C# and VB.NET in the same App_Code folder

I learned something cool today. I’m taking over a site that’s been written in VB.NET. While making some major modifications, I had to create a few new util classes. The problem is, the existing classes in the App_Code folder was written in VB.NET and I like to code in C#. If you try to compile a site that has two different languages in the App_Code directory, it won’t work. I found this article that says it can be done it just two steps. The trick is to create two subdirectories in App_Code; one to house each language; then edit your web.config to let the compiler know what to expect.

In an ideal environment this works. The website will compile fine. But I ran into another issue after doing this. After I created my two subdirectories (CS_Code and VB_Code), I moved the existing VB classes into VB_Code. The problem is, there are xsd files that I need to leave in the App_Code folder. These DAL files need to be in the root App_Code directory because it needs to be accessed by all the classes (VB and C#). But after I moved the VB classes into VB_Code, the VB classes can no longer see the xsd classes.

I feel like this is an issue that can easily be resolved but it’s past midnight and maybe my mind isn’t thinking straight. Also keep in mind that the project is a Website and not a Web Application. I’ve ran into issues in the past where the nuances between the two made a world of difference. It’s shame this project is due tomorrow. Comment/suggestions welcome*.

*and encouraged

The next online auction site

If you’re like me, you know many people that sell items on ebay. Let’s be honest, where would the internet and thousands of home businesses be without it? You may have also heard many complaints about their pricing system. They charge for listing; they charge for uploading images; they charge for selling; and (through Paypal) they charge for transactions.

Most people I know are tired of all the fees and “publicly owned company” mentality and decided to build an online auction site of their own. You can check it out at www.mondro.com. What’s interesting, and I believe good, is that they conscientiously kept the layout as simple and direct as possible. They explained it as a cross between ebay with the feel of Craigslist. Personally, I think it looks better than Craigslist but I understand where they’re coming from. Almost everything is text with the exception of the site logo and the images of the items up for auction. There are no ads or “latest do-dad” or “most popular widget” screaming for your attention.

What I like best and I think most people will agree, is that it’s free. Free to register, post, sell, and buy. The site also allows you to upload up to 10 high resolution* images for each item. That means you can upload an image directly from your 10.1 megapixel camera. Also, if you’re savvy enough, you can embed youtube videos into the description section.

mondro just launched so there aren’t too many users and items right now. Hopefully, it’ll catch on and become a player in the online auction community. I’m an avid believer in capitalism and market competition is always good news for the consumers/users/public.

*4 MB maximum