(21st September) - Adding tables to the example website

Today, we were to add tables to our websites from the example 'Northwind Traders' example database from Microsoft Access. To start with, we had to add the database file into the website folder so it can be used from the database explorer toolbar. I clicked 'Add Connection' on the Database explorer toolbar, then chose the 'Northwind Traders' example database from the file explorer and clicked 'open'.

Due to problems with blogger.com, I can't add any more pictures to this post, but during the class, this is what we done:
We had now opened the database into VWD, so we could use the 'Database explorer' bar on the right hand side of the screen, where we could see all the tables of the database, and drag and drop one onto one of the pages on the website.
For my example, I chose to use the 'Products' table and place it on the 'Products' page.
I then used the 'Autoformat' tool to change the look of the table and to change what appears on the table and to add functionality, such as the ability to edit records, sort records and highlight records.
We also learned of the problem of deleting records. If we add this functionality and try to use it when previewing the website using an internet browser, we get an error message because the system does not allow us to delete records since it is a relational database, meaning records are related to other tables, and deleting them would affect them too - the referential integrity would be affected.
Finally, I used the 'hyperlink' tool to provide a link into each of the tables that I had created.

(19th September 2007) Northwind Traders example website - finished design

This is how the finished design looks previewed in MS Internet Explorer.
Missing from the earlier post about how exactly I created the design is pictures and information about how I created the hyperlinks, how I copied and pasted the design template into the other blank pages and how I added a new link to the other pages so that you can return to the index page from the Categories, Customers, Orders and Supplier's pages.

(19th September 2007) Northwind Traders example website

The website was to be created using Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005. On launch of program, I clicked on 'New Website', and then chose 'ASP.net Web Site' as a blank template to use.

To set the layout for the website, I chose to create a table by clicking on the layout toolbar at the top of the program and then clicked on 'Insert Table'. I chose a table with 2 columns and 2 rows. A space for a logo, a title, a navigation bar and a main space for data.

To add the logo into the table on the lop-left cell, I clicked on 'Add Item' on the toolbar then 'Add Existing Item'. In the file explorer, I chose a .jpg logo that I had created earlier. I dragged and dropped this into the table cell. I then right-clicked on the cell and changed the properties of the cell so that the logo could fit.

Then, I added a title, highlighted it and right-clicked to show editable properties. I changed the colour of the text to match the colour scheme of the logo. I then added some text to represent the other pages of the website on the bottom-left cell to form a navigation bar, which I would later add hyperlinks to. I also added some text to the main bottom-right cell - the main cell for displaying information about each page.

I then previewed the design on a browser to see if everything was looking as it should. VWD uses a WYSIWYG design view so nothing looked any different.

After seeing the previewed design, I decided I would change the background colour of the cells on the left, to improve the aesthetics and also to distinguish between the two sides of the website (eg. so the navigation bar appears to be separate from the main bottom-right cell.

Then, I created 3 new blank pages for each category of data, like in the database switchboard. The solution explorer shows all of these pages (.htm).

I have more pictures and information about how I finished it but unfortunately blogger.com isn't great and if you make any mistakes like deleting pictures whilst your trying to move other pictures around, it's saves the draft as it is before you can undo it and you can't get the stuff back.

19th September 2007

By the end of this class, I aim to have completed a 3-page Northwind Traders example website and explain how I created it and to include screenshots.

12th September 2007

We were asked to use GIMP, a graphics software to create diagrams for the waterfall and prototype system development models. I found it very difficult to use it and after a long time using it, I had created a diagram, but could not figure out how to add hand-drawn arrows. To save myself a lot of time and effort, I just used Microsoft Word to create the diagrams. I've attached pictures of them on the left.

(The Waterfall diagram on the top-left is wrong.

Maintenance and Review should be swapped around)

A2 5th September 2007

Our first homework was to write a letter from the future thanking Mr.Barr for the support he provided and the work I did which contributed to my achievement of a grade A at the A2 exams.
I wrote about how I made sure my work is always high quality and that it was brought in on time . I also wrote about how I made sure I met all coursework deadlines were met, kept a good attitude to work, was punctual to classes and put a lot of effort into work in class and at home.
I also thanked Mr.Barr for all the extra time he spent outside normal class times helping us with coursework problems and how he made lessons interesting and stimulating and thanked him for career advice.

Our second homework is to complete a summary of the waterfall model and prototype for next Monday.