- Posted by Ian Suttle on November 26, 2007
- Filed under Open Source | Social Networking
I'm having a dilemma... an OpenSocial host should conform to a standard set of data (title, id, updated), but there's nothing saying they won't add additional data (site specific, biz card) through added namespaces. From a wrapper point of view I don't know if there will be custom data or not, yet certainly an implementation of the wrapper may want some of this custom data. Do I only concern my efforts with the minimum, standard data, or would it be better to have custom types containing the custom data? If custom types is the right answer (or preferred answer) do we simply support the big names (MySpace, Orkut, Ecademy, etc)?
At the moment I'm only worrying about basic data. I'm probably getting ahead of myself as OpenSocial data APIs aren't even released yet. If you have any feedback on this idea please let me know!
- Posted by Ian Suttle on November 24, 2007
- Filed under Open Source | Social Networking
I created a release of the OpenSocial.Net C# wrapper available here https://www.codeplex.com/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ProjectName=OpenSocial&ReleaseId=8591. For non-release specific wrapper info check out http://www.codeplex.com/opensocial.
This release includes a basic People data API. I've added the sample web project to the release and have it available for preview at http://www.iansuttle.com/opensocial. If you have a chance to check it out feel free to discuss or report issues at htt://www.codeplex.com/opensocial.
If you're interested in helping out with this project let me know!
- Posted by Ian Suttle on October 30, 2007
- Filed under Open Source | Social Networking
Update: MySpace has announced themselves as a host for OpenSocial. That means you'll have access to their profile, friend, and activity info in addition to the impressive list of other hosts!
On Thursday Google will reveal OpenSocial (link live Thursday), their latest developments for the wild world of online social networking. They decided not to be just another kid on the block although they already were with Orkut I guess. This time around they've created an open API which other existing social networks will adopt. Google doesn't mess around though... we're talking about integration with sites like Orkut, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Ning, Hi5, Plaxo, Friendster, and Viadeo. The APIs will cover the following topics:
- Profile Information (user data)
- Friends Information (social graph)
- Activities (things that happen, News Feed type stuff)
The sites themselves will dictate how you can and cannot integrate with their systems.
Personally I can't wait. I've been interested in Facebook apps (Facebook has not adopted OpenSocial, yet), social networking platforms, the upcoming MySpace platform (I work for IGN/FIM so I'm bias), and I absolutely adore LinkedIn.
If you're interested in reading more check out these other posts on the topic:
Details Revealed: Google OpenSocial To Launch Thursday
Google-Led gang to take on Facebook
Google launches open APIs for social networks
- Posted by Ian Suttle on September 18, 2007
- Filed under General | Open Source
I love the lifelong learner approach to life. There isn't a soul on this earth who's "knowledgeable enough" or who's an expert at all things. God knows I fall very deep into that category. Software developers are lucky in this sense - there are seemingly endless resources available to learn more about a vast number of technologies and approaches.
Open source projects are one of my favorite ways to learn and expand my imagination. I find it almost exciting (nerd) to review open source implementations to see how the developers think and create. Open source projects also add a certain level of design validity - they're under the scope of the community who has the power to comment and improve upon the design.
One site I've been keeping my eye on over the past couple of months is DotNetKicks. If you aren't familiar with them I encourage you to take a peek. Basically DotNetKicks is the Digg of the .Net development niche. Back in July Gavin Joyce announced DotNetKicks had become an open source project. It took me a couple of months but last night I finally downloaded the source and began to dive in to check out the mechanics of the app. I was pleased by the overall organization of the solution, readability of the code, the use of tests, a multi layer approach, and clever integration of a few external open source projects.
If you're interested in continually growing your skill set you should consider going to school on others' hard work :).
