Ambrosian Scripture

DLinq is an ORM

Ambrose — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 22:26:00 GMT

I just ran across this thread on TSS.NET. I found it somewhat curious that there is a Microsoft guy on there claiming that DLinq is not an ORM. While I don't doubt there's a way to construe the definition of ORM to make it not true (as the MS guys seems to try), I think that's counterproductive and just plain silly. As one of the commenters said, it looks and feels like an ORM, so why not just call it that?

At the MVP Summit, it was confirmed that LINQ will support extensibility into third-party tools via expression trees. The problem is first that they don't have that stuff documented and second that they plan to change it. This was gleaned in a session on DLinq where the product team was looking for feedback. They're very concerned about getting feedback, as Dinesh has illustrated, about DLinq, but I think that they need to first focus on getting their API for extending LINQ (a la expression tree structures and the like) solidified and documented ASAP.

On that note, I've talked to Paul Wilson here at the ASPInsiders Summit about DLinq and the aforementioned blog by Dinesh. Both of us have written ORMs, and both of us have commented on Dinesh's blog. However, you'll note, neither of our comments have shown up. I'm not sure what that's all about, but if you have feedback for the LINQ or DLinq team, you can post it on this post on dotNetTemplar, and I'll make sure that the related teams are aware of it. Now is the time to give your feedback on these products as they are early enough in the design cycle and are focused on that feedback.

Project Rally: Episode II

Ambrose — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 02:41:00 GMT

Not for the feint of heart...

Moving Blog...

Ambrose — Wed, 27 Oct 2004 22:46:00 GMT

For those of you strange enough to read my musings, I invite you to meander on over to my new blog. That will be my primary pad for communication with the rest of creation going forward.

NUnitAsp and NUnit 2.2 Don't Get Along

Ambrose — Tue, 19 Oct 2004 22:33:00 GMT

NUnit (well, NUnitAsp, actually) just ran me for a loop. I had not loaded this particular test project for a while (since I upgraded to NUnit 2.2), and when I tried to load it up, I got the following:

System.IO.FileNotFoundException: File or assembly name nunit.framework, or one of its dependencies, was not found.
Server stack trace:
   at System.Reflection.Assembly.GetExportedTypes()
   at NUnit.Core.TestSuiteBuilder.Build(String assemblyName, Int32 assemblyKey)
   at NUnit.Core.TestSuiteBuilder.Build(String projectName, IList assemblies)
   at NUnit.Core.RemoteTestRunner.Load(String projectName, String[] assemblies)
   at System.Runtime.Remoting.Messaging.StackBuilderSink.PrivateProcessMessage(MethodBase mb, Object[] args, Object server, Int32 methodPtr, Boolean fExecuteInContext, Object[]& outArgs)
   at System.Runtime.Remoting.Messaging.StackBuilderSink.SyncProcessMessage(IMessage msg, Int32 methodPtr, Boolean fExecuteInContext)
Exception rethrown at [0]:
   at System.Runtime.Remoting.Proxies.RealProxy.HandleReturnMessage(IMessage reqMsg, IMessage retMsg)
   at System.Runtime.Remoting.Proxies.RealProxy.PrivateInvoke(MessageData& msgData, Int32 type)
   at NUnit.Core.TestRunner.Load(String projectName, String[] assemblies)
   at NUnit.Util.TestDomain.Load(String testFileName, String appBase, String configFile, String binPath, String[] assemblies, String testFixture)
   at NUnit.Util.TestDomain.Load(NUnitProject project, String testFixture)
   at NUnit.Util.TestLoader.LoadTest(String testName)

Now, initially I thought it'd be something to do with my project references, even though that didn't really make sense, so I tried removing my nunit.framework reference and readding. No luck. But thanks to Google, I saw the words "NunitAsp" and thought, "aha! that must be it.. I'll just go get the latest version of NUnitAsp and install it."

No beans. Apparently the good folks developing that project haven't bothered to rebuild with the new version of NUnit. So, after pondering the problem for a minute, I decided to just go get an old version of NUnit and stick it in the GAC. After all, that's what it's for, right? Running multiple versions of the same product?

So I went to NUnit's site on sourceforge and blundered around a bit (I only go there to download stuff occassionally) and finally came back to NUnit.org, where they nicely offered the older (2.1) version for download as MSI or source.

Since I only wanted the framework DLL (and not another GUI et al), I downloaded the source zip first, hoping they included a built DLL (to save me the trouble of building it). Uh uh.. So I tried MSI.. nope, that won't install over a newer version.

SO, back to the source zip. Unzip, open in VS, build in Release mode, and then drag-n-drop the nunit.framework.dll to the GAC.

Joy, rapture, etc. etc., the old NUnit test project now opens and runs fine. I guess this goes to show, in case we didn't know it, we still can run into DLL versioning problems, especially when we're dependent on 3rd parties. All in all, it was no big deal, but it was a tiny bit frustrating. Now if only the nice NUnitAsp people will update their build.

Updated Advice on ASP.NET Security Issue

Ambrose — Fri, 08 Oct 2004 00:59:00 GMT

As directed here, you need to go to this page to get the latest on the recently-discovered ASP.NET vulnerability. Microsoft has now released an HTTP module that should protect the apps on your servers, and it has a handy installer to make it easy for you. They have been working hard over the last week to make this tool as easy and solid as possible. If you have any problems, please let them know.

Just Doing My Part

Ambrose — Wed, 06 Oct 2004 20:26:00 GMT

Trying to help spread the word...

http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/aspnet.mspx

Your Servers are at Risk!

Ambrose — Wed, 29 Sep 2004 14:32:00 GMT

If you are running applications on IIS 5 or 5.1 and have not run the IIS Lockdown tool and installed URLScan, you are just asking for trouble.

Please, for the sake of your clients, self, and company, be sure to at least do these simple steps to further secure your web servers. These things are so easy to do, you have no excuse.

While you're at it, check out the IIS 5 security checklist!

Event Handler Declarations in Whidbey

Ambrose — Wed, 15 Sep 2004 15:32:00 GMT

Teemu and Andy have started an interesting discussion about event handler declarations in ASP.NET Whidbey, particularly relating to VS/VWD 2005. Since I originally voted on the bug report that started it, I thought I'd chime in with further clarification for my part.

First of all, I think I may have misunderstood what Teemu was saying when he directed me to the bug report. I was under the impression that it was stuffing the actual handler methods inline in the ASPX (in a server-side script block) instead of in the code separation file. Since I'm lazy (err.. efficient), I haven't bothered actually testing it out. :) I hope we can all agree that this would be a bad thing, and that's what I was thinking when I acquiesced and voted. I still think the report indicates that, but based on Andy's comments, I'm not so sure.

Anyways, I would still suggest that the designer can only be responsible for the initial declaration, i.e., where we first say "hey, I want to handle x event for this control." At that point, it knows exactly where in the control hierarchy that the control is, so it should be able to correctly attach the event in code for us.

Typically, we are talking about a top-level control, so it's a simple matter of myControl.MyEvent += new MyEventHandler(this.DoMyEvent); in the OnInit method (or Handles myControl.MyEvent, if you prefer). However, let's say it's in a repeater template. In that case, it can create an ItemCreated handler in which it attaches the appropriate event handler in code for each item. In any case, if you move the control in the hierarchy after the fact, I don't think the designer should adjust it for you (simply because I tend to think it would screw up).

Having said all of that, the ASP.NET model has grown ever more towards putting controller code into the ASPX tags with this new version. I used to be something of a purist when it comes to separating UI design from control, but I think I have to move on, since that is the direction of things. More often than not, going with the flow makes your job easier, so instead of raging against the machine, I will just become one with the borg. After taking that plunge, it is easy to see that letting ASP.NET parse out my event handler hookups is the easier way to go. At least, if we can't agree on anything else, we should be consistent.

VS Live! Community Lounge

Ambrose — Mon, 13 Sep 2004 19:57:00 GMT

Just a heads up to VS Live attendees. If you have any problems that have been bugging you for a while, or if you just want to hang out, stop by the "community lounge" in the exhibition hall and have a chat. The times are as follows:

Monday, Sep 13, 2004: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, Sep 14, 2004: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Evening Reception)
Wednesday, Sep 15, 2004: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Hope to see you there!

Pimp My Ride!

Ambrose — Sun, 12 Sep 2004 23:08:00 GMT

So I finally took the plunge and forked over the dough for some custom rims on my 6th generation Celica (much better looking than the 7th!). After a few hours, the look of the ride is sooo much nicer. Check it out here!

OT: Ambrose and Frances Get Acquainted

Ambrose — Sun, 05 Sep 2004 20:47:00 GMT

So I'm actually in the worst of the hurricane so far (here where I live). Winds up to 60mph, they say. I guess I'm lucky, being in a newer part of town, new apartments, and right near big power lines, so I haven't lost power yet. In any case, it's pretty amazing seeing the strong winds blowing the rain and trees around. A little earlier, I braved the storm to bring you some on-location coverage [Download ~1MB Movie]. You can see the wind starting to pick up a bit, but the video doesn't really do it justice. Being here in the midst of it, it really is impressive.

Of course, in any case, I'm not seeing the worst of Frances, and thankfully, she seems to not be doing so much damage as Charley. She's a lot bigger and slower, but the winds aren't nearly so bad. I don't want to make light of it for those who are losing badly in all this, but I think a lot of people are relieved. Nonetheless, there is still a lot of need, so if you feel moved to help the many people in Florida hurt by these last two hurricanes, you can help out here. Many companies, like my employer, are matching donations to help out the victims.

.NET 1.1 SP1 Killed my ASP.NET

Ambrose — Wed, 01 Sep 2004 20:39:00 GMT

Okay, so like a good Microsoft lover I install the service packs as soon as they're available if not before. I installed 1.1 SP1 to address a remoting bug. But now my ASP.NET apps don't run. I have to ask: Microsoft, where's the love? I give and give and this is what I get in return!?

Seriously, though, I'm getting Server Application Unavailable and Event Viewer reports:
Event Type:     Error
Event Source:   ASP.NET 1.1.4322.0
Event Category: None
Event ID:       1007
Date:           9/1/2004
Time:           4:11:23 PM
User:           N/A
Computer:       AMBROSE
Description:
aspnet_wp.exe could not be launched because the username and/or password supplied in the processModel section of the config file are invalid.

and

Event Type:     Error
Event Source:   ASP.NET 1.1.4322.0
Event Category: None
Event ID:       1084
Date:           9/1/2004
Time:           4:11:23 PM
User:           N/A
Computer:       AMBROSE
Description:
aspnet_wp.exe could not be started. The error code for the failure is 80004005. This error can be caused when the worker process account has insufficient rights to read the .NET Framework files. Please ensure
that the .NET Framework is correctly installed and that the ACLs on the installation directory allow access to the configured account.

Now, I thought, oh, they just reset the ASPNET account password, and since I'm using the "trusted subsystem model" with mirrored passwords, I have to reset it. So I went and set the ASPNET account password to the same used in my processModel element. No dice.

...time flies as I bang my head against a wall thinking "ARGH! They do too match!!"...

Well, it turns out that the ASPNET account got locked out. I guess my domain policy here gets applied to local accounts. I unlocked it and reset IIS, and voila, we're back in business.

Now, wouldn't it be nice if the service pack didn't reset the ASPNET account password? I think it's pretty safe to assume that someone applying a service pack already has installed ASP.NET, so it is not necessary to reset/recreate that account. Microsoft, please update your tools to not muck with my settings, especially when they're settings that you recommend in your PAG books.

The Perfect Service Redux

Ambrose — Tue, 17 Aug 2004 15:25:00 GMT

Those who read my last article introducing the so-called "Perfect Service" were promised a second part that delves into the dirty details that drive the device. The folks at 15Seconds.com have generously accommodated you and me by publishing that installment today.

If you condescend to peruse part the second, you will potentially unearth ultimately useful erudition that will help you apprehend arcane areas of .NET programming like Remoting, AppDomain programming, and Reflection. This increased intellectual acumen is offered by way of enlightening the black box bytes that make up the .NET Service Manager.

As always, I welcome comments and constructive criticism. Just post such here.

Off-Topic: Have You Seen Farscape?

Ambrose — Mon, 16 Aug 2004 16:53:00 GMT

A couple years ago, after I got the SciFi channel again, I decided to check out this series called Farscape. Since then, I have become an avid fan of the show. I don't know if I'd call myself a "scaper," but I suppose I am a scaper just as much as I am a trekker. I love the show.

This is by far the best sci-fi series ever. It is the most intelligent, most amusing, and most real of any that I have seen (and that's quite a few). The writing (the plots, the witty dialogue, and especially the character development) is par excellence. The acting of Ben Browder (John Crichton) and Wayne Pygram (Scorpius) is superb, and all of the regulars are great. The aliens are truly alien--they don't just seem like dressed up humans. The special effects, with few exceptions, are very believable, including the aliens, both the automated creatures (like Rygel and Pilot) and the humans in costume.

Did I mention the writing is exceptional? The characters are all individuals and are real (even the fully-automated creatures). The protagonists have believable interpersonal conflicts that don't seem conjured up solely for the purpose of superficial character development. The antagonists are many, and often are at odds with each other as well, yet we get insight into their motivations that often can make you sympathize with them. The best villain ever--Scorpius--is not one-sidedly evil and in fact seems to be driven by laudable motivations and always keeps you on your toes; well, he keeps the protagonists on their toes at least!

The universe is truly vast, not just in an abstract intellectual way (e.g., on a star chart), but in concrete ways. The characters are lost together, not knowing even how to get home but still finding familiar races and cultures even among aliens and places that are unfamiliar. They have "uncharted territorries" despite the fact that the main races (Sebacians and Scarrans) are very technologically advanced. You get the feeling of truly being lost in a huge universe, especially in the early seasons.

The wit and dialogue are just great. I can see how some people might not "get" it, but if you do, it can leave you in stitches. Much of it, obviously in later episodes, depends upon knowledge of the characters and the previous episodes, but that makes it all that much funnier because, just like when you have "inside" jokes with your friends that are hilarious, you know them and how amusing this or that can be. Where else do you get to see a super-villain (Scorpius) and good-guy (Crichton) duke it out in Easter bunny suits?? Their use of allusions to popular American culture (from Crichton) are well-placed, and John's American-ness is often the source of humor, especially when contrasted to the aliens he lives with.

Unfortunately, because there is true character and plot development, in order to really appreciate the series, you almost have to watch most of the episodes to really follow not only the humor but even the story. This may help explain why it has failed to garner as much viewership as it deserves--it does take some committment from viewers to grasp the series (the story) as a whole in order for it to truly be appreciated. However, this is not to say one cannot pick up and enjoy isolated episodes (like some of my favorites: "Crackers Don't Matter," "Scratch n' Sniff," and "Revenging Angel"); it's just that you get so much more out of them if you know the story and the characters.

It's because of all this that Farscape fans (now known as "scapers") were truly disappointed when the SciFi Channel decided it couldn't afford a 5th season. Since then, many of the fans banded together (a la savefarscape.com, watchfarscape.com, etc.) to save the show, to bring it back and finish the story that was cut short. Thanks to them, Farscape is returning for a mini-series on SciFi in October. My wife and I were delightfuly surprised when the SciFi first aired the teaser during the Stargate SG-1 season premiere (I wasn't involved in, or even aware of, the efforts to save it until recently).

Anyways, I could go on even longer about this great show. I wanted to post to spread the word because I think most technical people are intelligent enough to appreciate the show and often are already sci-fi fans. If you fall into that description, check Farscape out. You can find it in many Blockbuster stores, at many public libraries, and I'm sure at other DVD rental places. I for one get my fixes from Netflix. :) Remember, if you like it at all, try watching several episodes before giving up. It really grows on you.

The Perfect Service

Ambrose — Thu, 24 Jun 2004 17:17:00 GMT

Do you find creating Windows services in .NET cumbersome? Or do you find management of remote Windows services difficult? If so, the .NET Service Manager may be an answer to your problems. It provides super easy implementation of Windows service-like behavior without the need to build service installers or to understand the intricacies of Windows services. It allows you to deploy new services by XCOPY or drag-n-drop as well as update those services on the fly, and it will let you easily specify and use configuration files for each service that also can be updated on the fly.

For more in-depth information on this new facility (and to download it), check out my article at 15Seconds.com:

The Perfect Service - Part 1

You can post any comments or questions here.