In response to "Inducing The Great Divide"

I've been thinking (like a lot of others) about how to manage my application data, in my particular case it's been around config values. I need a backend to store and retrieve the data, some kind of object or interface for user code to read/write the data, and some user interface to manage it all.

I found a blog post (whose title is included in mine) about this topic which seems to have mounted some interest; including mine. But then, it struck me. The data aware controls available in vcl is a great framework for getting data around easily. Only drawback is, it expects a database as backend, which in many cases is unrealistic or overkill. I would like to use ANY kind of data source, not just databases.

Meet ASProvider. It is the start of a framework to provide the data from any TObject derived class. The provided demo isn't worth much (yet) - but the unit tests should show some of the potential.

Then with a TASProvider.ProvidedObject := TMyObject.Create;

TClientDataSet.Provider := 'ASProvider1'; //or whatever name was used

I will have the public properties of TMyObject as fields in the data set and a single record whose field data will be synchronized with the object. A data set refresh needs to be done to reload if the data in the underlying object is changed, though. Any changes made to the data set that is applied will be propagated to the object.

I've also made a ASCollectionProvider with support for multiple records (the Collection Items).

This is all young code, but I'm really pleased with it so far.

My new server

Ok,

I got it almost a month ago now (my HP ProLiant DL185 G5) along with a "slim" version of rack cabinett (14U, on wheels ;c) which fits almost in my small office room.

And there's the issue; to have a rack server running in the same room as the one your supposed to work in... The NOISE! I mean... it's only fans, no reason to mimic a Boeing jet.. ?!

So, I'm going about to find some good sound proofing and perhaps build yet another case around the cabinett for extra sound reduction. Working from home, I'd prefer not to hear it from nearby rooms (like the living room lying on the other side of the wall). And no, I've not got any better place to put it. The only thing better would be not to have to run it at all (or have a tower server, which I guess would be quiter, but that wouldn't be the same...).

Should add some pictures of it, perhaps next time :c)

My first blog post, ever

Ok, this is my first post.. mainly due to the fact that there's an input field for a blog URL when signing up for a account at opensolaris.org.

Been thinking about it for a while though, to have a place to put down all ideas, thoughts and experiences.

So here it takes off.. see how far it'll go ;c)