2017 Project: Documented Code Samples

In an effort to empower more people across the planet to learn, but for it not to be an arduous journey in doing so, I've started heavily commenting code so that people can learn from it. This will be the first of many code ventures that I attempt to do and then share with comments, so that others can learn from it. The reason for the commenting with the links is because I, myself, have often wondered what 'x' does or why 'y' may have been used; so, in typical learning fashion, I set off to my favourite search engine and undertake to read more on the class, method, property, etc. To save someone the time and heartache of doing that, I include the .NET MSDN/TechNet documentation with the code - to assist self-driven learning.

In this first of series, DownloadBingImage, Wes (Mills) was making a PowerShell script to download the Bing Search Image. Kevin (Miller) asked him if it was in a service or task and Wes replied that it was a task, so I challenged myself to write it into a Windows Service. I rose to the occasion - mostly, out of self-interest in Windows Services, as it would help me to learn more about coding fundamentals in this area.

And, so, a few months of trial and error and I have a working version of the service installed on my local machine and it downloads the image[s]. This same exact code is what I'm sharing with you.

You can find a copy of the code with in-line comments and links to the classes/methods here. If you want to start at the main service entry point, look here.

It should go without saying that I am not a professional developer (albeit, my role does require understanding all aspects of the SDLC), so if you have comments or are confused as to why I did something a particular way (from a professional developer's perspective) and it doesn't quite make sense, that's why: I'm more of a hobbyist than what others would call a "professional", at this point.

I hope that this helps at least one person on their journey towards software development. If it's just one, then the effort was worth it. :)

Happy Coding!