Error message

  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementBase::execute($args = [], $options = []) should either be compatible with PDOStatement::execute(?array $params = null): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2244 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::key() should either be compatible with Iterator::key(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::valid() should either be compatible with Iterator::valid(): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).

Bug squashing [2016-06-26]

Life overseas typically involves a lot of bug squashing, from tiny biting ants to impressively large and mobile cockroaches.  Here at Reneal Headquarters in Fremont, we are happy that we can peacefully co-exist with a few benign spiders – however right now we’re doing battle with a more challenging variety of bugs, those found during major software upgrades.

Neal has made great progress in bringing up the new system based on 16.04 Xubuntu, already snuffing out a couple of major issues that would have jeopardized implementation.  Thus it was time to begin some more thorough system testing to see what other “undocumented features” are present that need to be fixed.  I pulled out my test matrix and began working my way down the list.

It was mostly good news!  Performance is snappy and the user interface is improved… yet similar enough to the previous incarnation that users will be comfortable making the transition.  Some of the key applications have new versions with improved capabilities, and some weird old bugs disappeared in the process.  There are some new applications that we think the computer teachers will like a lot! 

But… I wouldn’t have felt like a good tester if I didn’t find SOME things wrong!  There was a subtle pathname problem when saving files to the “Documents” folder – Neal has already figured that one out.  There are still some puzzles though.  For some reason, the laptop I was using for a client had an unrecognizable sound card.  Both Firefox and Chromium seem to be missing needed plug-ins to play some of the Rachel content.  A couple of programs didn’t seem to open upon double-click yet.

Now it’s just a matter of time for Neal to research and fix things.  16.04 is new enough that there are still missing drivers, on-going bug fixes, and so forth, so it’s a dynamic environment for development.  Almost certainly, things won’t be perfect when we put the updated system in place this September in the new installations in Cebu.  However it will be a huge step forward to get this new version in the field with its new capabilities!

[Photo: Master Jedi Sir Neal]