With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are getting our wish lists ready. If holiday magic could deliver all that we ask for, here's what a scripter's wish list might look like:
Objects of My Affection: The Big Book of Object Models. Wouldn't it be nice to have a definitive book that documents every object model imaginable,
including all the properties, methods, and constants and their values for
each object? This book would not only be an invaluable resource but also help
bulk up your biceps.
A customized Scriptomatic utility that you don't have to create yourself.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys' Scriptomatic 2.0--a utility that writes WMI
scripts for you--has been a big hit with and a big help to scripters.
However, it would be even nicer to have a Scriptomatic utility customized to
your specific needs. This week's "The Scripting Eye for the GUI Guy" column
on the Microsoft Script Center discusses how you can build your own custom
Scriptomatic utility. However, if you can create a customized Scriptomatic
utility, you probably don't need this type of tool to help you write a
script. I guess we're going to have to rely on holiday magic for this one.
The Handy Dandy Pocket Automatic Translator. Wouldn't it be nice to have a
gizmo that automatically translates what you say about your scripts into
words and concepts that nonscripters would understand? That way, when you're
about to talk with a nontechnical manager, end user, friend, or loved one
about your latest scripting masterpiece, you could reach into your pocket,
take out the Handy Dandy Pocket Automatic Translator, and talk about your
script without their eyes glazing over as your words whiz past their ears.
The IT Teleporter. Scripters and other IT professionals are often asked to
take on more and more responsibilities, making the workday longer and longer.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a teleportation device that could instantly
transport you from your office to a remote location across the country or
even across the world? That way, if a remote server was having a scripting or
other problem, you could teleport over there, fix the problem, and teleport
back all before it was time for the evening commute home--via teleporter, of
course.
World peace and the end to world hunger. As long as we're wishing, we
might as well wish big and wish for the end of conflict and hunger throughout
the world. In fact, I'm sure most scripters would gladly tear up their lists
if holiday magic could make this one wish come true.
With that thought, let me be one of the first people to wish you a happy
holiday season. Be safe, be kind, and be there for your family and friends.
