.Y., which stands for New Apps for the New Year, is an annual event here on DonationCode.com where we challenge coders of all experience levels to release a brand new FREEWARE / DONATIONWARE application to celebrate the coming of the new year.


That's right!  It's not too soon to begin revving your engines in preparation for the N.A.N.Y. 2012 Event!  In recognition of this, let me first pay due homage to Perry Mowbray, who has done a fantastic job bringing everything together cohesively (and immensely enjoyably) in past N.A.N.Y. events.  My hat's off to you, Perry.

Perry will be assuming a less demanding role in this year's contest, due to other obligations, and I have stepped up to help out, so let me welcome all who plan to enter the event, and encourage you to be working hard on those apps (if you aren't already).  Perry, Mouser and I will be working together, but I will assume lead responsibility for coordinating the event (yes, I'm aware that I'm a bit crazy).

Please begin thinking about the role you'd like to play in this year's event, and be thinking about your contributions to upcoming threads in this section, where we'll be discussing Ideas for Entries, allowing Early App Submissions, in order to take advantage of a longer period of feedback/testing, and much, much more.

I am very STOKED about this year's event.  In the next few days, expect to see a thread or two begin to appear, as mentioned above.  Also, be expecting ...

...a little something special from Yours Truly: an early app submission around which I hope some competitiveness and one or more prize winners may arise...

2299

Living Room / Re: Dropbox Left User Accounts Unlocked for 4 Hours Sunday

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 21, 2011, 08:05 PM »

SpiderOak is the way to go (at present, at least).  If you decide to try it, there are several of us here on DC who have referrer-links and would benefit by your using them.  Mine is here, but to be honest I don't really need more space (could use, but don't need).  Someone else feel free to post their link.

2300

Developer's Corner / Re: [PHP] Variables in array to int ?

« Last post by kyrathaba on June 19, 2011, 07:56 PM »

Rather than the following...

[Select]

$num = (int)$str;

...you need something like this...

[Select]

$num = intval($str);

The former looks more like casting in C#.