If you haven't heard of SwitchTower, then I'm afraid you're missing out. And if you thought it was only good for Rails applications, then I'd encourage you to think again. I explain why over on the automation site.
Every time I have an opportunity to talk to a group about continuous integration, I just fire up CruiseControl and act out a project episode. It's more fun that way for me, but, more importantly, I think a live demo offers an information-rich experience for all types of learners. I doubt that the visual learners really hear anything I say---the on-screen demo speaks for itself to them. What I say is probably more valuable to the auditory learners, and they might even appreciate my humor. And the kinesthetic learners just can't wait to get their hands on the keyboard to try it for themselves. Not everyone ends up using CruiseControl on their project, but at least they walk away knowing what a continuous integration tool can do for them.
Inspired by Jon Udell's work, lately I've been experimenting a lot with how to bring this sort of see-hear-touch experience to your desktop in a medium that's progressively downloadable. The first fruits: a CruiseControl action movie (playing at pragmaticautomation.com).
Let me know what you think.
Stop by and visit the good folks at Softpro Books in Denver and you'll get a first-hand look (and feel) at some of my project automation gear. You know you've arrived when you see the red and green lava lamps blazing through the storefront window.
The X10 devices that conveniently power the lamps are also there on the table, ready to be poked and prodded. And, because you know you want to hook up lava lamps to your scheduled build, take a free copy of the instruction booklet back to your boss' office.
While you're in there, please support Softpro and your dear author by purchasing a copy of the book that gives you soup-to-nuts recipes for automating your software project. When you pay, don't forget to ask for a voucher to purchase the PDF version of the book for just 99 cents. (The PDF offer applies to any Pragmatic Bookshelf title you buy at a participating independent bookstore.)
Thanks, and have fun!
If you've been holding off picking up a copy of Pragmatic Project Automation until some of the early adopters have weighed in, here's a compilation of reviews that I hope will help you take the plunge:
Many thanks to all the folks who took the time to read the book and write up their review. It brings me great joy to know that it has been a fun and informative read.
A few folks have asked how to wire up red and green lava lamps to their continuous integration process, as referred to in the book. I've posted instructions, pictures, and software here.
Advanced Rails Recipes
May 2008
Agile Web Development with Rails
December 2006
Pragmatic Project Automation
July 2004
Becoming Productive in Xcode
February 2009