In the first step of many, I have a basic SMS rental system functioning.
To test the system text the following to 41-411:
itper checkout A1534
This follows the syntax required by the TextMarks.com service of using the 41411 shortcode for their system, followed by my registered keyword “itper” followed by an internal keyword (either “checkout” or “return” and finally the serial number identifying the equipment you are checking out.
How does this work?
The TextMarks.com service allows a text sent by anyone with the above syntax to ping a custom PHP page I’ve coded. The custom page records the sender’s phone number, text message, and timestamps the record as well. Then the script can recognize whether or not you’ve entered “checkout” or “return” and it sends a confirmation back to the sender.
How to make it better?
I’m going to continue developing this system to improve my PHP and mySQL skills. As a result of texting the “checkout” or “return” commands I would like a record in a separate database table to keep track of who has each piece of equipment checked out, as well as when it is due back. The due back date should then be sent with the confirmation after a ITP student checks out a piece of equipment.
My First Cocoa Application
It’s been a long road… already. Jumping into Cocoa/iPhone development with only Processing (Java) under my belt was a bit of a wakeup call. I forced myself to get a more sound programming foundation by watching nearly 30 hours of lecture. Stanford University’s Programming Methodology (CS106A) is highly recommended to others also looking for a stronger programming foundation. From there, I worked my way through The C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie — doing just about every coding exercise. Then I read Apple’s The Objective-C Programming Language. And finally, my first cocoa application based on Chapter 2 of Cocoa® Programming for Mac® OS X, Third Edition by Aaron Hillegass.