Closed design and corrupted compiled code

So my current company supply packaged Lotus Notes applications, which get implemented with hidden designs. I'd made some design changes and applied them to the client's application, obviously having done the usual UAT testing and so on. Imagine my surprise when the production application started playing up.

With the customer's help, I was able to reproduce the effect and determine that the issue occurred only when applying the design with the "Hide formula and LotusScript" option checked, i.e. closed design. That got me to thinking about the nature of templates.

Templates contain both raw code and compiled code. When you replace the design so that it's closed, only the compiled code is used. It seems the compiled code was corrupted, which is why it worked with the open design but not the closed one.

That lead me to the solution. I had to recompile all the LotusScript to make sure the template contained the correct compiled code. That sorted the problem straight away. So hopefully this helps someone else.

Almost crochet ...?

Ok, so the crochet part is really just something that alliterated with code. I happened across a site called 'Cats who code' the other day, which just appealed to my funny bone. That got me thinking about what I'd call this blog when I eventually got down to writing. I figured I'd probably spend just as much time talking about my hobbies. Code and knitting just didn't roll off the tongue. So now you know.

In case you're wondering, I do enjoy crochet, but I'm finally getting into knitting. Just to prove it, I've taken a snap of a crochet square from one of my unfinished projects. It might have something to do with the wonderful climate here in Scotland. Knitting actually contributes to keeping my lap warm. Knitting on the tropical east coast of South Africa just wasn't practical. What with humidity of 110 half the year, and it being far too warm to actually wear anything I'd made.

I have to admit that I've usually got about 3 or 4 projects on the go at any given moment. It's in case I get bored with my current project. I can then pick up something else and get on with that instead. I thought I'd share some photos of a recently completed project. A pair of merino wool Norwegian socks. Admittedly started a year ago, but worth it. I've already worn them over 5 times this winter and they really kept my toes cosy with my sheepskin boots. Ah ... bliss ... warm feet!

The code part

So, if you've come back for more, then this post is going to be a brief history about the code part of this blog. If you've checked out my profile you'll have seen I'm currently a Software Engineer.

It seems I've always been interested in code. Probably got something to do with mixing logic and creativity. In almost every job I've filled there's been some form of coding that's slipped into my remit. So over 20 odd years of working I've managed to play around with languages starting from GWBASIC (wow) to AutoLisp, to VBA, to a number of other languages, and finally to LotusScript and a plethora of web based languages from CSS to XML.

Currently I'm working with Lotus Notes & Domino, but I'm also playing round with PHP whilst maintaining my company's website. As well as upgrading my Notes certification to R8/8.5, I'm also trying to get into Microsoft SharePoint within the next 2 months.

I'm hoping to post updates on things I come across code wise in my daily excursions. I might also post updates on my journey into SharePoint for anyone else also thinking of making the leap. Maybe some of you who've been there and done that can share on the experience too?

At last

It's time! I've been putting this off for years, with my most famous excuse being there's no time. After some thought, it's occurred to me that there will never be any time to do this, if I don't make the time.

Excuses over. Welcome to my blog. I won't make any promises I can't keep, so fair warning - I might not get to update this too often.

If you're wondering what this blog is going to be about, I've not really finalised that in my mind yet. Hence the odd blog title. I figured I'd just start and see where it took me, covering everything that's going on in my life for now, and seeing if anyone was up for a journey of discovery with me.

Here's to enjoying the ride!