MySQL CSV load-fu

Here's the setup.  I have a MySQL table of existing data and a CSV file holding new data that I want to import.  The file and database are not on the same server.  The file has not been cleaned up.  I expect this to be an ad-hoc, one off operation.

What I need is some way to put the data in the table and clean it up.  If this were to be done on a regular basis, I'd write some production code.  But since this is just some throw away code, I want to be as simple and direct as possible.  Fortunately, the MySQL LOAD DATA statement is industrial strength and can get me where I need to be.

Configuring Zend_Layout pluginClass

The Zend 1 approved way to switch the layout renderer is the pass the pluginClass parameter to Zend_Layout.  Internally, Zend instantiates the class and passes only the layout to it.  But what if you want your renderer to be configurable?  There's no built-in way to pass configuration options to the plugin class, so the class has to roll its own.

Announcing the 2013 Summer Internship Program

Last year, we experimented with a summer internship program.  Our short-term goal: tackle our work overflow.  Long-term, we want to foster relationships with bright and capable students who might, upon graduating, enjoy full-time employment with us.  Before I tell you how 2012 turned out and invite you to apply for our 2013 program, let me tell you a little about ideacode and our internship program.

The definitive guide to powerhouse Dojo dialog forms


Dojo 1.8 lets you create dynamic, template-driven forms in a dialog -- complete with validation and internationalization.  And it's easy, once you understand the architecture and requirements Dojo places on you.  This article shows you the code you need, how to organize it, and the important caveats to adding powerhouse dialogs to your Dojo application.


The new GIS interface in our AERES software has a lot of fancy form dialogs, the choose-your-own-adventure kind that reacts to one input by exposing/enabling/validating other inputs.

It's the little things

A project manager wades behind a stack of standard forms.A typical multi-million dollar campus construction project coordinates teams of hundreds of people, affects the lives of thousands of students, faculty, and staff, and generates reams upon reams of paper.  Seriously, hundreds of request for this, approval to do that kind of forms.

Your typical project manager spends a few minutes on each form filling out the same information: project number, title, location, etc.  Those minutes add up to hours, and days, and carpel tunnel syndrome.

So, unsurprisingly, we've had this request in the queue for some time:

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