Indonesian Digital News Archive

Developer News

For no particular reason other than to celebrate this particular Monday, I wanted to update developers on two Android-related news items.

If you're a developer who will be in the San Francisco Bay Area at the end of May, I hope you'll join us at the 2009 Google I/O developer conference. You might have already seen the sessions we had listed for Android, but today I'm quite pleased to let you know that we've added a few more Android-related sessions. You can find the full list plus abstracts on the Google I/O site, but here are the titles:

Turbo-Charge Your UI: How to Make Your Android UI Fast and Efficient
Pixel-Perfect Code: How to Marry Interaction and Visual Design the Android Way
Supporting Multiple Devices with One Binary
Debugging Arts of the Ninja Masters
Coding for Life—Battery Life, That Is
Writing Real-Time Games for Android
Android Lightning Talks

These sessions don't even include the "fireside chat" with the Core Technical Team that we have planned. We're working on still more sessions too; keep an ear to the ground on this blog and the Google I/O site for the latest info. I'm pretty excited about how the Android sessions for Google I/O are coming together. I think it's going to be a great event, and I hope to meet many of you there.

The other topic I want to mention is that our partners at HTC have uploaded a new system image for Android Dev Phone 1 owners. This new image is mostly the same as the one we mentioned earlier this month, but adds voice dialing. Note that not all features will work correctly in all countries, such as voice dialing and Google Voice Search which currently only work well for US English. Additionally, there are some features that we aren't able to make available at all in some countries. For instance, this build can't currently include Google Latitude due to privacy standards in some regions. We'll always keep the ADP1 builds as full-featured as we can, but it's important to remember that these devices are primarily intended for development, and won't necessarily have all the features included on mainstream builds.

I hope this news is useful to you. As always, happy coding!

Android Layout Tricks #3: Optimize with stubs

Sharing and reusing layouts is very easy with Android thanks to the <include /> tag, sometimes even too easy and you might end up with user interfaces that contain a large number of views, some of which are rarely used. Thankfully, Android offers a very special widget called ViewStub, which brings you all the benefits of the <include /> without polluting your user interface with rarely used views.

A ViewStub is a dumb and lightweight view. It has no dimension, it does not draw anything and does not participate in the layout in any way. This means a ViewStub is very cheap to inflate and very cheap to keep in a view hierarchy. A ViewStub can be best described as a lazy include. The layout referenced by a ViewStub is inflated and added to the user interface only when you decide so.

The following screenshot comes from the Shelves application. The main purpose of the activity shown in the screenshot is to present the user with a browsable list of books:

The same activity is also used when the user adds or imports new books. During such an operation, Shelves shows extra bits of user interface. The screenshot below shows the progress bar and cancel button that appear at the bottom of the screen during an import:

Because importing books is not a common operation, at least when compared to browsing the list of books, the import panel is originally represented by a ViewStub:

When the user initiates the import process, the ViewStub is inflated and replaced by the content of the layout file it references:

To use a ViewStub all you need is to specify an android:id attribute, to later inflate the stub, and an android:layout attribute, to reference what layout file to include and inflate. A stub lets you use a third attribute, android:inflatedId, which can be used to override the id of the root of the included file. Finally, the layout parameters specified on the stub will be applied to the roof of the included layout. Here is an example:

<ViewStub
  android:id="@+id/stub_import"
  android:inflatedId="@+id/panel_import"

  android:layout="@layout/progress_overlay"

  android:layout_width="fill_parent"
  android:layout_height="wrap_content"
  android:layout_gravity="bottom" />

When you are ready to inflate the stub, simply invoke the inflate() method. You can also simply change the visibility of the stub to VISIBLE or INVISIBLE and the stub will inflate. Note however that the inflate() method has the benefit of returning the root View of the inflate layout:

((ViewStub) findViewById(R.id.stub_import)).setVisibility(View.VISIBLE);
// or
View importPanel = ((ViewStub) findViewById(R.id.stub_import)).inflate();

It is very important to remember that after the stub is inflated, the stub is removed from the view hierarchy. As such, it is unnecessary to keep a long-lived reference, for instance in an class instance field, to a ViewStub.

A ViewStub is a great compromise between ease of programming and efficiency. Instead of inflating views manually and adding them at runtime to your view hierarchy, simply use a ViewStub. It's cheap and easy. The only drawback of ViewStub is that it currently does not support the <merge /> tag.

Happy coding!

Museum of Natural History, Amherst College, Amherst, MA

I don't have a complete review because I sat in a side hallway with 8 day old baby boy the whole time. What I saw from the entrance to my spot was impressive. My husband and kids had a great time. We are looking forward to visiting again.
The parking situation is not great. I would use downtown Amherst metered parking or street parking, especially during the school year when the Amherst College lots are full.

Amherst College Museum of Natural History

Campus Map

War Memorial Park, Amherst, MA

This park is adjacent to the Amherst Regional High School and has proximity to downtown Amherst. You can park on the long drive that leads from the High School to Triangle St. You can also park in the school lot during the summer months.
The playground portion of this park is not wonderful. One very small structure is new, and dinosaur shaped. The rest of the equipment, a couple of slides and a jungle gym, is outdated. There are swingsets that include baby swings.
The wading pool has a fountain and is fenced in. It is best to call ahead because the pool is often closed due to high bacteria count, lightening, or other problems such as repairs to be made.
The phone number for the Mill River Pool (brain center of the Amherst Pool system) is 549-6875.

There is a full size pool in this park also, with proper locker rooms. You may use the restrooms in the locker room as long as they are open.

You may also purchase ice creams and a few other snack items from the commissary at the window where you pay admission to the regular sized pool.

In the summer, day camps use this pool all day long and play in the playground also. They do not go into the wading pool area, but the playground is crawling with them.

Amherst Pool Schedule

Montshire Museum, Norwich, VT

We've visited this museum only once, but we will surely return. The main floor has numerous hands-on science exhibits as well as a toddler corner/climbing area with a ton of neat surprises (like a bear hibernating in a tunnel). The second floor has more educational exhibits for older children, an enormous ant farm and a stuffed moose! Up on the third level there is a fog machine and the exit to the outdoor portion of the museum. When we were there the weather was frightening, and we ventured no further than the trail head. It looks like a gorgeous network of trails with easy one mile hikes through much longer ones. The outdoor spaces here are really beautiful so we can't wait to go back. We had lunch in a diner nearby. No food is served at the museum though there is a cafeteria provided. I don't remember the restrooms, so I probably found them adequate.

Montshire

Clark Art Museum, Williamstown, MA

We had a great time on our visit here. It was early spring and unseasonably cold with snowflakes coating the grass. The museum was hosting a completely free family day with an equestrian theme. They have these events frequently - we are looking forward to going back at some point. Our kids were able to pet miniature horses, ride a regular one, and do two separate craft projects related to the cowboy theme. We also took a few minutes in the galleries to look at some actual art. But not too long! The large open atrium that greets you as you enter the museum is a relaxing space. A cafe has basic snacks and coffee - I don't remember what I purchased but it was pretty good. There is plenty of seating. There is also a museum shop in the same open space.

Clark Art Museum

Clark Art Museum Family Event Calendar

Plains School Playground, South Hadley, MA

Since it's right on 202, we often use this playground to break up a car ride/shopping trip. You may only visit outside of school hours, otherwise it's in use. There are three separate play areas, we usually hang out in the first one. It has a new climbing structure and a great slide. Nice swings, a sandbox, even a zipline make it fun. There are several large picnic tables to sit at, and a big shady tree. There are no restrooms. Parking is free.

Dufresne Park, Granby, MA

This park in Granby has a lot going for it. There is a ton of playground equipment for all different ages. There is also a pond - it is across a large field from the play area so it's not as though your kids will be jumping in, but if you want to take them over there you could. There are a couple of picnic tables and some benches. There is not much shade. Midsummer, this playground can be a broiler. Lots of folks walk their dogs at Dufresne, there is a fenced off dog area for them to be leash-free. Horses are ridden there as well.

There is a porta potty there and I have been in it. With one of my sons. It could have been worse.
In June, Granby's Charter Days celebration is held here. It is a really wonderful fair with tons of stuff for your kids to enjoy.

Charter Days

Mullins Center Ice Skating Rink, Amherst, MA

Amethyst Brook Conservation Area, Amherst, MA

Parking is ample at the entrance to the trail. This is a walk filled with dogs, so be prepared for that. You will first encounter a wide lane, leading to a field, which borders the wooded area. You will arrive at the brook immediately upon entering the trees. There is a sturdy wooden bridge crossing the stream. It is neither deep nor fast, though in the spring might not be safe for a two year old. If your kids are like mine, you can then park yourself on a rock and drink your coffee while they throw rocks in the water. Have them wear their crocs/water shoes. When/If they tire of this activity, you can wander a number of little trails that all lead basically to the same area. You can't get lost. There are some smaller streams snaking through the woods that the kids have enjoyed bridging with branches and damming up with mud and rocks. Under the trees it is very shady, so early and late in the season it can be chillier than you thought.

Amethyst Brook

Universal Kids, Northampton, MA

It's a splurge, at $6 per kid, but this is a really fun activity. Adults are free, but you will need to take your shoes off. Your child will get a bracelet in exchange for his shoes when you check in and pay. Benches and shoe racks for adult shoes are provided in the entry area.
In the middle of a cold snap there is nothing like romping around in an indoor play area. I like this one specifically because it is so modest. Your child doesn't get lost in a three story play structure, leaving you helpless on the ground. If the kids are older they might find this play area disappointing, I suppose, but mine don't yet. In addition to the playground, there is an open space with hula hoops, balls of various sizes, mats... It really encourages movement. Across the hall is a concession area with seating ("no outside food" - but the juice and small goldfish packets will be reasonably priced.) Next to the seating area is a play space with some dress up items, kitchen area, puzzle area, coloring. A little bit of everything but nothing that's especially nice. I've only been here once on the weekend and have zero desire to repeat that experience.
They offer lots of programs, and I think there is a great vibe here.
The parking is free, the bathrooms are great - stools and soap at every sink.

Universal Kids

Jones Library, Amherst, MA

The Jones is a wonderful library with a cozy and fun children's room. There is a story time on Thursday mornings at 10:30. Storytime is held in an adjacent room, which can be nice if you have several children and they can't all sit for a story. There is a very convenient restroom steps away from the main play area. It's very well equipped for changing diapers. This is the library of my childhood, so I admit bias.
In the basement of the building there is a large room for special events. One event I attended (travelling zoo) was so crowded we left. Another event (kids' pop band) was a lot of fun.
There are a few spaces on the street directly in front of the building, but you will probably end up parking in the lot across the street, at a meter. There is a crosswalk.

Jones Library

Notch Visitor Center, Amherst, MA

First, you'll find ample and convenient parking at the bottom of a long stairway. At the top you may head directly to the trail or into the Visitor Center. I have mixed feelings about this place. One thing that helps is when it's actually open- you can't count on it. The restrooms are functional at best, but several times they didn't even pass that test. When the main area is open to the public, it is a fun place to spend about 20 minutes with the kids. They have many bird specimens, and even a dinosaur footprint. The staff, when there, are friendly.
During the summer, Ranger Rich offers a WONDERFUL program on Saturday mornings. Each week has a theme which encompasses a story, an art project, and hands-on nature work, such as finding a pill bug and examining it under a magnifying glass, or taking a walk to discover birds' nests.
My favorite thing to do here is walk a short trail with the kids. At .75 miles, even a two year old can handle this hike. It is a short loop- no arguments about when to turn around, and the blazes are close together and easy to follow - good for teaching your kids about following them.

Bramble Hill Farm, Amherst, MA

This is an educational farm with many buildings on a rolling landscape. The buildings, land, and animals are well cared for. We've always accessed the property via the Larch Hill Trails by the Hitchcock Center, but there's an entrance by car off of 116.

From the Bramble Hill Farm Website:

The Farm shares a border with The Hitchcock Center (an Environmental Education Center) and the Common School ( a private K – 6 elementary school with a curriculum based on “in-depth studies and experiential learning”). Amherst College maintains several hundred acres of pasture land across Rt. 116 from the Farm, and the Town Conservation Commission maintains land along another Border. In 2004 the Larch Hill Collaborative was formed, with Bramble Hill Farm at the center, to bring these entities together into a working group around shared concerns for the sustainability of the land and the ecosystems which form the core of all of our individual work. The Farm welcomes projects and classes from The Hitchcock Center, The Common School, and other groups interested in learning about and creating from its’ diverse resources.

Bramble Hill Farm

Springfield Science Museum, Springfield, MA

Parking is free - there are two lots, one directly in front of the ticketing area, and another across the street.

The Science Museum is the first building you'll see as you approach. This museum hosts the popular dinosaur exhibit once per year. Regular exhibits include an aquarium & terrarium area, many examples of stuffed animals, early American History, an Earth Sciences section, a planetarium (still looking forward to this - have removed myself due to crying both times I tried to take them in), and a dinosaur area.
The Science Museum hosts most of the special programs that are available at the Quadrangle. On certain days additional areas are opened - a really awesome activity room in the basement and a second area with art projects near the planetarium.

The gift shop is lovely, and set up pretty well so that the high end fragile stuff is on one side and the kid friendly stuff is on the other. Unfortunately it's impossible to avoid the gift shop because the seating area where you can have your lunch is literally inside the store. There are a few vending machines there, but otherwise no food for sale, so definitely bring your own. The restrooms are fine. The best one is the handicapped one located right in the entrance area.

We have a membership to this museum complex and it is a GREAT DEAL. The regular admission, the other museums that we can visit for free on the passport program, such as the Boston Children's Museum, the Boston Science Museum, or the Ecotarium. The special programs that they hold there, the permanent exhibits and the weekend family events... all of these make the membership very worthwhile for us.

Springfield Science Museum

Look Park, Northampton MA

Look Park is beautiful. You'll have to pay a $4 fee per car as you enter. Then you can park wherever you like. There are a LOT of activities here.

Water pad: instead of a wading pool, they've created a concrete "pad" with motion detectors which are linked up to a couple dozen different fountains which randomly turn off and on. Though it seems like kids would fall, they rarely do. Plenty of benches and chaise lounges encircle the pad. Many are under small pavillions providing shade. Bathing suit activity. Fenced in with two points of entry/egress. Free.
Petting zoo: Corn from a little machine costs 50 cents. A path leads through a wooded area lined with animal exhibits. Bald Eagles, sheep, owls, mountain goats, peacocks, chickens, more. The animals are well cared for, but the area is not too fancy.

Three playgrounds (small, large, and extra large):

The small playground is located right outside the petting zoo (convenient distraction!) and near the train station.

The large playground is on the other side of the park, near a pavillion, a stream, and some restrooms.

The extra large playground is right next to the water pad and restrooms and has a toddler structure, two other large structures, and swings.

River running by for rock throwing.

Train: Each ticket is about $2, the ride is cute - 10 minutes maybe? The kids LOVE it.
Paddle Boats: The rental fee is not ideal, but the ride is fun.
Picnic Areas with BBQ (rental fee), several pavillions for rent.
Restrooms are located near the water pad and are ok.