Winter Scripting Games: Profiles in Perfection
Rod Stewart
As part of the 2007 Winter Scripting Games the Script Center is profiling competitors who recorded a perfect score in the 2007 Scripting Games. Here, in his own words, is a little something about Rod Stewart, who received a perfect score in the VBScript Beginners Division.
Check out more Profiles in Perfection from the 2007 Scripting Games.
Rod Stewart
I first began programming 18 years ago using Applesoft BASIC on a Laser 128. After writing a few pointless games I began to use Linux extensively and fell in love with PERL. After migrating back to the Microsoft platform, I began searching for a language that could offer me the power, simplicity, and quick development time of PERL. VBScript was, of course, the solution I was looking for.
I am a Senior Infrastructure Analyst for Avanade, a global IT consultancy dedicated to using the Microsoft platform to help enterprises achieve profitable growth. I develop both scripts for internal project team use and scripts that will stay with the customer for continued administration and maintenance. Once completed, these scripts are uploaded to our internal knowledge base. Keeping that in mind, I try to make my scripts as reusable and modular as possible.
I have barely touched Windows PowerShell, but I do plan to participate in the PowerShell scripting games this year, as I can't think of a more fun way to learn the language.
Tips
| • | Write reusable code. Try to keep your scripts as streamlined as possible, with each task being performed solely in a subroutine or function. This not only enhances the readability of your code, it also makes it much easier to reuse a segment of code in the future. |
| • | Use an IDE. I personally prefer PrimalScript. You can use any IDE you like, but definitely use an IDE. Code highlighting, being able to run a script inside the editor without saving the file, auto-completion, and an integrated debugger all make it worthwhile. |
| • | Use Option Explicit. I had a (sleep-deprived) friend ask for help on a script that he had been troubleshooting for about forty-five minutes. I took a look at the script and noticed he had mistyped a variable name. Option Explicit would have made this error obvious, saving him a great deal of time. |
| • | Participate in forums and community discussions. Participating in forum conversations has two benefits: 1) The more help you give, the more likely you are to receive help when you really need it.; and, 2) Writing scripts to solve someone else's problem can be a very educational experience. |
