Chaotic Java

It’s been a while, and some might be wondering what I’ve been up to.

Well, I have to say that work has been a bit tiring for sure; had many stressful deadlines for a long time now and while I never stopped having ideas for the Chaotic Java and never stopped writing them down, making code samples and unit tests for them, I did never find the time to make those final touches that make a post here something to be proud of.

(at least, something I could be proud of)

At the same time, I’ve started working on a board game for the iOS platform, called Firewall. I know, I know – “iOS? It’s not in Java! Use Android!”.. But for those who know me or keep up with this blog, it won’t be much of a surprise. I thought I’d make my first post in a while about this game, in fact, both because I think it’s an interesting game and because it’s free, and I know everyone love free stuff!

The game is a turn based board game for two players. It starts off as most board games do: each player has units, each unit has its own set of rules such as move forward, get a point when taking another unit etc. However, during the game players can change the core rules of the game by placing combinations of cards they draw in each turn, changing the balance of power not by moving their units but also by changing the meaning of the units as the game progresses!

I think it’s an interesting concept, even if I may say so myself. But there’s more to be done to make this game complete. And that’s why I ask you: go to the Firewall page, and see if you can do something to help.

Thanks a lot!

I always wanted to see and know what the people reading the blog actually thought of it.

I do know many come to Chaotic Java from Google, referring to it when needed if CJ has a popular answer on a certain topic. However, I really liked posts like the IDE Wars post, where people started a discussion in the comments area – it was something. That’s why I tried having an IRC day/week – which was fun but attracted only a couple of people.

Today I noticed something called “Google Friends Connect“, which is supposed to be an embedded version of the Open Social platform Google and other companies are developing. Obviously, with my luck, it’s probably going to be replaced in a few weeks with Google Wave, but until then – let’s enjoy a little social moment.

So, for your pleasure, the GFC widget, right here in Chaotic Java! Join through the top bar, comment through the comments widget, and connect (or something!)

[gfc gadget=review width=460px]

The Garbage Collection set of posts (Generations, Parallel and Concurrent, Tips and Memory Leaks) are ones that I am personally very proud of. First, they were very interesting to write, as the material is extremely interesting; second, a lot of people seemed to enjoy them, and found interest in reading them; and third, it seems that the first post was the most read post in the blog since November ’07, and that’s even more remarkable when considering that the post was published on December!

Because of the last reason, which showed me how much people love the garbage collection subject, I’ve asked my sister to draw a little comic panel discussing the issue. I find it amusing; my sister’s partner found it tragic. I wonder what you think of it!
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