[Core]

Dream.In.Code Summer of API Contest
Discover & Implement

The summer is great time to kick back and have some fun with all sorts of cool programming stuff. Recently we introduced a new Dream.In.Code feature - the DIC API. With the help of this web API, developers can access various data via a simple HTTP request, that returns XML data.

The rules:
1) NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The contest is open to all registered Dream.In.Code members.

2) You must use the information provided via the API.

3) You are not limited to information supplied only by the API.

4) You can only submit one contest entry.

5) Your entry must be an application, either desktop or web-based. It must be original work, developed by the claimed author. We do not limit the use of third-party libraries in the entry as long as those are referenced.

6) Your entry must be fully working at the time of submission. No concept entries allowed.

7) You agree to provide the source code for your application to Dream.In.Code and attach it with your entry. An entry without source code is considered incomplete and is not eligible for a prize.

8) Dream.In.Code staff will not be participating in the competition, nor will their immediate family members. This only includes the webmaster, administrators and moderators. Mentors and Alumni are eligible for participation.

9) You can use any tools to develop your project.

10) No cash will be awarded in lieu of merchandise or awards, except by MEDIAGROUPONE/DREAM.IN.CODE's sole election due to prize unavailability (does not apply to the cash prize for the first place).

11) Representatives of MEDIAGROUPONE/DREAM.IN.CODE will select the winner based on creativity. Decisions are final on all matters relating to this contest. If MEDIAGROUPONE/DREAM.IN.CODE is unable to locate a given winner, an alternate winner will be selected. The winner will be notified by email and PM. Allow approximately 4-8 weeks for delivery of the prize.

12) By entering the contest, the participants ( a ) agree to the official rules and that the decisions of the judges are final in all respects; ( b ) consent to the use of the winner's name and photograph for advertising and promotional purposes without further compensation, except where prohibited by law; and release MEDIAGROUPONE/DREAM.IN.CODE and its subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind caused by entering the contest, any prize, or resulting from acceptance, possession or use of any prize, except where prohibited by law.

13) All federal, state, and local laws and restrictions apply. Offer void where prohibited, or otherwise restricted under federal, state, or local laws, rules or regulations.

14) A list of winners will be posted on Dream.In.Code on September 5th, 2010.

If a participant violates one of the rules or does not agree to abide them, he/she will be automatically disqualified without any compensation.

Plagiarism and code stealing will not be tolerated.

Prizes:
1st Place

• A 4GB Microsoft Zune with custom XNA Engraving
  
• $250
  
• An autographed copy of Zero One, Super Powers, & Lost Reality by Dual Core, as well as a copy of their latest album Next Level.

2nd place

• Hardware (provided by Akron Computer Design & Repair, LLC)
  
• Books

3rd place

• Caffeine Case (RedBull)
  
• Dream.In.Code Mousepad

Honorable mention

• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium - Digital Download

Submission Due:
Aug. 31st 2010

A few tips:
The Dream.In.Code XML API is available via the following calls:

http://www.dreaminco.../forums/xml.php
The XML representation of the homepage

http://www.dreaminco...php?showforum=1
Lists the data for a specific forum. The data is only available via IDs, so you need to know those before executing the call.

http://www.dreaminco...php?showuser=34
Displays the data about a specific user. Also, only operates with IDs (member names cannot be passed to this method). Member IDs are visible in the address bar in your browser when you view a member's profile.

http://www.dreaminco...howtopic=179566
Shows replies in a topic, as well as some basic user information.

There is no limit on what you can develop with this XML data - games, tools, forum readers etc. Whatever comes to your mind - go ahead and try implementing it.

At the end, the Dream.In.Code staff will analyze the entries, and the authors of the best applications will get awesome prizes!

So let's get started!

[gabehabe]

Finally! I'm in, will get to work on this tonight!

edit wait, what about snippets?

Then I shall work on something else. Bah!

This post has been edited by gabehabe: 01 July 2010 - 04:30 AM

[skyhawk133]

Snippets doesn't have an API yet, and this is technically more of an XML interface to the data in the forums than anything else. We're exploring actual API's that would let you update profiles, create posts, snippets, etc.

[W3bDev]

I have a great idea for an application, but we'll see if I can spare some dev time to get it done.

[KingCuddles]

@skyhawk133 & Core, this is a great challenge, with some great prizes.

Not only does it raise awareness of the great API you have created, but it is one of the most flexible challenges to date, with almost anyone able to enter no matter what their language or platform preference is.

Another benefit is all the great programs which will make all of our lives easier

Also I think some reference should be made to KYA's excellent examples of working with the API in Java, part one & part two.

EDIT: WOW Do I sound like a kiss ass now .

This post has been edited by KingCuddles: 01 July 2010 - 08:26 AM

[dorknexus]

Even though I'm not eligible for prizes I'm gonna do it anyways. So there!

[KingCuddles]

Dark_Nexus, on 01 July 2010 - 07:54 AM, said:

Even though I'm not eligible for prizes I'm gonna do it anyways. So there!

Good - More useful programs for us to use .

This post has been edited by KingCuddles: 01 July 2010 - 09:48 AM

[no2pencil]

Dark_Nexus, on 01 July 2010 - 09:54 AM, said:

Even though I'm not eligible ...

We don't discriminate just b/c you rode the short bus to school.

...btw, you're drooling a bit.

[macosxnerd101]

KingCuddles, on 01 July 2010 - 11:20 AM, said:

EDIT: WoW Do I sound like a kiss y. ass now .

Fixed.

[no2pencil]

Forgive me because I forget, but years ago I remember someone working on their own DreamInCode posting program, where it prepared the code text for submission. I still have it installed on a Windows machine (around here somewhere), was a really neat program.

[Nykc]

Yes and I know who wrote it also.

[KingCuddles]

macosxnerd101, on 01 July 2010 - 08:51 AM, said:

KingCuddles, on 01 July 2010 - 11:20 AM, said:

EDIT: WoW Do I sound like a kiss y. ass now .

Fixed.

Thanks for fixing that for me .

[ShaneK]

I'm in, but no idea what I'm gonna do. So, just to be clear, everybody sends the applications to me and I'll forward them.

Yours,
Shane~

[Sethro117]

Im going to try and make time to particpate in this one.

How are we judged? Use of API, sticking to coding standards or what?

[KingCuddles]

Sethro117, on 01 July 2010 - 10:40 AM, said:

Im going to try and make time to particpate in this one.

How are we judged? Use of API, sticking to coding standards or what?

Core said:

11) Representatives of MEDIAGROUPONE/DREAM.IN.CODE will select the winner based on creativity. Decisions are final on all matters relating to this contest. If MEDIAGROUPONE/DREAM.IN.CODE is unable to locate a given winner, an alternate winner will be selected. The winner will be notified by email and PM. Allow approximately 4-8 weeks for delivery of the prize.