Ben Allfree :: Painless Programming

⇒ Having an Opinion I believe in using the right tool for the job, just like you do. I am technology agnostic, just like you are. We are thinking people, not drones driven by marketing. But on this site, I have to stand for something and make a clear statement so you know what I'm about. [...]

Facebook recently invited Ben to found the Facebook Developer’s Garage, Santa Barbara chapter. The group focuses on current Facebook trends and techniques and seeks to build a local community for supporting the technology.

I’ve been working on a mobile video application for Facebook written in cakePHP.
The client recently asked how Agile relates to progress. Clients like to see a “big bang” at the beginning and I typically do not deliver it.
Why?
The answer has something to do with an Agile process embedded deeply in my brain. Agile encourages careful [...]

Here’s a fun thought: who is already working on a platform-independent social widget framework?
This would be something where you can target both Facebook and OpenSocial apps using the same common code base. Our last attempt ended up being pure Facebook because there just wasn’t enough overlap. It seemed easier to make the app twice and [...]

Ben will be working with BlowfishWorks.com on future products. Details are currently under NDA, but expect good things!

Several clients are interested in a Twitter clone. Part of the service I provide and the experience I bring is risk assessment. In this article, I talk a little about how to assess the business risks involved in your next project idea and how I can help.
A Twitter clone is a timely example. Each client [...]

If you’re writing a Facebook application, I think you should have a look at cakePHP.

Today, Ben announced support for OpenSocial application programming and consultation services.
OpenSocial is a new social networking application standard comparable to the Facebook API. Applications made using OpenSocial are expected to run on many social platforms including mySpace and SalesForce.