BatchBuild allows the user to generate any number of separate files based on a user-defined template, and a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet [screen]. It was created initially to allow a customer to generate a large number of static HTML files -- one for each row of data within a specific spreadsheet -- but it can be used with other file types as well. The user simply creates a template and codes that template with unique markers (such as "[MARKER01]"). The user then launches this application and adds replacement rules, such as "Spreadsheet column B replaces template [MARKER01]". The spreadsheet data and the template will be merged to produce one output file for each selected spreadsheet row.

I used this utility as a demonstration for a talk I gave on making Windows API calls from Visual Basic. It accesses and allows the user to change date and time data for Windows files. [screen].

Developed while researching GUI usability, this ActiveX control allows the user to easily change the displayed date using the keyboard in a very intuitive manner, using the arrow or other keys. This method may speed data entry in certain situations by allowing the user to make controlled date adjustments without moving his hand from the keyboard [screen].

This ActiveX control allows the developer to add LCD-like text areas to his or her application. Customizable colors, sizes, back lighting and effects (such as scroll and wipe) [screen]. An included LCD Font Editor application allows the user to create, edit and save complete LCD fonts [screen].

This ActiveX control allows the developer to add to their applications a grid of "pixels" that allows him or her to visually display certain characteristics of an application. Functions for drawing on the grid are included. As an example, a developer might use this control at 16 wide by 8 high to visually depict an audio signal across 16 frequency bands at eight different levels of volume. This example shows two of these controls in use: one for a 16-band input, and the other for a 2-channel output. [screen].

This application was developed to assist the Web content managers and producers of a sister company. It allows users to quickly and easily create, manage and maintain a database of cruise line itineraries, based on any number of user-defined templates [screen]. The application provides users with cut-and-paste HTML output, suitable for entry into a special page type of our content management system (see "echo" above) [screen], as well as a simple page preview [screen]. Because itinerary content was previously entered and managed manually, this automated system saved countless hours and provides a much cleaner site.

This fully functional prototype was developed for a talk I gave on using DHTML and client-side scripting to enable online HTML editing. The application allows WYSIWYG HTML editing and image upload without the use of any special tools or controls.