Ben Allfree :: Painless Programming

Guaranteed results for your micro-startup from a web designer who knows the difference.

AJAX Frameworks: prototype, scr.iptaculo.us, jQuery, ExtJS

December 13th, 2008 · 1 Comment

I've used most of the JS frameworks out there. They all share a similar strength. They make complex cross-browser scripting easy. With them, you can hook into events, set timers, perform animations and transitions, create popups, and in general make the browser window behave like a desktop app.

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Ben founds Facebook Developer’s Garage of Santa Barbara

January 25th, 2008 · No Comments

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.

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To go fast, go slow

January 1st, 2008 · No Comments

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 [...]

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Platform-independent social framework?

December 20th, 2007 · 1 Comment

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 [...]

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Ben wins BlowfishWorks.com contract

November 12th, 2007 · No Comments

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

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Is it too late to clone Twitter?

November 10th, 2007 · No Comments

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 [...]

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cakePHP and Facebook

November 5th, 2007 · No Comments

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

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Ben announces OpenSocial services

November 2nd, 2007 · No Comments

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.

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