Note: I wrote this post on a personal blog a few years ago, but I think it still pertains to developers using Coda or any all-in-one application.

…Panic software (the makers of Transmit FTP) have released a new “all in one” web site management application called Coda. The basic goal of this app is to take a bunch of things needed to build websites and place them all together in one application. Now, pardon my skepticism and negativity, but the best part about using an operating system, particularly one like Mac OS X, is that I can easily use multiple simple or complex applications in a quick fashion to complete projects. And to put it in short, I just don’t get the point of putting everything together in one app, even if it is developed by some of the best software makers around.

In fact, the whole idea seems to go against all the benefits of running OS X, much less running multiple applications targeted to exactly what I need. Granted, some apps get a little intense and do more than I may need. For example, I can’t say I use scripting in many apps that support it, but that’s because I don’t have to. An application like TextMate gives me the opportunity to pick and choose exactly what I want from a text editor. It isn’t trying to do too much, particularly because if it did it would interrupt the way I work. The things I don’t use don’t get in my way, and the things I do use are easy to get to. Sure, there are applications out there .. iTunes .. hut…hum.. that do handle tons of tasks all under one umbrella. But guess what, advanced music creators probably don’t use iTunes to do the majority of their composing, editing, and refining. Even though it may have the capability to do some of these tasks. This is why Apple created iWeb for novice web builders, because it allows them to do what they need without getting drug into the depths of web development. The problem is, Coda is iWeb for pros, which is a paradox in and of itself.

Here’s the gist of what I am getting at — the ideal application should be great at handling everything you need to do and shouldn’t get in the way if you don’t use every feature it offers.

Coda, to me, doesn’t seem to follow this line of logic. Rather, it forces the developer to use everything it provides and it doesn’t give much leeway in one direction or the other. For instance, Coda comes with Transmit FTP built in. Which sounds great until you want to connect to a client’s site to update one tiny PDF file. Suddenly you find yourself launching the entire client web project just to make one tiny update, an update that won’t even require 80% of the tools that Coda brings up. It’s like using photoshop to casually view pictures, no one wants to do it! Having an application that does too much is like having a beautiful piece of jewelry that weighs too much to wear. It may look great but dealing with it first hand just seems like a waste of time and comfort.

Over the last several years I’ve tried a number of different approaches to make my day to day life more manageable. And, while I’ve found nice solutions for most challenges I deal with (remembering contact info, keeping appointments and meetings, managing tasks) I’ve still had one giant void.

A clean and easy way to take down and synchronize notes.

In my book a notes app only needs three things:

1. A nice simple mobile interface (this includes a nice typeface, ie: Helvetica.)
2. An easy way to access the app from any computer or device.
3. Easy and instant synching between mobile devices, computers, and the web. It’s only text after all!

In essence, let me write and access notes from anywhere without getting in my way.

For a while I tried to use Apple’s default Notes application. And, to be frank, it was one of the worst experiences I have ever had using an Apple product. For one, the Notes application is absolutely hideous. Second, it requires me using Mail App to manage notes from my computer. Now, I don’t know if you have ever used Mail App to do anything, but it sucks. It’s slow, clunky, and especially frustrating to use if you aren’t working with basic email.

Beyond just the default Notes app I also dabbled with EverNote. Now, to be fair, EverNote seems like a good application for certain uses. The problem I have with it is that it tries to do too much. I don’t need photos, voice notes, text transcribing, or any other of the other options it offers. The more options provided the more things to get in my way.

A Simpler Way

About a month and half ago I decided to start using Simplenote, a small, extremely simple, note taking application for the iPhone.

On top of a wonderfully simple interface Simplenote also has API access for third-party developers. This means there are several options for desktop based note applications. My personal choice is JustNotes, although I’ve also installed and used Notational Velocity and it’s a great choice as well. If you’re a dashboard fan you can try out DashNote.

The final benefit of Simplenote is website access your notes. In essence, allowing you to gain access to your notes from any computer on the web. While I don’t use this often (I always have my iPhone) I like the peace of mind it provides.

Over the last month and half simple note has drastically changed the way I record and access quick bits of information. It’s managed to squeak itself onto my iPhone’s home screen and even has a global shortcut on my Mac. I couldn’t be happier with the implementation.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting one of the companies I truly admire for their ability to create great company with outstanding values; CH2M Hill. For those unfamiliar with them, I’ll quote their site:

As a global leader in full-service engineering, consulting, construction, and operations, CH2M HILL has the human and technical resources, the international footprint, and the depth of know-how and experience to help clients achieve success in any corner of the world.

There are over 23,000 employees at CH2M Hill. Each of them have been given a copy of the “Little Yellow Book.” It was written in 1982 by the original founder and CEO, James Howland with the purpose of capturing the values on which the firm was built. It’s only 10 pages long, but it really communicates a company with compassion, vision and focus.

Enjoy it!

1. How and why did you decide that you want to be a programmer?
Well, originally when I went to college I wanted to be an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. I ended up getting a job working in the field, and after a year or so realized that the field was changing. Big companies were taking over most of eyecare and the results were far from good, for both doctor and patient. I decided then to change major to do something with computers. Ever since I was a kid I have loved computers so I figured it fit. Once I took a few programming classes I decided I wanted to do that – it was amazing to create something really cool out of nothing. It was also very satisfying.

2. Which aspects of programming do you find most challenging to you?
I think the most challenging thing about programming is working with other people’s code, or old uncommented code. Programs can be designed a multitude of different ways, and unless the person is sitting right beside you it can take quite awhile to figure out the architecture or hardcoded secrets tucked away in some random class.

3. How do you keep up on track with the industry? Do you read blogs, network, magazines, etc?
I read news aggregators, blogs and search for particular things I am interested in. I have yet to find a really good single site that applies to my interests, so you might say I wander around online looking for things that apply to me.

4. What programming solutions do you like to work most on?
I get the most enjoyment out of design and architecture. I am always trying to find better ways of doing things, and a good architecture will separate functionality and add clarity to your code, while allowing it to be reusable. Its like you are building your own swiss army knife of code, and if you ever need to use that tool again you just open it up and use it, no more rewrites.

5. Since you spend most of your day coding, do you dream about it too?
Rarely. When I do, I usually only dream about a problem that is difficult or complex to solve, but occasionally I will dream about mundane blocks of code.

6. How would you describe Imulus?
Hmmm, I am not really sure how I would describe us in a few concise sentences. The phrase “The best job I will ever have” comes to mind. I love the work and the people even more. We are a flat organization who is constantly changing and getting better. It’s the whole package. I talk a lot about Imulus to my friends, and every single one of them is jealous of me and wants to work here.

7. What’s the best perk you enjoy at Imulus?
Can I do two? I would have to say xbox on the flat screens and beer in the fridge..

8. If you were about to travel the world, where would you go first and why?
Hmmm. That is a tough one – I want to go a lot of places but right now I am itching to go scuba diving again. So I would probably start someplace with awesome beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving. So I would probably say someplace like Belize or Bonaire, or maybe back to Hawaii.

9. How do you like to spend your personal time?
Doing just about everything under the sun. My favorite is sleep. When I am not doing that, I enjoy my weekly Krav Maga sessions, ice hockey, working out, snowboarding, mountain biking, camping, shooting, hiking, fishing. Just about anything outdoors puts a smile on my face. I love a good fiction book, enjoy (to varying degrees) movies and like two different types of video games – the online ones that are pure competition, and the role playing ones that tell a story.

10. What’s the last book you read and how did you like it?

I read Ender’s Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ender%27s_Game) just last weekend. It was really good – it was thought provoking and entertaining with good character development of the main character (Ender). I am planning on reading a few of the sequels.