VBA: How to Start Scripting in MicroStation

Today we’re going to jump into the wildly specific world of MicroStation, which is yet another software that’s automatable with Visual Basic for Applications.

Python: How to Start Scripting in Blender

Today I’m rebooting an oldie—we’re going to run a short script to show how Python is a friggin’ delight in Blender. I have with me a boring old kitchen that I want to add a bunch of little lights to.

What is a GeoJSON File? And Can we Jerry Rig One with Python?

I’m a big believer of learning by disassembly and reassembly, so for today’s walk-through, we’re going to break open a GeoJSON file to see what falls out.

Javascript: How to Make a Simple Web Map

Today’s tutorial is a quick dive into the world of online mapping. We’re going to bounce in and out of different programs and services to do that, so be prepared to do some account set-ups/downloads. The good news is these all are free. You might get prompted for upgrades and such, but the base-level plans are no cost for small, non-commercial projects.

A basic understanding of HTML is helpful, but not necessary for this. If anything, JavaScript would be good to know; though, really if you’ve done any coding, you’ll know enough to modify the existing code for a functional map.

What the Heck are Pivot Tables?

Today’s going to be a bit of a cheat because GifGuide is still semi-on hiatus and Pivot Tables don’t involve code. They can, however, help you avoid coding in instances where you just want to summarize a massive pile of data.

No need for Python. No need for VBA. It’s just built into Excel.

Java: How to Handle Drawables

There are two options for drawables in Android Studio—the first is to inflate an image (PNG or JPGs) and the second is to define the drawing you want in an XML file. The XML route is what I’m looking at today.

Java: How to Use an Array in an App

Arrays have a beautiful way of condensing code. To put it simply, an array is just storage space. It’s a closet. You throw data inside, so that it’s easier to find and use later.

Java: How to Use an If/Else Statement

Last week we covered how toast happens in Android Studio. Today, we’re going to make it a tad more dynamic with an if/else statement. Going back to this Riddler App, I want to add hints for the user if they can’t guess the answer outright. Quick reminder, our test riddle was “What has a neck but no head?” Most people start guessing insects for that one (isn’t an earthworm basically all neck? you might argue), but the answer we’re looking for is “A Bottle.”

To keep the mystery alive, we’re going to keep hints semi-living creatures related. If a user hits the Hint button once, a toast message will pop out reading, “It has no fingers or toes either.” Otherwise, the toast will say, “And lives all over the world.”

Java: How to Add Toast to an App

Today’s tutorial is a continuation of How to Make a Genuinely Basic App.  All we’re doing is adding a method to give a new button a job. This is the coding equivalent to dipping a toe in the water so as to not become overwhelmed at the sheer horror of all the java inside a basic project in Android Studio.

The method of choice for our experiment—toast.

Java: How to Make a Genuinely Basic App

I’m back! After a short 14 month siesta, I’ve decided to change gears and pick up App design.

Don’t worry. Today’s tutorial is going to be extremely light on the coding because for the most part, we’re just generating a hoard of files with pre-written code. After that, this is going to be an exercise in strategically ignoring all but the most essential bits required to make an Android app. Our goal is to adapt a few key pieces of that code to lay the groundwork for java tutorials in the future.

Let’s get started.