15.MyISERN-1.0

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Using JAXB
Once we figured out how to use JAXB, this assignment seem to be easy. However, learning a new tool isn't always as easy as it is described on several websites. I learned a lot by trying to figure out how to use JAXB to extract values from a XML file. As mentioned it was not that easy at first. I went to some "help" websites that had example code of unmarshalling and marshalling. I took the exact same code from various websites and changed some variable names. At first it didn't work. But after thinking and rewriting that code, it suddenly made sense how JAXB works and it was fairly easy to continue with the assignment.

Implementing Tables
After we accomplished this task, we debated on the format of the tables. Since in the assignment instruction it was never clear if the tables should be command line implemented, we decided to take it a step further and create nice tables which use the Java swing package. However, after reading assignment 16 (Next Assignment), it seem like we should rather stay with System.out because it would be easier for implementing assignment 16.

What about XML
Even though we were working with XML files, a person not knowing XML would also be able to complete this assignment. This is because the XML files, as well as the XML schema files, were provide by the professor which saved us a lot of detailed work. This is also why we were able to fully concentrate on our actual task; learning to use JAXB. In addition, JAXB did all the work for us. Nevertheless, it was still a hard assignment because this was the first assignment which required working in groups and it also required using TortoiseSVN which none of our group members used before. Therefore, we had to learn to use this tool as well, within a short time period.

Group development
Actually, I must say that group projects as experienced this time make really fun. Not only because I didn't have to think about the code implementations all on my own, but also because I learned a lot of new "tricks" in using Eclipse. I was also able to see other peoples' way of coding and learned a different process of thinking about implementing certain methods. I was actually, surprised that we were able to meet every day for at least one hour. I was surprised because each of us work on a different shift and each of us still has other homeworks to do. That was amazing one of the member works mornings, I work afternoons, and another group member works nights. But we still figured a time to meet and there was never a situation where one member had to wait for another member to appear to the group meeting. So, this was a really good experience.