Another Example App and Job Hunting in Florida
I released another example app today - security-example 1.0. This is basically the example app for the "Web Application Security" chapter I wrote for Wrox. There's nothing ground-breaking in it, and in fact, it's just a stripped down version of struts-resume. It'll probably only be useful for those folks that buy the book. For those that choose not to, but still want an example, I invite you to download struts-resume. Regardless, here's the release notes for security-example 1.0:
Features in 1.0 =============== Allows user to login using different Tomcat Realms. Sample realm configurations are located in metadata/web/tomcat-context.xml. Wrox's Professional JSP 2.0, Chapter 13, describes how to setup a MemoryRealm, a JDBCRealm, a JNDIRealm and a JAASRealm. Retrieves user's information from a MySQL database using a Filter and Container Manager Authentication. "Remember Me" Feature using cookies. Encrypted passwords using native Tomcat feature or programmatically. Advanced build/deploy process using Ant and XDoclet. SSL-based login, optional switch back to regular http after logging in. For more information, and a further developed example application with these same features, see struts-resume at http://www.raibledesigns.com/downloads.
It feels good to finish up these example apps for the book. I'll keep developing struts-resume, but I'm going to take some time off to enjoy my evenings/weekends and tone down my moonlighting for a week or two.
My latest and greatest passion will be trying to find a job/contract in Florida. I realized this evening that this doesn't necessarily mean that I have to work for a company in Florida - I could telecommute. However, it is tough to convince companies/clients that this is a good thing. In general, I think I get a lot more done telecommuting (I did it for all of 2002) - but I definitely enjoy an office environment more. Being motivated and inspired to do your job, and collaborating with co-workers can be huge for morale. On Friday, a co-worker and I integrated some stuff we'd been working on for weeks, and it felt awesome once we got it working. The best part - we'll still be pumped about it tomorrow when we give a demo.
I did some research today and conducted a search for Java User Groups in Florida. I found that there were two folks interested in starting groups in West Palm Beach (where we want to live) and in Ft. Lauderdale. The only existing user group I found was the South Florida Java Users Group.
Their February Meeting looks OK, but if I lived there, I'd probably pass. It doesn't seem like they're getting nearly the caliber of speakers we're getting in Denver. To me this says a few things: (1) it could be an opportunity to inspire a JUG to get (or help them get) better presentations, (2) it's gonna suck to move to Florida from a vibrant Java Community, or (3) it's gonna be tough to find a gig there. I think I'd better buck up and only focus on #1. Wish me luck - know anyone that's hiring (my resume)? ;-)