mkwayisi: What are those tools you combine to streamline your coding process?
Programmer's Notepad and Windows command scripts.

How do you handle requirements/deadline?
Honestly, I mostly miss them. If not, the code written getting to the deadline are all crap!

Agile or Scrum?
None. Probably, Waterfall.

Do you write tests before coding?
No.

TDD? Subversion?
Subversion. I think it's the most useful software ever developed. [Yes, I know there's something called git.]

How do you continue to improve on your skills?
Hanging around with people who are *always* better than me in everything except sucking.

What book will you recommend and why?
The Pragmatic Programmer - From Journeyman to Master. Because whenever I try to read it, I realize how bad my software really are.

Thanks bro!

Have heard so much about that book, the Pragramatic Programmer but haven't had time to read it yet. Hopefully soon, will pick it up.

^^

Thanks for the share!

You may want to refer to http://www.mountaingoatsoftware.com/topics/scrum for some overview of Scrum and Agile methodologies

The PROs in the house, please lets learn from you sir/ma's!

Currently a Jnr Software Developer but focuses mostly on Java (SE & EE), C# and picking up Scala bit by bit.

On my dev environment, have got the following tools:

Eclipse Juno
Notepad++
TortoiseSVN
vSphere Client
Netbeans
Maven
Filezilla (server & client)
VS 2010

... to mention a few.

How do you handle requirements/deadline?

Requirements are written down on a paper at first, then a mockup after, class diagrams and relationships if this is a new project. Then I decide which design patterns to adopt for the project. I always try to understand what stays the same and what will varies overtime... I do complete OOP, I try to separate my interfaces, abstract, inner and outer classes and methods right during the construction of the class diagrams etc..
Well, some might have noticed this is not the most elegant way of doing things hence the reason for opening this thread!

I try to keep myself abreast of deadlines, most time I don't meet them as they always want 1 millions work completed yesterday! So I ensured coding, testing all completed a day before deadline, then I can always go back to review the requirement against the deliverables...


Agile or Scrum?

Agile at the moment

Do you write tests before coding?

I try to write test before coding as this seems to be a good practise.. by doing this, I can limit the no of bugs introduce into the code etc..

TDD

Still learning TDD, seems a bit too 'high level' for now

Subversion

Yes, I prefer SVN. TortoiseSVN's my favourite. It helps alot when you have more than one developer working on a code. Other developers get to see where you are with your code and what changes you applied.

How do you continue to improve on your skills?

I try to read books, tech notes, api guide etc, you also can find me on Stackoverflow, conderanch etc when less busy.. It helps alot. Reading someone else's code and understanding their 'to & fro' has been of great help. I also try to write small tools/programs to automate some of my day to day tasks. For instance, if I'm importing a couple of documents into ECM, i'll rather look for the ECM connectors/api to see if they have an open port I can utilise.. the rest is history they say!

What book will you recommend and why?

Have read and still reading Code Complete 2, a very interesting book. Lots to learn from it. In addition, Head First In Design Patterns, a very good guide for a beginner looking to learn and understand Design Patterns. Thinking In Java is another lovely book you wouldn't get tired reading.


Looking forward to reading from you guys. Hopefully we can follow the format above

What are those tools you combine to streamline your coding process?

How do you handle requirements/deadline?

Agile or Scrum?

Do you write tests before coding?

TDD? Subversion?

How do you continue to improve on your skills?

What book will you recommend and why?

Please whatever you can share will surely help someone including myself.

I look forward to learning & reading from you all!

^^

I just hope you wouldn't harm someone with laughter .. laughing my butt out

By putting her needs (Gold Diggers exempted!) first and showing care genuinely! Overtime, I have realized 'sensitive' women tends to reciprocate easily.

jerryben12:

Mine was Aluminium long spans.

Does that include wood work or just the Aluminium alone? I'm looking to do something similar.

Any additional info regarding this will be appreciated.

Thanks for doing this!

kadman: Hi Bwoodlt,

First question - I'm not sure it matters if you have travelled to other EU countries or not, people say it doesn't matter. But I believe it improves your chances. The consular asked what countries have I been to and after I rattled so many he was already tired. If you can get an EU visa before then it might help.

Second question - the usual documents; letter from work or school, school hostel or rental tencancy agreement, bank statement, certificate from school or recipt of school fees paid, passport and any other thing you can think of that will help you - for example I added my NHS card as a tie to UK as I'm not going to leave the UK's free healthcare for the overpriced one of the USA.

As I said in my post the consular did not ask to see one single document. Pay attention to the application you make online as that's what he looks at and dress smart. All the Naija boys in T-shirt and skinny jeans were rejected that day.

Cheers

Many thanks for the detailed explaination. Will keep you updated.

Congrats Kadman!

Does it matter if you've never travelled to any nearby countries for instance Paris? I'm looking to spend my next 2 weeks holiday in FL, have heard so much about that State.

Would you advise to have another visa on my passport to stand a better chance or go ahead with my application?

Are you able to list the documents submitted?

Thanks for your help with this.

The days of Dehinde, Thomson, Ogidan, Abija Wara Bi Ekun and Laludo!

The days when we ate yam with palm oil.

Glory to God for today.

Have actually learnt alot and still learning on this thread. This is one of the very few educative threads have ever read on nairaland. More grease to your elbow! I took time to read through every comment which later prompted me to go on Total Career Website. They currently have some position for IT guys, be it Software Tester or Support Engineer. They also mentioned that having ISEB Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management/Software Testing will be very advantageous.

http://careers.total.com/front/web/guest/fiche-offre/-/offrePortlet/searchOffres

For anyone in the UK, its worth given a shot. At least nothing to lose, and a whole lot to gain!

As for me, I'm currently eyeing IBM now o. I work for one of their partners which has given me opportunities to work with some of their guys closely. Been to their South Bank office in London for project meetings. Mehn! That place good no be small! Currently taking some of IBM Certifications in ECM as this gives an edge having it on your CV. A colleague of mine recently joined IBM on £98K per annum. That's huge innit?! The last time I saw him, the guy don change level.

I strongly believe with prayer and hardwork, we'll all get there. Like many previously mentioned, the money will definitely come however we need to be passionate about what we do and with God on our side, the sky is our starting point!

Cheers!

I believe if we start something and the few of us here participate accordingly, then within few days it might make it to the front page,  Lets not be discouraged wit the no of posters. The lord will finish what He has started. Ours is to do our part and leave the rest to Him.

Just my thought  

I'm in this one!

Vicjustice:

   Usually, visa application or renewal forms are more or less the same and requires of every applicants data and information without partiality: the only thing that would be making a difference is when an applicant tick the category that is appropriate for the purpose of the application and then, s/he fills the form as is applicable to his/her own case

Much appreciated!

Vicjustice:

   Cousin? No way.
   A cousin may apply for a Family Visit visa, but that doesn't entitle him/her for the Family Member's rights or privileges.
   By "Family Members" they mean the nuclear family; Father, Mother and Child/ren, anyone who doesn't fit into any of these or is an adult-child (over 16 or 18 years depending on country's policy) may not be considered eligible for the "Family Member" category.

Thanks! I thought as much. Does it mean he'd have to fill the same form he used for his initial application? Or a different one since he's just renewing?

Thanks for your help.

Update:

Finally found one of your post addressing this.

Cheers.

Hi All,

For visa renewal (visiting), I believe the form to fill is the VAF10. However, In the policy guidance, it was specifically mentioned that only family members (Married and Unmarried partners, child under the age of 18 e.t.c) are allowed to use this route. My question is does this include one's cousin?

I anticipate any helpful inputs.

Thanks

Omo_Tier1:

Hey sorry had to go do some saturday shopping, abit chilly here and 'm loving it!!, okay back to your questions:
1. Since He is still a student, yes, He will still need a letter from the University but the letter MUST reflect that He has since moved on i.e. the level/year of study He is presently and any other information affecting His status as student with the University, e.g, position held, etc.

2. Since His Dad was responsible, then use the same account and submit same written letter of verification/confirmation from the Bank to attest that the account is geniune and belongs to His Dad. Not a must but does help with accounts verification.

As for the Invitation letter, to be on the safe side, yes do provide him with one, along with other docuements you provided at first. Make sure very valid and convincing reasons are stated in the letter. Yes, it's renewal and it should really be straight forward given that He has being issued 6 months in the past. But 'cos of His student status, He would need every support so they do not give Him another 6 months 'cos of His circumstance. Also include those other supporting documents as you did before.

Ask the Dad to provide a letter indicating that He would be sponsoring your brother's trip and He would also be providing financial support for His trips to the UK for visits and Holidays.

Mind me asking how many weeks He spent the last time He came visiting? Also, your brother may want to add a 'letter of introduction' to His application explaining that He intend you visit the UK (stating when likely He will be visiting) and for Him to likely be given 2 years, He should also state that He would be visiting during the summer for some shopping and Holidays.

Hope this helps.

Ah ok! Hope you got some chicken from iceland .

I really cant thank you enough for the valuable information, I'm most grateful.

As advised, will ensure I put those documents together and get it across to him.

He spent 12 weeks when he came, even though he stated 3 weeks on his application.

Thanks once again for your help.

Omo_Tier1:

Not at all. Since He already has 6months Visas and He is renewing, all He really needs to is submit His bank Statements showing very good sums with His earnings reflecting on there and He will be given His 2 years Visiting Visas.
You can assist Him with your most upto date documents i.e. Bio-Data, Address; Job Details, proof of Address. He really does not need these for His 2 Years renewal but since He wants to visit soonest, He can use them as a back up His application.

NOTE: YOUR BROTHER ONLY NEED TO FILL OUT FORM VF10 AND FILL IN THESE SAME INFORMATION AS THE ONE HE SUPPLIED TO THE  BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN HIS FIRST 6 MONTHS APPLICATION. IF HIS CIRCUMSTANCES HAS CHANGED, THAT IS; JOB OR DETAILS HE SUPPLIED INITIALLY HAVE CHANGED, THEN HE NEEDS TO UPDATE THE BHC WITH THE INFORMATION IN HIS VF10 FORM FOR HIS 2 YEARS RENEWAL. ALSO, HE MUST SUBMIT AN UPTO DATE BANK STATEMENT TO DEMONSTRATE HE STILL HAS THE FINANCIAL CAPABILITY TO VISIT THE UK.

See this thread might also help you >>>>https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-720994.0.html

Any question, do post here and I would help out to the best of my knowledge and ability. PLEASE ADVISE YOUR BROTHER TO VERIFY AND USE ONLY GENUINE AND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS AS FAKE DOCUMENT ATTRACTS 10YEARS BAN WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THOSE DOCUMENTS BEING FAKE!

More grease to your elbow! You probably wouldnt recall this, when he was in the process of getting his initial 6 months visa around April last year, I came on Nairaland, and the advice you offered helped us greatly. He won the appeal and was issued his visa.

Now I understand he has to fill the VF10 form. I feel I need to provide additional information on his present circumstance which goes thus:

1) He's still a student,  he got a letter from his University then when he made the first application. I believe he'll need to get a new one?!

2) His Dad was responsible for the funding/sponsoring then, we used his dad statement of account as he was responsible to cover all the cost. I only sent them the invitiation letter I got from Uni during graduation, my bio data and Student ID.

Lastly, am I still required to provide an invitation letter now that have shed more light on his situation? OR Just send the documents (Bio-Data, Job Details, proof of Address & passport)?

Thank you for your help with this.

Omo_Tier1:

Of course you can use the same format posted here, but make sure you emphasize the link between you and who you are inviting, your capacity to be able to sustain that person throughout their stay (as this maybe used to access the invitee's likelihood of accessing public funds throughout their stay, spell out who would be responsible for what and how it would be funded, i.e. If the person would be staying in your place of residence, say so and provide documents that prove you actually live there.

Least I repeat much of what has bee nsaid in the thread, add all relevant details in the letter and do not forget to highlight your contacts and stess the importance of the visit in the letter so the ECO would know you have planned and cartered for the visit.

P.S: Make sure every document to be submitted by you and your invitee has verifiable contact details of the issuing authorities and please ensure that they are genuine and orginial where possible.

You are so kind! I appreciate the time you took posting this. One more thing, my PSWV expires July 2013. And since my brother will be extending/renewing his visiting visa, which he's likely to be given 2yrs this time,  Do you reckon this to be an issue? Knowing that my current visa wouldnt cover his 2 yrs! However, I planned switching into other category once my current visa expires.

Omo_Tier1:

Yes, provided your 'Further leave to remain' days as valid will not be less than the duration the invitee would be in the UK.

Many thanks for your prompt response. Can I still you the sample invitation letter posted or would you recommend a different format?

Can I invite someone to the UK while I'm on PSWV (Post Study Work Visa)?

Please advise!

^^

God Bless! Happy New Year in advance 

Thanks Justwise. Will let him know. I believe he can use the same letter he got from his school when he made his initial application? Please correct me if I'm wrong or will you recommend he gets a new letter for the extension/renewal?

Much appreciated

@Justwise

Please kindly offer an opinion regarding what I posted few days ago.

Thanks for your help.

My brother stayed 3 months when he came visiting, even though he stated 3 weeks when he made his application,  My question is,

1) Is this a factor that could hinder his visa extension/renewal? His visa expires early January and he's looking at applying for a renewal/extension first week in February?

2) He's still a student, hope it wouldnt matter getting another letter from his Uni to support his application,  I'm thinking the ECO officer might be abit skeptical about it,  Just my thought

Please people in the house, kindly advise.

Thanks

I know we may be hateful, jealous, angry and greedy. However, we still care about one another. We're loving and compasionate. It doesnt matter where we're from, we look out for each other. 

I was going through the thread "Man raises family under the bridge", you guys touched my heart. I felt the tears dropping down. It was so overwhelming.
Even some proclaimed christians will not have done something close to that. But God has placed in us the love for mankind and this is what makes us who we are today.

Another thread caught my attention about people contemplating of commiting suicide,  that again makes me feel like Oh Lord, thou art worthy! Words cant express how I feel about Nairanlanders and most especially, the contributors of these two threads and many others!

You might have someone you really wants to show your appreciation to, they might have influenced your life in a way or another, or done something you couldnt have imagine coming so easy. Please show them some love via this thread.

Thanks!