For the past 15 years, I have sat behind a computer and cut code. I soon realized that I could write sophisticated applications, using XMod, in one tenth of the time it had taken previously in .Net. No compiling, No hefty License fees...
It has always perplexed me, when I mention XMod in various DotNetNuke® forums, that I receive the following comments:
- XMod is too difficult to learn
- There are other form builder modules that are better
- I bought XMod years ago but never took the time to try it
Folks, I am here to assure you that XMod is much more than just a form builder.
My background:
For the past 15 years, I have sat behind a computer and cut code. With the advent of the Internet, I started with HTML and then proceeded to write applications in ASP (remember spaghetti code?) and finally ASP.Net. I spent endless hours writing .Net applications for banks, utility companies, and businesses integrating Microsoft® SQL and Great Plains accounting software.
I finally realized that life was passing me by and there had to be more to life than spending 16 hours a day cutting code and compiling DLLs. It got to the point that I would be cutting code in my dreams. Let's not forget to mention the annual expense of keeping current with Microsoft® Visual Studio and Microsoft® SQL license fees.
One day, I was writing some custom web projects using IBuySpy (the predecessor to DotNetNuke®). It was cool stuff and I got hooked on the new technology.
With the advent of DotNetNuke®, I soon discovered Kelly Ford and XMod. I started with version 1 and have been a user ever since.
I soon realized that I could write sophisticated applications, using XMod, in one tenth of the time it had taken previously in .Net. No compiling, No hefty License fees, I could save on the purchase of many custom modules, and have more time to pursue other interests. Fantastic!
The Power:
The real power, besides the fact that XMod is a great form builder, is its use of branch logic - You know - If Then Else. The potential for rapid application development is only prohibited by your imagination.
With the help of XMod, I have created:
- Business Listing Directories
- Success Story Applications
- Inventory Listing Content Management Systems
- Link Exchange Applications
- Testimonial Applications
- Google Map Integrations
- Video Integrations
- and custom forms for many uses
The point to all of this:
Two years ago I completely abandoned .Net programming. With the time I have saved using XMod, for application development, I was able to spend more time pursuing my passions:
- Spending more time with family and friends
- Internet Marketing Consulting
- Web Video and Film Production
- Web 2.0 Design
- Operating the DNN training site, DNNprofessor.com
They say the most powerful universal law is the law of reciprocation. If that is true, Kelly Ford, you now know the reason why I wanted to share my occasional XMod experience on the DNNdev Blog.
Thanks to XMod and the XMod community, I now have my life back.
I look forward to sharing your experiences, comments and thoughts.
Buck