Week #9 Challenge: Google Maps API in 52 Weeks Of Code

Written by kishore

[b]Put Your Company On the Map![/b]

[img]http://vhirsch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Google-maps_logo.gif[/img]

Challenge submitted by [member=arthurakay]

[b]Challenge:[/b] Use the Google Maps API to create an interactive map or mashup.

The Google Maps API has been around for a few years and is one of the more frequently used APIs offered by Google. The benefits of using the Google Maps API are obvious: it's free, simple to use, and (most importantly) visually impressive. In order to use the Google Maps API, you only need a basic understanding of HTML, CSS and JavaScript – so almost anyone involved in web development can find ways to use it!

[b]Ideas:[/b]
- Mark Your House
- Include your Avatar in your marker
- Create custom markers

[b]Ideas for Advanced Users:[/b]
– try adding the various map overlays (Traffic, StreetView, etc.)
– explore the GMap2() class methods (enableDoubleClickZoom, enableGoogleBar, etc.)
– try adding more than one location and marker

[b]Example:[/b] Adding a map to your website.
[code]






[/code]

In the example above, you will see that we create a 500×500 pixel map that has centered on the White House.

We use the JavaScript method getElementById() to locate the DIV element where the map will be rendered. We then provide the Google Maps API with the appropriate address for our map location, and finally place a marker on the map with an info window listing our company for the world to see.

To build your own map you need to do two things:
(1) you need to get your own API “key” [url=http://code.google.com/apis/maps/signup.html]here[/url] (If you're just testing this out on a file:// or localhost address, you don't need a key), replacing the “XXXXXXXXXX” in my example
(2) you need to replace the White House address with your own

[i](Note: Be sure to use the onload() and onunload() event handlers on the BODY tag – the map won't work correctly without them!)[/i]

[b]Resources:[/b]
– Google Maps API: [url="http://code.google.com/apis/maps/"]http://code.google.com/apis/maps/[/url]

View original post here:
Week #9 Challenge: Google Maps API in 52 Weeks Of Code

Mar
01

Let’s Talk Job Requirements in Corner Cubicle

Written by kishore

So recently I have been approach with a few job opportunities. After countless hours of shuffling through classified after classified ad – a tech recruiter presented this opportunity to me.

[quote]
TITLE: Front-end Web Developer, Internet

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Bridges the creative and technical aspects of
website creation and delivery. Responsible for all aspects of
Presentation
Layer development, including all front-end technologies.

Primary responsibilities include coding and QA of page templates and
special features, managing global styles/HTML build, plus staging
content
for site updates and special features.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build and manage pages & templates

Develop cross-browser/platform HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to match design specs for complex page layouts while adhering to code standards

Manage and extend codebase for javascript/dHTML

Develop and evolve code standards as site and market mature

Unit test completed pages for rendering on target platforms

QA rendering and functionality on defined target platforms

Extend CSS as needed to accommodate new data and display types

Stage site update content

Upload, manage and configure content assets

Manage links and redirects in featured content areas per site launch

Develop and stage special projects of varying complexity

Work with creative team to develop concepts for media and interactivity

Code, stage, and deploy custom non-template and/or rich media content as needed

Coordinate with outside resources on larger projects

Explore opportunities for incorporating AJAX/FLEX and other technologies to enhance the shopping experience

Support [company name here] growth and strategic direction

Support project or enhancement planning and scoping

Draft technical/functional specifications

Rapidly produce other interim deliverables (e.g. style guide components, browser analysis, prototypes, proofs of concept, etc.)

Keep up to date on emerging trends, technologies, and market developments;
help develop strategy to address opportunities and issues

Ensure absolute accuracy and high standards for detail throughout the production process

QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong site-build background with both technical and visual
expertise:

Ability to write validating code for xHTML, CSS Level 2, and
Javascript

Ability to write pixel-accurate code that accurately replicates a
designed
layout across a range of primary target platforms

Broad JavaScript experience: interactivity, forms, plug-in detects,
etc.

Working familiarity with current frameworks for Web 2.0 front-end
development

Rich media experience (Flash, video, etc)

Primary Requirements:

Deep knowledge and discipline around Web development best practices:

Write clean, well documented, modular and validating code

Leverage Web standards

Use CSS-P for Layout (not tables)

Knowledge of DOM programming

Experience with Cookies

Hands-on experience integrating flash into HTML; communication
between flash and html/JavaScript

Flash timeline experience required

XML fluency

Secondary Requirements:

Some working knowledge of JSP and CFML
Basic understanding or better of Java, Java Beans, EJBs and tag libraries

Action Script programming a plus

OOP experience ideal

Characteristics:

Collaborative, inclusive and flexible team member

Resourceful self-starter who gets things done

Highly organized with extreme attention to detail and strong brand sensitivity

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Creative problem-solver

Strong communication skills required

Good writing skills a plus

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Minimum 4 years hands-on site-building experience, with a focus on high-end brands or other
environment with very high standards for build

Experience integrating presentation layer to middleware via templating languages

Bachelors Degree preferred

Ecommerce experience a plus

REPORTS TO: Creative Director, Internet
[/quote]

Amazingly this job is all over the board in regards to web development. I mean I don't think they have excluded a single language or technology here.

Another company contacted me in regards to an IT position and that description (Which is for a city job) was also all over the board in regards to every possible job known to man in the IT field.

So for discussion and to have fun ragging on the dim witted HR departments who don't even know what any of these acronyms stand for or why they want someone to posses these abilities in the first place. I thought I would open up for discussion these types of job descriptions and what we as programmers can do to explain to HR you do not need to be an experienced Assembly language programmer to create a web page.

Continued here:
Let’s Talk Job Requirements in Corner Cubicle

Feb
24