TRIVIA

Steps to get Orkut Data through Takeout

2014-09-27T20:46:00.001+05:30

Current post is on how to get your Orkut Data through Takeout

As you might know by now, Google will be closing the Orkut by 30 September 2014. To preserve the memories you accumulated over a period of time, Orkut provides a link to download the data via Takeout

Just follow this simple steps:

Orkut - Gmail / Non-Gmail Account Login:

1. Log on to your Orkut Account
2. Copy the following url: https://www.google.com/settings/takeout/custom/orkut
3. Select Next

4. Select the File Type & Delivery Method.

I would recommend '.zip' and 'Add to Drive' option.

5. Click on 'Create Archive' Button

6. An Email is also sent to your respective account if in case you need to check out later.

Drive Download:

1. Go to your Google Drive
2. Click on TakeOut Folder

3. Click on More Button and select Download

Zip file will have following files:

Orkut\Profile - All your profile information and scraps
Orkut\Photo - All your albums

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.

Java: Setting MySQL environment for JDBC

2013-11-22T19:46:00.002+05:30

Current post is on how to set and test the the MySQL Environment for Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) on Windows for first time with example

Following post is split into six sections:

Overview of JDBC
Steps to install MySQL
Steps to install Connector/J
Sequence to start MySQL
Create MySQL User, Database & Table via mysql prompt
Sample Code to test the connectivity

1. Overview of JDBC:

JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) is a standard Java API for database-independent connectivity between the Java and a wide range of databases.

The JDBC library includes APIs for database usage:

Making a connection to a database
Creating SQL or MySQL statements
Executing SQL or MySQL queries on the database
Viewing & Modifying the result records

JDBC is a specification that provides a complete set of interfaces to allow portable access to an underlying database.

Java can be used to write different types of executable's, such as:

Java Applications
Java Applets
Java Servlets
Java ServerPages (JSPs)
Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs)

2. MySQL Setup:

MySQL (My Structured Query Language) is widely used open-source relational database management system (RDBMS).

The default port of Mysql is 3306.

One can download MySQL from its official site here.

If you are on windows operating system, it is recommended to download complete installation

On windows operating system, you also need to add to PATH environment variable the complete MySQL installation path

3. Connector/J Setup:

Connector/J is official JDBC driver for MySQL.

It is used in code to redirect the SQL calls to MySQL database.

One can download Connector/J from its official site here.

If you are on windows operating system, it is recommended to unzip in convenient directory location like same as MySQL path.

On windows operating system, you also need to add to CLASSPATH environment variable the complete path.

4. Steps to run MySQL:

Go to MySQL installation path\ bin.

Double click on mysqld.exe - A MySQL daemon process

Start the command prompt and type 'mysql -u root'

5. Create MySQL Database, Table and User:

Create Database:

Create database [IF NOT EXISTS] databasename;

This will be sufficient for initial development. Detailed information on MySQL CREATE DATABASE syntax page

Example:

Create database IF NOT EXISTS MyDB;

This will create a database MyDB if it does not exists already on server

Create Table:

Create table [IF NOT EXISTS] tableename
{
column1name column1type;
column2name column2type;
}

This will be sufficient for initial development. Detailed information on MySQL CREATE TABLE syntax page

Example:

Create table IF NOT EXISTS students(
id int not null,
firstname varchar (128),
lastname varchar (128),
std int not null
)

This will create a table students with requested columns if it does not exists already on server

Create User with ALL Privilege:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DBName.TableName To 'user'@'hostname' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

GRANT - This is the command used to create users and grant rights to databases, tables, etc.

ALL PRIVILEGES - This tells it the user will have all standard privileges.

Note: This does not include the privilege to use the GRANT command however.

DBName.TableName - This instructions MySQL to apply these rights for the use onto the which database and tables inside it

Note: You can replace it with * for all tables or store routines

TO 'user'@'hostname' - 'user' is the of the user account you are creating.

Note: You must have the single quotes in there.

'hostname' tells MySQL what hosts the user can connect from. For same machine, use localhost

IDENTIFIED BY 'password' - It sets the password for that user.

Detailed information on MySQL GRANT syntax page

Example:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON MyDB.* To 'joe'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'mypwd';

Above statement will create a user 'joe' with password 'mypwd' on 'local machine' mysql server and grant all privileges of all the tables in 'MyDB' database.

6. JDBC Testing code:

/*
    Import the required packages
*/

import java.sql.*;

public class MyFirstDBExample
{
   /*
        JDBC driver name and database URL
        It will be different for different databases
    */
   static final String JDBC_DRIVER = "com.mysql.jdbc.Driver";
   static final String DB_URL = "jdbc:mysql://localhost/MyDB";

   /*
        Database credentials of user we just created
    */
   static final String USER = "joe";
   static final String PASS = "mypwd";

   public static void main(String[] args)
   {
       Connection conn = null;
       Statement stmt = null;
       try
       {
            /*
                Register the driver
            */

            Class.forName(JDBC_DRIVER);
            System.out.println("Registered the driver successfully!!!");

            /*
                Open a connection
            */

            System.out.println("Connecting to database...");
            conn = DriverManager.getConnection(DB_URL,USER,PASS);
            System.out.println("Connected to database successfully!!!");

            /*
                Create a Statement
            */

            System.out.println("Creating statement...");
            stmt = conn.createStatement();

            String sql;
            sql = "SELECT id, first, last,std FROM students";

            System.out.println("Executing statement...");
            ResultSet rs = stmt.executeQuery(sql);

            /*
                Extract data from ResultSet
            */

            System.out.println("Extracting the Data...");

            while(rs.next())
            {
                int id = rs.getInt("id");
                String first = rs.getString("first");
                String last = rs.getString("last");
                int std = rs.getInt("std");


                System.out.print("ID: " + id);
                System.out.print(", First Name: " + first);
                System.out.println(", Last Name: " + last);
                System.out.print(", Studies in Standard: " + std);
            }

            /*
                Close all the descriptors
            */

            System.out.println("Closing the Descriptors...");

            rs.close();
            stmt.close();
            conn.close();

            System.out.println("Example executed successfully");
       }
       catch(SQLException se)
       {
            /*
                Handle errors for JDBC
            */

            se.printStackTrace();
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {
            /*
                Handle errors for Class.forName
            */
            e.printStackTrace();
       }
       finally
       {
          try
        {
             if(stmt!=null)
                stmt.close();
          }
        catch(SQLException se1)
        {
          }

          try
        {
             if(conn!=null)
                conn.close();
          }
        catch(SQLException se2)
        {
             se.printStackTrace();
          }
       }

        System.out.println("Have a Nice Day!!!");
    }
}

Hope this post saved your time.

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.
Mehul

Java: Apply File Filter in AWT FileDialog

2013-11-19T19:04:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to apply File Filter in Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) FileDialog component on Windows

Started working on AWT in Java and got stuck in FileFilter FileDialog component?

Unable to get the desired filter in FileDialog on Windows?

Just set the required file filter in setFile function of FileDialog

fileDialogObject.setFile(".java");

Because:

In setFileFilter Java documentation it states:

Filename filters do not function in Sun's reference implementation for Microsoft Windows.

FileDialog setFile in Java:

FileDialog fileDialogObject = new FileDialog(parentFrame,"Java Files Selection",FileDialog.LOAD);

fileDialogObject.setFile("*.java");

//It will show all the .java extension files in FileDialog Box

For more details refer to Java documentation on FileDialog

Hope this post saved your time.

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.
Mehul

Java: Checked Exception in detail with examples

2013-08-10T18:07:00.000+05:30

Current post is to help one understand checked exceptions with examples. Why it was introduced? How much it is useful?

Checked Exception:

Checked exceptions are those exceptions which are derived from Throwable but not from Error or RuntimeException class & their subclasses.

It means any exception class you derive which is neither from Error nor from RuntimeException class & their subclasses is checked exception class.

You may derive from Throwable Class or Exception Class. It's at user's design discretion.

Checked exceptions must fulfill the Catch-or-Specify rule.

Catch-or-Specify:

Catch-or-Specify rule means that the exception should either be caught via exception handling code or should be specified in method declaration.

Catch - The method should enclose the method which might throw checked exception in try-catch block.

Specify - The method should mention the exception name via 'throws' in its declaration which uses the method which might throw checked exception.

Examples:

Example 1: New Checked Exception class which is derived from Exception Class

Exception Class:

    class MyCheckedException extends Exception
    {
        MyCheckedException()
        {
            super("New Checked Exception");
        }

        MyCheckedException(String msg, Throwable e)
        {
            super(msg,e);
        }
    }

Method that throws MyCheckedException:

    void myMethodThrowsMyCheckedException()
    {
        throw new MyCheckedException();
    }

Usage:

    void somemethod()
    {
        myMethodThrowsMyCheckedException();
    }

For above code you will get similar error depending on IDE:

"...: Must be caught or declared to be thrown"

Do the following to remove compile error:

Method that throws MyCheckedException:

void myMethodThrowsMyCheckedException() throws MyCheckedException
    {
        throw new MyCheckedException();
    }

Usage:

    void somemethod()
    {
        try
        {
            myMethodThrowsMyCheckedException();
        }
        catch(MyCheckedException e)
        {
            //Do the needful :)
        }
    }

Example 2: New Checked Exception class which is derived from Throwable Class

Exception Class:

    class MySecondCheckedException extends Throwable
    {
        MySecondCheckedException()
        {
            super("New Checked Exception from Throwable");
        }

        MySecondCheckedException(String msg, Throwable e)
        {
            super(msg,e);
        }
    }

The method that throws MySecondCheckedException & usage will be similar to above code except for the exception name will be 'MySecondCheckedException'

Why it was introduced?:

As we have seen Checked exception must comply Catch-or-Specify paradigm. And if we fail to catch or specify, compiler shows an error

It is for this reason, checked exception were introduced to have strong exception handling code. It is far better to get error at compile time rather then at runtime on field

How much it is useful?:

It is very useful as one will get an error at compile time if one tries to use your method which might throw checked exception which is neither caught or specified.

Planning to create a helper library with custom exceptions. Checked exception is worth a thought.

Some developers see it as an overhead but for me its a good concept that helps in stable code with good exception handling logic.

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks,
Mehul

Quick eFile ITR-1 (SAHAJ) Form Filling 2012-2013 (A.Y. 2013 - 2014)

2013-07-04T09:03:00.001+05:30

Current Post is on how to fill 'Quick EFile ITR' on Income Tax Site for ITR-1 (SAHAJ) Income Tax Form for 2012-2013 from Form 16 & Form 12BA (Assessment Year 2013 - 2014)

Post covers the filling of ITR-1 (SAHAJ) form for e-Filing via Quick EFile ITR Option.

If you are planning to fill via excel sheet, here is the post on how to fill the excel sheet for ITR1 Sahaj 2012-2013 (Assessment Year 2013 -2014)

But if you are planning to manual fill the paper form, it will be on similar line.

Friendly advice: Do e-Filing, it is faster, convenient and refunds are quicker.

Assuming you have log-in into Income Tax India e-Filing Site.

Quick eFile ITR:

'Quick eFile ITR' Option is available under 'Quick Link' Section on Left Side of India Income Tax Site.

Fill the following required details:

PAN* - Automatically filled and non-editable
ITR Form Name* - Select ITR-1
Assessment Year* - Select 2013-2014
Prefill Address With - Select the option best suited to you
Do you want to digitally sign - Select 'No' unless you have digital signature.

Click the 'Submit' button.

A Six Tab page with 'Instructions' Tab open will be seen.

1. Instructions:

* - Required filled. Cann't be empty.

Save the data every few minutes by pressing 'Save As Draft' to avoid losing the entered data on site.

The site itself will pop-up following message if you don't save data very often:

If you don't want to have pop-up every few minutes, check the option and press 'OK'

2. Personal Information:

'Personal Information' subsection will be seen:

Fill the following field's:

A1. First Name - First Name as per your PAN card
A2. Middle Name - Middle Name as per your PAN card
A3. Last Name* - Automatically filled and non-editable
A4. PAN* - Automatically filled and non-editable
A5. Gender* - Select from the drop-down menu option
A6. Date of Birth* - Automatically filled and non-editable
Status* - Select 'Individual'
A7. Income Tax Ward / Circle - Not required. If you know, enter the respective name
A8. Flat / Door / Building* - Automatically filled as per main page address selection, editable
A9. Road / Street - Automatically filled as per main page address selection, editable
A10. Area / Locality* - Automatically filled as per main page address selection, editable
A11. Town / City / District* - Automatically filled as per main page address selection, editable
A12. State* - Automatically filled as per main page address selection, manually selection available
A13. Country* - India
A14. Pin Code* - Automatically filled as per main page address selection, editable
A15. Email Address* - An active email address, as you don't want to miss any tax related notifications
A16. Mobile No 1* - An active mobile number, as you don't want to miss any tax related notifications
A17. Mobile No 2 - Not required
Landline Number - Not required.

'Filing Status' subsection will be:

Fill the following fields:

A18. Employer Category (if in employment)* - Mostly it will be OTH, kindly select as per your category
A19. Tax Status* - Select from Drop-down as per your tax valuation
A20. Residential Status* - Select from Drop-down respective status
A21. Return filed under section* - Select from Drop-down 11 - BeforeDueDt 139(1) (if all your taxes are paid and submitting before 31 July 2013)
Whether original or revised return?* - Select from Drop-down respective return.
A22. Whether Person governed by Portugese Civil Code under Section 5A* - Mostly 'No'

Mostly, this would be sufficient for this section, unless you are responding to 139(5) - Revised return or 139(9) - Return in response to defective return notice. In such case, fill the required Acknowledgement Number and date.

3. Income details:

'Income And Deduction' subsection will be seen:

Fill the following field's:

B1. Income from Salary / Pension (Ensure to fill Sch TDS1) - Fill the value from Form 16 - INCOME CHARGEABLE UNDER THE HEAD 'SALARIES'
B2. Type of House Property - Select the property type if income gained. Mostly none.
B2. Income from one House Property - Enter the respective amount if income earned
B3. Income from Other Sources (Ensure to fill Sch TDS2) - Fill the total value from other sources
B4. Gross Total Income (B1+B2+B3) - Non-editable, automatically sums up B1, B2 & B3 values

Deductions under chapter VI A (Section)

Following section needs to be filled from Form 16 values:

C1. 80C
C2. 80CCC
C3. 80CCD (Employees / Self Employed Contribution)
C4. 80CCD (Employers Contribution)
C5. 80D(Maximum eligible amount is Rs. 15000. For Senior Citizen, it is Rs. 20000 )
C6. 80DD(Maximum eligible amount is Rs. 50000. For Severe Disability, it is Rs. 100000)
C7. 80DDB(Maximum eligible amount is Rs.40000. For Senior Citizen, it is Rs. 60000)
C8. 80E
C9. 80G
C10. 80GG
C11. 80GGA
C12. 80GGC
C13. 80U(Maximum eligible amount Rs 50000. For Severe Disability, it si Rs. 100000)
C14. 80CCG
C15. 80RRB
C16. 80QQB
C17. 80TTA

Following fields will be automatically calculated / filled:

C18. Deductions (Total C1 to C17)
C19. Total Income (B4 - C17)

'Tax Computation' sub-section will be seen below:

Most of the fields will be automatically calculated / filled:

D1. Tax Payable on Total Income(C19)
D2. Education Cess, including secondary and higher secondary cess
D3. Total Tax and Education Cess (Payable)(D1+D2)
D4. Relief under Section 89
D5. Balance Tax Payable (D3-D4)
D6. Interest u/s 234A - Mostly '0', if taxes paid & filed before due date of 31 July 2013
D7. Interest u/s 234B - Mostly '0', if taxes paid & filed before due date of 31 July 2013
D8. Interest u/s 234C - Mostly '0', if taxes paid & filed before due date of 31 July 2013
Total Interest Payable ( D6 + D7 + D8 )
D9. Total Tax and Interest Payable (D5+D6+D7+D8)

4. TDS:

'SCH TDS1, SCH TDS2 & SCH IT' subsection will be seen:

All the sections will be automatically updated / filled by the site.

At-least cross check the following values.

TAN of Employer - Value from Form 12BA - TAN
Name of the Employer - Value from Form 12BA - Name & Address of the Employer
Income charged under Head of the salaries - Value from Form 16 - INCOME CHARGEABLE UNDER THE HEAD 'SALARIES'
Total Tax deducted - Value from Form 16 - Tax Payable

If need be, add the required information to respective subsection as per your receipt details.

5. Taxes Paid and Verification:

'Taxes Paid' subsection will be seen:

Cross check all the field which are automatically filled.

D10. Advance Tax
D11. Self Assessment Tax
D12. TDS
D13. Total Taxes Paid (D10 +D11 + D12)
D14. Tax Payable (D9 - D13) - Mostly the amount will be zero
D15. Refund (D13 - D9) - Check the amount

'Bank Account Details & Verification' section will be seen below:

Fill the following fields:

D16. Enter your Bank Account Number* - To which Bank Account one needs the cheque \ transfer for refund amount
D17. Type of Account* - Select from Drop-down the account type of Bank Account number you mentioned above
D18. MICR Code* - MICR Code of Bank
D19. Refund Type - Select from Drop-down 'Yes' for direct deposit, it will be faster
Name* - As per PAN card
son/ daugher of* - As per PAN card
Place*
Date* - Automatically updated, non-editable
PAN Card* - Automatically updated, non-editable

6. 80G:

'Donations without qualifying limit' subsection will be seen:

'Donations with qualifying limit' subsection will be seen:

Fill the following details as per your receipt:

Name of donee*
Address*
City / Town / District*
State Code*
Pin Code*
PAN of donee*
Amount of donation*
Eligible amount of donation - Automatically calculated, non-editable

This completes the form filling :).

I hope it didn't took more then 15-20 minutes to complete the form.

Press 'Submit' Button to submit your income tax return.

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.
Mehul

India Income Tax ITR-1 (SAHAJ) Form Filling 2012-2013 (A.Y. 2013 - 2014)

2013-07-02T20:57:00.001+05:30

Current Post is on how to fill ITR-1 (SAHAJ) Income Tax Form for 2012-2013 from Form 16 & Form 12BA (A.Y. 2013 - 2014)

Post covers the filling of ITR-1 (SAHAJ) form for e-Filing. But if you are planning to manual fill the paper form, it will be on similar line.

Friendly advice: Do e-Filing, it is faster, convenient and refunds are quicker.

Assuming you have downloaded the form from Income Tax India e-Filing Site.

- Unzip the 'ITR1_2013' zip file and open the '2013_ITR1_PR6.xls' excel sheet.

- Enable Editing & Allow Macro operation if the excel software pop-ups the options.

- Excel sheet will have 4 sheets.

Income Details
TDS
Taxes Paid and Verification
80G - Not covered in current post

Basic Instructions:

Compulsory Fields - Green Background & Red Color Label
Optional Fields - Green Background & Black Color Label
Auto-calculated Fields - White Background & Blue Color Label

1. Income Details Sheet:

- Fill the following cells:

First Name - As per PAN card
Middle Name - As per PAN card
Last Name - As per PAN card
PAN Number
Flat \ Door \ Building
Status - I Individual
Area \ Locality
Date of Birth (DD \ MM \ YYYY) - As per PAN card
Town \ City \ District
State - Select from Drop-down option, don't write it manually
Pincode - In hurry don't write your permanent address or office address pincode
Sex - Select from Drop-down option, don't write it manually
Email Address - Your working and active email address. As you don't want to miss any tax related emails
Mobile Number - Your working and active number. As you don't want to miss any tax related SMS
Employer Category - Mostly it will be OTH, kindly fill as per your category
Return Filed under section - Select from Drop-down 11 - BeforeDueDt 139(1) (if all your taxes are paid and submitting before 31 July 2013)
Whether original or revised return - Select from Drop-down respective return.
Residential Status - Select from Drop-down respective status
Tax Status - Select from Drop-down as per your tax valuation
Income from Salary / Pension - Fill the value from Form 16 - INCOME CHARGEABLE UNDER THE HEAD 'SALARIES'
Income from other sources - Fill the total value from other sources
Fill the 'Deductions under ChapterVI A' as per Form 16
Tax payable on Total Income - Fill the value from Form 16 - Tax on total Income
Education cess... - Fill the value from Form 16 - Education cess...
Relief under Section 89 - Mostly 0
Relief under Section 90/ 91- Mostly 0

- Following fields will be automatically calculated / filled:

4 Gross Total Income (1+2+3)
7 Total Income (4-6)
10 Total Tax, Surcharge and Education Cess (Payable) (8 + 9)
13 Balance Tax Payable (10 - 11 - 12)
15 Total Tax and Interest Payable (13 + 14)

2. TDS Sheet:

- Fill the following cells:

Under 23 Tax deducted at source from SALARY

TAN of Employer - Fill the value from Form 12BA - TAN

Name of the Employer - Fill the value from Form 12BA - Name & Address of the Employer

Income charged under Head of the salaries - Fill the value from Form 16 - INCOME CHARGEABLE UNDER THE HEAD 'SALARIES'

Total Tax deducted - Fill the value from Form 16 - Tax Payable

Under 24 Tax deducted at source of Income other then Salary - Fill as per receipt details

3. Taxes Paid & Verification:

- Fill the following cells:

Enter your Bank Account Number - To which Bank Account one needs the cheque \ transfer for refund amount
Refund Type - Select from Drop-down 'Yes' for direct deposit, it will be faster
MICR Code - MICR Code of Bank
Type of Account - Select from Drop-down the account type of Bank Account number you mentioned above
Name - Same as in PAN card
son/ daugher of - Same as in PAN card
Place
Date
PAN Card

- Following fields will be automatically calculated / filled:

16a Advance Tax (from item 25)
16b TDS (Total from item 23 + item 24)a
16c Self Assessment Tax (item 25)
17 Total Taxes Paid (16a + 16b + 16c)
18 Tax Payable - Mostly the amount should be zero, unless one has to pay the tax
19 Refund - Check the amount

And we are done finally :).

I hope it didn't took more then 15-20 minutes to complete the form.

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.
Mehul

500 millisec (ms) delay in 'ACK' of TCP/IP in Visual Studio (VS) VC++ ???

2013-03-20T16:48:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to overcome 500 millisecond (ms) delay in 'ACK' acknowledge of send command in TCP/IP in Visual Studio (VS) Visual C++ (VC++) Application

Are you getting a constant 500ms delay in Acknowledgement of send command in TCP/IP in Visual Studio (VS) Visual C++ (VC++) Application??

Is your application sending lot of small data packets in large frequency over TCP/IP sockets in Visual Studio (VS) Visual C++ (VC++) Application??

If the answer is YES, copy the following lines of code after the 'bind' function call to improve the performance of the application:

Disable the Nagle Algorithm:

int value = 1;
setsockopt(, IPPROTO_TCP, TCP_NODELAY, (char *)&value, sizeof (value));

Note:-
1. Application should be able to handle short and large number of TCP/IP socket calls
2. Network Traffic will increase as the underlying protocol won't wait for threshold bytes before sending.

Enable the Nagle Algorithm:

int value = 0;
setsockopt(, IPPROTO_TCP, TCP_NODELAY, (char *)&value, sizeof (value));

Complie. Run. Test and enjoy coding.

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

Steps to get Google Reader Data through Takeout

2013-03-14T13:44:00.001+05:30

Current post is on how to get your Google Reader Data through Takeout

As you might know by now, Google will be closing the Google Reader by 1 July 2013. To preserve the subscriptions you accumulated over a period of time, Google Reader provides a link to download the data via Takeout

Just follow this simple steps:

Short Cut Method:

1. Log on to your Google Reader Account
2. Copy the following url: http://www.google.com/takeout/#custom:reader
3. Jump to Step 6 of Normal Method.

Normal Method:

1. Log on to your Google Reader Account
2. Go to Home Page
3. Click on Settings Icon and select Reader Settings

4. Click on Import/Export Tab

5. Click on 'Download your data through Takeout' link

5.1. After few seconds (Depending on your subscription list, followers, etc)

6. Click on Create Archive button.

6.1. After few seconds (Depending on your subscription list, followers, etc)

7. Click on download and save the zip file to your machine.

Zip file will have following files:

followers.json - List of people that follow you
following.json - List of people who you follow
liked.json - Items you have liked
notes.json - Notes you have created
shared.json - Items shared by you
shared-by-followers.json - Items shared by people you follow
starred.json - Items you have starred
subscriptions.xml - Subscriptions you have along with your folder hierarchy

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.

Steps to get Google Reader Statistics

2013-03-14T10:02:00.001+05:30

Current post is on how to get your Google Reader statistics

Need to know your google reader statistics? Not able to find the 'Trends' tab under Google Reader Account?

Just follow this simple steps:

Log on to your Google Reader Account
Go to Home Page
Press keyboard 'g' and then 'Shift+t'

Kabooom!!!!

Your Google Reader Statistics will be seen with following information:

Number of Subscriptions
Number of items read over past 30 days
Number of items clicked over past 30 days
Number of items starred over past 30 days
Number of items emailed over past 30 days
Total number of items read from the day you activated the Google Reader Account
Read - Time of the day in graphical format
Read - Day of the week in graphical format

Take the snapshot and paste to any social platform you like!!!

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.

India Public Provident Fund (PPF) Account Opening in State Bank of India (SBI)

2013-03-13T20:49:00.001+05:30

Current Post is on how an individual residing in India open a Public Provident Fund (PPF) Account in State Bank of India (SBI)

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a tax saving route taken by many individuals recently. Due to low risk and government backing, many consider it as safe bet. The interest rate declared by Government of India are close to inflation values.

Following sections will help you open an India Public Provident Fund (PPF) Account in State Bank of India (SBI):

Sections:

1. Locate an State Bank of India (SBI) branch.
2. Required Documents
3. Public Provident Fund (PPF) Form A and E Filling
4. Public Provident Fund (PPF) Passbook
5. Rules
6. Tips

1. Locate an State Bank of India (SBI) branch:

One can search for nearest SBI branch via SBI Branch Locator service.
(Most of the SBI branches will be undertaking PPF serive, but it is better to call \ visit the branch to confirm the PPF service availability)

Visit the finalized nearest SBI branch will following documents photocopy and originals.

2. Required Documents:

One Recent Passport size photograph
Address Proof: (Any One)
- Passport
- Driving License
- Ration Card
Pan Card

3. Public Provident Fund (PPF) Form A and E Filling:

Form A is for opening of PPF Account.

Paste the photograph on top right corner.
Mention the branch name in field at top left corner.
Mention the PAN card. Mandatory
Fill the details like name and if for minor your details as guardian
Sign at lower right where signature is mentioned
Also sign at lower left where additional signature is mentioned

Form E is for nomination of PPF Account.

Fill the details like name and if for minor your details as guardian
Take signature of two witnesses mostly your parents or relative signature can be taken
Sign at lower right where signature is mentioned

Deposit Challan:

Account Number: PPF Account Number
Name: Name as you mentioned in PPF Form A
Address: Address as per proof in PPF Address proof document
Amount Details: As per cash denominations or cheque number
Amount in words
Signature

4. Public Provident Fund (PPF) Passbook:

Submit the Form A and Form E along with photocopy. The person in charge will verified the information in Form against the original documents and any missing information.

Mostly the account will be opened in 20 minutes but some times they ask to come next day to collect the passbook.

Passbook first page will be printed with all the required details like Account Number, Name, Son\Daughter\Wife\Husband of, Branch Name.

The nomination details of Form E will be present as Nomination Registration Number on Page 1 of Passbook

From Page 3 onwards the transaction details will be printed.

5. Rules:

Only an Indian resident can open an PPF account
Only one PPF account for an individual
Exempted under 80C - Indian Tax Laws
Minimum Limit for deposit is Rs 500 /- per year
Maximum Limit for deposit is Rs 1,00,000 /- per year
Maximum of 12 deposited can be made over year
Deposit should be in multiple of Rs. 5/-
Interest Rate is declared every year by Government of India
Nomiations can be made. Fill PPF Form E.
Minimum tenure for PPF Account is 15 years.
Extended with block of 5 years

6. Tips:

The lowest balance between 5th and last working day of the month is used for calculating the interest. Hence, depositing the amount before 5th will fetch more interest

Done. We opened the PPF Account in SBI branch.

Appreciate your feedback & suggestions via comments.

Thanks.

Python: Remove Non-printable characters from string

2013-03-12T18:19:00.002+05:30

Current post is on how to remove non-printable characters from string.

Need a function to remove non-printable characters in python.

Remove Non-printable function for ASCII String:

def    remove_ascii_non_printable(str)
      """Removes Non-printable chars from ASCII String"""
    return ''.join([ch for ch in str if ord(ch) > 31 and ord(ch) < 126 or ord(c) = = 9])

Remove Non-printable function for Unicode String:

def    remove_unicode_non_printable(str)
      """Removes Non-printable chars from ASCII String"""
    return ''.join([ch for ch in str if ord(ch) > 31 or ord(c) = = 9])

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.

Python: AttributeError: 'list' object has no attribute 'join'

2012-07-26T21:15:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to recover from AttributeError: 'list' object has no attribute 'join'.

Started working on python and got struck in 'JOIN' function?

Got the "AttributeError: 'list' object has no attribute 'join' " error when trying to JOIN list in Python?

Just change the list and argument place.

Reason is we are wired to think like object.some_function arguments but here its like argument.some_function object(s)

List JOIN in Python:

mypythonlist = ['ListElement1', 'ListElement2']
mypytonlist.join('-') #Incorrect Usage which gave the AttributeError

'-'.join(mypythonlist) #Correct Usage

# It will return 'ListElement1-ListElement2'

For detailed information refer to 'JOIN' function post

Hope this post saved your time.

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

Python: JOIN Function for Iterable

2012-07-26T20:18:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how JOIN function works in Python.

Recently started working on Python and got stuck in 'JOIN' function?

Not sure how the JOIN function works?

JOIN Function for iterable in Python:

string str.join(iterable)

where,
          str = string which will be used to append the elements in iterable
          iterable = any iterable in python like list, string

          string = returns the joined string

Confused ??

Reason is we are wired to think like object.some_function arguments but here its like argument.some_function object(s)

List JOIN in Python:

mypythonlist = ['First', 'Second']
mypytonlist.join('-') #Incorrect Usage, it will cause AttributeError

'-'.join(mypythonlist) #Correct Usage

# It will return 'First-Second'

String JOIN in Python:

mypythonstr = 'MyPythonString'
mypythonstr.join('-') #Incorrect Usage

'-'.join(mypythonstr) #Correct Usage

# It will return 'M-y-P-y-t-h-o-n-S-t-r-i-n-g'

I hope now you understand how 'JOIN' function works in Python.

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

Python: Converting VbScript Left-Right Function

2012-07-26T19:31:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to convert Left-Right Function of VBScript in Python 3.2.

Converting or migrating a VbScript project to Python?

Stuck in converting Left or Right function of VbScript in Python?

VBScript Left Function:

Left(string, Length)

where,
string = your text string
length = number of character from left you want to extract

Example:

myleftstring = Left("Hello from Left, noting more!!!",15);

//myleftstring will contain 'Hello from Left'.

VBScript Right Function:

Right(string, Length)

where,
string = your text string
length = number of character from right you want to extract

Example:

myrightstring = Right("Hello from Left, noting more!!!",15);

//myrightstring will contain ', noting more!!!'.

Python: Array Slicing:

Array slicing is done using [ : ] operator.

Example:

text = 'Hello from Python 3.2'
leftslicedtext = text[:11]

//leftslicetext will contain 'Hello from'

rightslicedtext = text[11:]

//rightslicedtext will contain ' Python 3.2'

frombehind = text[-3:]

//frombehind will contian '3.2'

Summarize:

To convert the VbScript Left / Right Function, use the array slicing feature of Python.

It is simple, clean and readable.

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

India Income Tax e-Filling : 2012

2012-07-14T23:15:00.000+05:30

Current Post is on how a salaried individual residing in India file tax return online (e-return) for 2011-2012 (A.Y. 2012-2013) from Form 16 & Form 12 BA

Prerequisite: Registered User at Income Tax India e-Filing Site.

If not refer to Steps to register at Income Tax India e-Filing Site.

Sections:

1. Downloading the Form (Excel Sheet).
2. Filling the Form (Excel Sheet)
3. Generating the XML
4. Uploading the XML

1. Downloading the Form (Excel Sheet):

- Login into Income Tax India e-Filling Site with your valid credentials. (PAN number and password)

- Assuming you are a salaried individual with / without income from Other Sources (only Interest Income or Family Pension) , ITR-1 (SAHAJ) is the form that needs to be filled. OR If you had Income from house or other sources, respective ITR form needs to be downloaded.

- To download the ITR-1 (SAHAJ), Go to Download Section, 'e-Filling A.Y. 2012-2013 >> Individual,HUF' menu option.

2. Filling the Form (Excel Sheet):

- Unzip the 'ITR1_2012_13_R2' zip file and open the '2012_ITR1_PR18.xls' excel sheet.

- Excel sheet will have 4 sheets.

Income Details
TDS
Taxes Paid and Verification
80G - Not covered in current post

Basic Instructions:

Compulsory Fields - Green Background & Red Color Label
Optional Fields - Green Background & Black Color Label
Auto-calculated Fields - White Background & Blue Color Label

Follow the steps mentioned in ITR1 (SAHAJ) Form Filling post which will help you fill excel sheet from Form 16 & Form 12 BA

3. Generating the XML:

- Validate each sheet by clicking the 'Validate' button present on each sheet

- Click on 'Calculate Tax' button

- Click on 'xml Generate' button

- Click 'OK' on following pop-ups.

- New 'Pre-XML Check' sheet would be created.

- Check the following details:

TDS on Salary - If no amount then redo the Generate XML Steps
All the Verification Columns

- After verifying all the details, click the 'Save XML' button

- Click 'OK' following pop-ups.

- File named 'ITR1_PANCARD.xml' will be saved on mentioned path.

4. Uploading the XML:

- Login into Income Tax India e-Filling Site with your valid credentials. (PAN number and password)

- Under 'Submit Return' section, select 'Select Assessement Year >> AY 12-13'

- Following screen will be displayed. Select 'ITR-1' and click 'Next'

- Click 'Browse' to select the 'ITR1_PANCARD.xml' file we generated from Excel sheet.

- On Clicking 'Upload' Button, following pop-up will come.

- Select 'OK'

- The XML will be uploaded and following screen will appear.

- From 'here' link, download the ITR-V Form.

- As we didn't digitally signed the XML, we need to send ITR-V Form to nearest Income Tax Office. In current case, the City was 'Bangalore', hence the address of Bangalore Income Tax Office came, where I need to send the ITR- V Form.

- Print the ITR-V Form on normal A4 size paper and signed the Form.

- Send it via SPEED POST or ordinary POST within 120 days post you upload the XML.

Done. We e-Filed our income tax return for 2011-2012 (Assessment Year 2012-2013).

Appreciate your feedback & suggestions via comments.

Thanks.

India Income Tax ITR-1 (SAHAJ) Form Filling

2012-07-14T19:50:00.000+05:30

Current Post is on how to fill ITR-1 (SAHAJ) Income Tax Form for 2011-2012 from Form 16 & Form 12BA (A.Y. 2012-2013)

- Unzip the 'ITR1_2012_13_R2' zip file and open the '2012_ITR1_PR18.xls' excel sheet.

- Excel sheet will have 4 sheets.

Income Details
TDS
Taxes Paid and Verification
80G - Not covered in current post

Basic Instructions:

Compulsory Fields - Green Background & Red Color Label
Optional Fields - Green Background & Black Color Label
Auto-calculated Fields - White Background & Blue Color Label

1. Income Details Sheet:

- Fill the following cells:

First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
PAN Number
Flat \ Door \ Building
Status - I Individual
Area \ Locality
Date of Birth (DD \ MM \ YYYY)
Town \ City \ District
State - Select from Drop-down option, don't manual write it
Pincode - In hurry don't write your permanent address or office address pincode
Sex - Select from Drop-down option, don't manual write it
Email Address
Employer Category - Mostly it will be OTH, kindly fill as per your category
Return Filed under section - Select from Drop-down 11 - BeforeDueDt 139(1) (if all your taxes are paid and submitting before 31 July 2012)
Whether original or revised return - Select from Drop-down respective return.
Residential Status - Select from Drop-down respective status
Tax Status - Select from Drop-down as per your tax valuation
Income from Salary / Pension - Fill the value from Form 16 - INCOME CHARGEABLE UNDER THE HEAD 'SALARIES'
Income from other sources - Fill the total value from other sources
Fill the 'Deductions under ChapterVI A' as per Form 16
Tax payable on Total Income - Fill the value from Form 16 - Tax on total Income
Education cess... - Fill the value from Form 16 - Education cess...
Relief under Section 89 - Mostly 0
Relief under Section 90/ 91- Mostly 0

- Following fields will be automatically calculated / filled:

4 Gross Total Income (1+2+3)
7 Total Income (4-6)
10 Total Tax, Surcharge and Education Cess (Payable) (8 + 9)
13 Balance Tax Payable (10 - 11 - 12)
15 Total Tax and Interest Payable (13 + 14)

2. TDS Sheet:

- Fill the following cells:

Under 23 Tax deducted at source from SALARY

TAN of Employer - Fill the value from Form 12BA - TAN

Name of the Employer - Fill the value from Form 12BA - Name & Address of the Employer

Income charged under Head of the salaries - Fill the value from Form 16 - INCOME CHARGEABLE UNDER THE HEAD 'SALARIES'

Total Tax deducted - Fill the value from Form 16 - Tax Payable

Under 24 Tax deducted at source of Income other then Salary - Fill as per receipt details

3. Taxes Paid & Verification:

- Fill the following cells:

Enter your Bank Account Number - To which Bank Account one needs the cheque \ transfer for refund amount
Refund Type - Select from Drop-down 'Yes' for direct deposit, it will be faster
MICR Code - MICR Code of Bank
Type of Account - Select from Drop-down the account type of Bank Account number you mentioned above
Name - Same as in PAN card
son/ daugher of - Same as in PAN card
Place
Date
PAN Card

- Following fields will be automatically calculated / filled:

16a Advance Tax (from item 25)
16b TDS (Total from item 23 + item 24)a
16c Self Assessment Tax (item 25)
17 Total Taxes Paid (16a + 16b + 16c)
18 Tax Payable - Mostly the amount should be zero, unless one has to pay the tax
19 Refund - Check the amount

And we are done finally :).

I hope it didn't took more then 15-20 minutes to complete the form.

Appreciate your feedback via comments.

Thanks.
Mehul

Python: Global Variable Access

2012-07-13T20:16:00.001+05:30

Current post is on how to access the global variables in Python 3.2.

Global variables can be easily accessed by using the keyword global.

According to Python 3.2 documentation:

The global statement is a declaration which holds for the entire current code block. It means that the listed identifiers are to be interpreted as globals. It would be impossible to assign to a global variable without global, although free variables may refer to globals without being declared global.

Names listed in a global statement must not be used in the same code block textually preceding that global statement.

Names listed in a global statement must not be defined as formal parameters or in a for loop control target, class definition, function definition, or import statement.

Example 1: Change the global variable

globalVariable = False

def ChangeGlobalFunction():
      """Function that changes global variable"""
      global globalVariable #Global statement
      globalVariable = True

def PrintGlobalFunction():
      """Function that prints global variable"""
      print(globalVariable)

PrintGlobalFunction()
ChangeGlobalFunction()
PrintGlobalFunction()

Output:

False
True

Python: Check for file existence

2012-07-13T19:53:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to check whether file exists on system running Python 3.2.

First import the 'os.path' module. os.path module implements some useful functions on pathname.

import os.path

Add the following line to check file.

os.path.exists(filename)

It returns True if filename exists else returns False

To make sure it is file and it exists, one can use:

os.path.isfile(filename)

It returns True only if the type is of file and it exists else returns False

Example 1: File Check using 'exists' function

      if os.path.exists("HelloWorld.py"):
           print("Hello World")
      else:
           print("No World !!!")

Example 2: File Check using 'isfile' function

if os.path.isfile("HelloWorld.py"):
           print("Hello World")
      else:
           print("No World !!!")

Python: Message Box in Windows

2012-07-13T19:14:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to show message box in Python 3.2 running on Microsoft Windows OS.

First import the 'ctypes' module. ctypes module provides C compatible data types and allows calling functions in DLLs or shared libraries.

import ctypes

Next we need is the messagebox function pointer

messageBox = ctypes.windll.user32.MessageBoxW *

After having the function pointer, we just need to call the function with required arguments.

returnValue = messageBox(ParentHandle,Error Text,Title Text,ButtonEnumValue)

where,
           ParentHandle = Handle to parent window
           Error Text = Text one wants to show to end user
           Title Text = Text that will appear on Title bar of message box
           ButtonEnumValue = Which button one needs to show

Detailed information can be found on Microsoft MessageBox Documentation

Based on return value, one can take the required action.

Example 1: Message Box with OK button.

import ctypes

messageBox = ctypes.windll.user32.MessageBoxW

returnValue = messageBox(None,"Message Box!!!","Hello",0x40 | 0x0)

Example 2: Message Box with OK-Cancel button & ReturnValue Check

import ctypes

messageBox = ctypes.windll.user32.MessageBoxW

      returnValue = messageBox(None,"Message Box!!!","Hello",0x40 | 0x1)

      if returnValue = = 1:
            print("Pressed OK")
     elif returnValue = = 2:
     print("Pressed Cancel")

* Python 3.x takes unicode only.

Conversion of Basic Data Type to string in C++ \ VC++

2010-07-26T08:33:00.004+05:30

Current post is on how to convert basic data type into string in C++ \ VC++

Have you ever tried of converting basic data types to string in most simple and elegant way!!!

Till now, I used to call 'itoa()' or similar function after which I used to append the char* buffer to string variable.

Lots of temp variable to initalize, worry about charbuff limited size declaration and ugly looking code. I came across this simple and clean function calls which really pleased my eyes :)

Let us take int to string conversion example:

BEFORE:

int myint=0;
char mycharbuf[64]="";
string mystr;

... // Get the int value

itoa(mycharbuff,myint,10);

mystr.append(mycharbuff);

... // Use the string

NOW:

int myint;
string mystr;
stringstream mystream;

... //Get the int value

mystream << myint;

mystr = mystream.str();

... // Use the string

Here you go, with clean code & faster code review of your work.

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

Non-Printable Char to int Conversion Issue in C

2010-02-25T12:01:00.002+05:30

Current post is on non-printable character conversion to int issue in C language.

By the topic you will assume, what is this? Even a C student who has just started will know that, there is no harm, as we are upgrading the type from character (char) to integer (int).

However, many people including the advanced programmer do not know is that: “conversion of character having non-printable value to int is machine dependent”.

It means that if you take a variable:

char mynonprintablechar = 129;

And then you try to upgrade to int implicitly, the results which you get, will make you scratch your hair.

Example 1: If - Else Statement

if( mynonprintablechar == 129)
printf(“You expected me”);

else

printf(“You may get me”);

Example 2: Switch Statement

switch(mynonprintablechar)
{
    case 129:
        printf(“You expected me”);
        break;
    default:
        printf(“You may get me”);
}

The solution:

1. Have unsigned char as variable type.
2. downcast the int against which you compare to char.
3. cast as unsigned char.

Do drop me a mail, if I saved you from scratching your hair :)

What do you mean by 'Pure Virtual Function' in C++ \ VC++?

2010-02-09T13:37:00.002+05:30

Current post is on what does 'Pure Virtual Function' mean?.

Lets examine:

What is pure virtual function ?

A pure virtual function is a virtual function which will force derived classes to override. If a class has any pure virtual funtion(s), the class is called an "abstract class" and you can't create objects of that class.

Declaration Syntax:

return_value classname:: Func_Name( parameters ) = 0;

Example:

class AbstractBaseClass
{
void ThisIsAPureVirtualFunction(void) = 0;
};

Why it is required?

- To specify an interface that must be provided by all classes deriving from it
- To make a class an abstract base class so that it cannot be instantiated

Can they have definition (method body)?

- Yes, they may have it.

1) If a class needs to be abstract & has no suitable candidate for virtual function, then my making destructor pure virtual & providing the definition, class is made virtual and derived class will have no issue in calling delete function

2) If a class need to provide a default behaviour but not let derived classes just inherit it "silently".

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

USB drive not present under ‘My Computer’.

2009-12-14T11:30:00.001+05:30

Current post is on how to get the USB drive under My Computer.

Even when you see the USB icon in tray, the drive icon is not present under ‘My Computer’ folder.

Steps to get the USB drive:

1. Right click on ‘My Computer’ folder and select ‘Manage’.
2. Select ‘Disk Management’ under ‘Storage option’
3. On lower right hand side, you should be able to see the USB drive.
4. Right click and select ‘Change the drive letter…’ and assign some letter which is not associated with any other things (floppy drives, hard disks, network drives)

The drive will appear with the assigned letter.

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

How to RUN 'Hello Android' Application in Eclipse??

2009-12-13T21:35:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to run 'Hello Android' application in Eclipse

You reached the stage where you want to compile and check you first android application result ??

It's very simple.

1. Go to 'Run' -> 'Run Configurations..'
2. Select 'Android Application' from left panel
3. Select 'New_configurations' from left panel
4. Select 'Android Tab' from right panel and select the workspace
5. Press 'Apply' button
6. Select 'Target Tab' from right panel and select the appropriate emulator
7. Press 'Apply' button
8. Run

Here you go amigo!!!

Appreciate your feedback via comments. Thanks.

'Hello Android' Application not coming on Emulator screen ??

2009-12-12T21:29:00.000+05:30

Current post is on how to get the 'Hello Android' Application on Emulator Screen

You followed all the instructions properly, the code got compiled and the application got deployed on emulator, still you cann't see 'Hello Android' on emulator screen?

Just Relax.

Some times the emulator takes about 2 minutes to load the things.

So first you see 'ANDROID _ '
then you will see 'ANDROID ICON'
and finally your application with 'Hello Android'

So take a deep breath and give some time to emulator to load the application.

Congratulations on your first application on Android.