Getting Faster: Create a Development Reference

As a developer looking to deliver projects to my customers with the highest value, I am constantly looking for ways to increase my development speed. To that end I have created a developers’ reference library using a handy (and free) little application called Notational Velocity.  NV is an OS X application that allows for rapid creation and search of notes. While I have not tested such, apparently ResophNotes is an equivalent Windows application.  Both applications sync with SimpleNote, so you can get your notes on the web and on an iOS device.

Notation Velocity Library

NV uses a search-while-you-type field to allow you to search your database of notes. If the application does not find a match, you can simply hit enter and it creates a new note with the title you typed in the search field. Notes are stored as text files in a directory of your choosing and the app provides the necessary keyboard shortcuts for the power user.

My NV library currently has about 300 entries that include:

• All of the FileMaker error codes
• About half of the calculation functions
• Various tested SQL statements
• SQL reserved words
• Commonly used calculations

Naming Conventions

Using naming conventions helps to organize the library. For example,  the FileMaker calculation function notes are named “fmfk” + FunctionType + Function Name, so that I simply can type “fmfkdes val” if I want to find the note regarding the ValueListIDs function:

Hint: NV stores notes in a database in the application support folder on OSX. In preferences, you can change the location and choose to store the notes as plain text files.

My Development Library

So, who wants to collaborate on building a more comprehensive reference library?  I would be happy to share what I have created so far.  We could expand the library to include:

• FileMaker Server error codes
• The balance of the calculation functions
• Windows and Mac keyboard shortcuts
• Port numbers
• Script steps
• And more

You can download the current version of the library below.  If you have a suggestion to add to the library, please post a comment below.

20120626 Developers Reference