IdeaWazaWiki - User contributions [en]

PHP/Variables

2007-11-13T18:10:58Z

205.250.116.93: /* Globals */

Variables, as mentioned briefly in [[Introduction to PHP]], are a significant feature of any programming language. They can be used to store all forms of data, and are generally required to perform multiple manipulations on data not hard-coded into a script. This lesson will introduce the basics of variables in PHP.

== Basic syntax ==
In PHP, all variables can be identified by the $ at the beginning of their name. Variables name generally start with a lowercase letter, however this can vary for special variables, which will be explained later. To understand how variables work, take this example:
<source lang="php">
<?php
echo 'Hello world!';
?>
</source>

Here is the same example using variables instead:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$message = 'Hello world!';
echo $message;
?>
</source>

== Dynamic typing ==
A number of other high profile languages (C and C++, for example) use static variable typing. This means that variables have to be given a data type (e.g. number, string of letters, boolean TRUE or FALSE) that will remain the same until they are destroyed.

This is often useful, however PHP does away with static typing and dynamically converts variable types when needed. As explained in [[Introduction_to_PHP#Basic_Syntax|the Introduction to PHP article]], PHP has different syntax for numbers and strings, however due to PHP's dynamically typed nature, strings can be treated as numbers when needed. Take the following example:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$input = '42';
$thevalue = $input * pi(); // Will multiply 42 by pi to (by default) 14 decimal places.
echo $thevalue; // This should return something along the lines of 131.946891451
?>
</source>

In this instance, we are multiplying the number 42 (in a string variable) by pi to a certain number of decimal places. PHP automatically converts '42' to 42 (a string to an integer). Conversion of clearly abnormal data can produce unexpected results, however. Take the following example:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$input = '4string2';
// Should multiply 42 by pi, but will produced unexpected results
$thevalue = $input * pi();
echo $thevalue;
?>
</source>

Depending on the PHP configuration, PHP may convert '4string2' to integer values before multiplying it by pi, with unexpected results. (On some PHP versions everything after the '4' is ignored and the result is approximately 12.56)

== Variable types ==
These are the main types of variables you will be dealing with:

* ''int'' - Short for integer. Holds any integer, i.e. a whole numerical value (no decimal places - however, if an int is assigned a number with a decimal place, it will be converted to a float automatically)
* ''float'' - Abbreviation of floating point value. Holds any integer WITH a decimal place, to a certain precision (generally 32 digits)
* ''double'' - Abbreviation of double precision floating point. Same as above except with far more precision - however, a double value also takes up twice as much memory (generally 8 bytes - obviously insignificant on modern servers)
* ''string'' - Holds any array of characters, i.e. a sentence (or two). Generally has an infinite length; however, for compatibility with older servers, limit the size of strings to 32768 characters. Strings are surrounded with single quotes when used in PHP.
* ''boolean'' - Can either be true or false, many functions return true or false

== Declaration ==
In a more lower-level language like [[Topic:C++|C++]], the declaration of the type of each variable is needed. For example, the following code in PHP:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$a = 'Stuff';
?>
</source>

Does not explicitly define the type of variable ''a''. Of course, the PHP runtime environment recognizes during execution of this line that the programmer provided a string literal as the value for the variable. If you want to do the same in [[Topic:C++|C++]], you would would have to explicitly declare the variable type:
<source lang="php">
char[6] a;
a = "Stuff";
</source>

Additional equivalent statements combining declaration and initialization of a variable with the same value would be:
<source lang="php">
char* a = "Stuff"; // using char pointer
char b[] = "Stuff"; // using char array with string literal initialization
char c[] = { 'S', 't', 'u', 'f', 'f', '\0' }; // using char array with array initialization
</source>

Notice that C++ requires explicit variable declaration (including variable type) whereas PHP does not. However, it is good practise to declare all variables, as if they are not declared PHP defaults their value to FALSE (0, empty etc.). This is because PHP is a dynamically typed language, and as a result neither type casting nor declaration is enforced. The following is possible:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$a;
?>
</source>

==Scope==

Scope refers to what can actually modify a variable, e.g:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$var = 1;
require 'another_page.php';
?>
</source>

The page 'another_page.php' has full access to the variable 'var'.
<source lang="php">
<?php
$var = 'Test';
function test()
{
echo $var;
}
test();
?>
</source>

The above would output nothing, since functions have their own scope, variables outside that scope would not be available.

===Globals===

You can force functions to access other variables by using the global keyword, e.g:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$var = 'Test';
function test()
{
global $var;
echo $var;
}
test();
?>
</source>

Would output: Test

Or you can use the $GLOBALS array, like this:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$GLOBALS['var'] = 'Test';
function test()
{
echo $GLOBALS['var'];
}
test();
?>
</source>

===Static Variables===

Static variables exist within a function and are saved after the function executes, e.g:
<source lang="php">
<?php
function increment()
{
static $a = 0;
echo $a;
$a++;
}
increment(); // 0
increment(); // 1
increment(); // 2
increment(); // 3
?>
</source>

If the variable 'a' was not static, it would echo 0 each time.

== Referencing ==
On a sidenote, a less used feature of PHP (and, indeed, many lower level programming languages) is memory address referencing. The idea is that every variable is stored at a certain address in memory. Now, say you wanted to have a variable that always remained the same values as another, you could just store point it at the same address - any changes at that address, i.e. any change to the value of the first variable, would be reflected in the other variable. Examine the following:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$a = 'Stuff';
$b = &$a; // $b is pointed to $a
$a = 'Stuff2.0'; // $b is now also 'Stuff2.0';
$b = 'Stuff3.0'; // $a is now also 'Stuff3.0';
?>
</source>

== Learning sessions ==
None available at present.

[[Category:PHP]]
[[Category:Articles related to php]]
[[Category:Programming]]

PHP/Variables

2007-11-13T18:10:10Z

205.250.116.93: /* Scope */

Variables, as mentioned briefly in [[Introduction to PHP]], are a significant feature of any programming language. They can be used to store all forms of data, and are generally required to perform multiple manipulations on data not hard-coded into a script. This lesson will introduce the basics of variables in PHP.

== Basic syntax ==
In PHP, all variables can be identified by the $ at the beginning of their name. Variables name generally start with a lowercase letter, however this can vary for special variables, which will be explained later. To understand how variables work, take this example:
<source lang="php">
<?php
echo 'Hello world!';
?>
</source>

Here is the same example using variables instead:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$message = 'Hello world!';
echo $message;
?>
</source>

== Dynamic typing ==
A number of other high profile languages (C and C++, for example) use static variable typing. This means that variables have to be given a data type (e.g. number, string of letters, boolean TRUE or FALSE) that will remain the same until they are destroyed.

This is often useful, however PHP does away with static typing and dynamically converts variable types when needed. As explained in [[Introduction_to_PHP#Basic_Syntax|the Introduction to PHP article]], PHP has different syntax for numbers and strings, however due to PHP's dynamically typed nature, strings can be treated as numbers when needed. Take the following example:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$input = '42';
$thevalue = $input * pi(); // Will multiply 42 by pi to (by default) 14 decimal places.
echo $thevalue; // This should return something along the lines of 131.946891451
?>
</source>

In this instance, we are multiplying the number 42 (in a string variable) by pi to a certain number of decimal places. PHP automatically converts '42' to 42 (a string to an integer). Conversion of clearly abnormal data can produce unexpected results, however. Take the following example:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$input = '4string2';
// Should multiply 42 by pi, but will produced unexpected results
$thevalue = $input * pi();
echo $thevalue;
?>
</source>

Depending on the PHP configuration, PHP may convert '4string2' to integer values before multiplying it by pi, with unexpected results. (On some PHP versions everything after the '4' is ignored and the result is approximately 12.56)

== Variable types ==
These are the main types of variables you will be dealing with:

* ''int'' - Short for integer. Holds any integer, i.e. a whole numerical value (no decimal places - however, if an int is assigned a number with a decimal place, it will be converted to a float automatically)
* ''float'' - Abbreviation of floating point value. Holds any integer WITH a decimal place, to a certain precision (generally 32 digits)
* ''double'' - Abbreviation of double precision floating point. Same as above except with far more precision - however, a double value also takes up twice as much memory (generally 8 bytes - obviously insignificant on modern servers)
* ''string'' - Holds any array of characters, i.e. a sentence (or two). Generally has an infinite length; however, for compatibility with older servers, limit the size of strings to 32768 characters. Strings are surrounded with single quotes when used in PHP.
* ''boolean'' - Can either be true or false, many functions return true or false

== Declaration ==
In a more lower-level language like [[Topic:C++|C++]], the declaration of the type of each variable is needed. For example, the following code in PHP:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$a = 'Stuff';
?>
</source>

Does not explicitly define the type of variable ''a''. Of course, the PHP runtime environment recognizes during execution of this line that the programmer provided a string literal as the value for the variable. If you want to do the same in [[Topic:C++|C++]], you would would have to explicitly declare the variable type:
<source lang="php">
char[6] a;
a = "Stuff";
</source>

Additional equivalent statements combining declaration and initialization of a variable with the same value would be:
<source lang="php">
char* a = "Stuff"; // using char pointer
char b[] = "Stuff"; // using char array with string literal initialization
char c[] = { 'S', 't', 'u', 'f', 'f', '\0' }; // using char array with array initialization
</source>

Notice that C++ requires explicit variable declaration (including variable type) whereas PHP does not. However, it is good practise to declare all variables, as if they are not declared PHP defaults their value to FALSE (0, empty etc.). This is because PHP is a dynamically typed language, and as a result neither type casting nor declaration is enforced. The following is possible:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$a;
?>
</source>

==Scope==

Scope refers to what can actually modify a variable, e.g:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$var = 1;
require 'another_page.php';
?>
</source>

The page 'another_page.php' has full access to the variable 'var'.
<source lang="php">
<?php
$var = 'Test';
function test()
{
echo $var;
}
test();
?>
</source>

The above would output nothing, since functions have their own scope, variables outside that scope would not be available.

===Globals===

You can force functions to acess other variables by using the global keyword, e.g:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$var = 'Test';
function test()
{
global $var;
echo $var;
}
test();
?>
</source>

Would output: Test

Or you can use the $GLOBALS array, like this:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$GLOBALS['var'] = 'Test';
function test()
{
echo $GLOBALS['var'];
}
test();
?>
</source>

===Static Variables===

Static variables exist within a function and are saved after the function executes, e.g:
<source lang="php">
<?php
function increment()
{
static $a = 0;
echo $a;
$a++;
}
increment(); // 0
increment(); // 1
increment(); // 2
increment(); // 3
?>
</source>

If the variable 'a' was not static, it would echo 0 each time.

== Referencing ==
On a sidenote, a less used feature of PHP (and, indeed, many lower level programming languages) is memory address referencing. The idea is that every variable is stored at a certain address in memory. Now, say you wanted to have a variable that always remained the same values as another, you could just store point it at the same address - any changes at that address, i.e. any change to the value of the first variable, would be reflected in the other variable. Examine the following:
<source lang="php">
<?php
$a = 'Stuff';
$b = &$a; // $b is pointed to $a
$a = 'Stuff2.0'; // $b is now also 'Stuff2.0';
$b = 'Stuff3.0'; // $a is now also 'Stuff3.0';
?>
</source>

== Learning sessions ==
None available at present.

[[Category:PHP]]
[[Category:Articles related to php]]
[[Category:Programming]]

Archive:Fanboy

2007-07-05T05:55:24Z

205.250.119.166: /* Background */

'''Fanboy''' is a term used to describe an individual (usually male, though the feminine version '''fangirl''' may be used for females) who is utterly devoted to a single fannish subject, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an [[obsession]]. Fanboys remain loyal to their particular obsession, disregarding any factors that differ from their point of view. Fanboys are also typically aggressive and hateful towards the opposing brand or competition of their obsession regardless of its merits or achievements.

== Background ==
Fanboys are attributed with a sycophantic devotion to the creators and principles behind a work with which they are currently enthralled, but will quickly move their attention elsewhere once something better or just newer comes along. Fanboys are noted for a very emotional attachment to their chosen subject, often taking negative remarks about it as a personal attack. They will readily engage in debates, but will fall back on emotional responses. For example, a "fanboy" may go out of their way to point out negative and often untrue statements about their obsession's rivals; this is commonly known as [[FUD]].

As electronic entertainment gained popularity, the term became increasingly applied to [[video game]]rs and television addicts. As a result, a subculture emerged which readily labeled itself as fanboys. Within this group, more effort is taken to fit in with a perceived standard, resulting in a more outgoing attitude, even among those with insecurities. This outgoing stance is often felt to be abrasive by those not involved in the culture as deeply.

More recently, especially in the [[video game industry]], fans of a particular video game console manufacturer have begun exhibiting slavish devotion to their brand of choice. An example would be a "Microsoft fanboy", one who holds devotion to the company [[Microsoft]]. In the video game industry fanboy dubbing can also occur in video game titles, such as [[Halo (series)]] or [[The Legend of Zelda]]. Conversely they hold an unreasonable amount of animosity towards the other brands which they consider to be competition. They are extremely rude to fans of the other companies or even people who don’t exhibit complete and utter devotion to the object of their fanaticism. These people seek out every opportunity to annoy others whose opinions differ from theirs. This trend has caused the term “fanboy” to acquire an increasingly negative connotation.

==History of fanboys and the term==
The term originated in [[comic book]] circles, to describe someone who immersed himself in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. The term is often used in a derogatory manner by other less obsessed fans. In the songs of the fannish [[parody]] [[musician]] [[Luke Ski]], many characters proudly consider themselves ''fanboys''. The term is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex. Common subjects of reverence by fanboys are [[TV show]]s, [[film|movie]]s, [[music]], [[anime]], [[comic books]], [[Star Trek]]([[Trekkies]]), [[Star Wars]] series, [[car]]s, [[video game console]]s, [[video games]], [[operating system]]s, [[MMORPG]]s, [[Computer Hardware|hardware]] and [[software]] companies.

Popular depictions of Fanboy stereotypes include the [[Comic Book Guy]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and columnist [[Larry Groznic]] from the satirical newspaper ''[[The Onion]]''.

The earliest published uses of the word "fanboy" have been dated to 1982. One reference is to the cover of the "Official Underground and Newave Comix Price Guide". On this cover page are sketched overweight, overzealous comic book collectors wearing T-shirts that state "Fanboys of America," and are describing the extreme measures they would go to, including moving to San Francisco, to preserve their comics. Also published in 1982, a comic strip appeared in Jim Engel and Chuck Fiala's "Fandom Confidential" comic. In the strip, Jim and Chuck met comic artist/writer [[John Byrne]] and collapsed into "mindless paroxysms of adoration." The John Byrne character responded that they were "a couple of fanboys in bondage" which was a play on words referring to a [[List of Monty Python's Flying Circus episodes#8. Archaeology Today|Monty Python skit]] in which an Elizabethan era character reads what she claims to be "'Gayboys in Bondage' by William Shakespeare".[http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=7&T1=Miscellaneous+Questions#154] Another early use is in a smart-alec editorial reply by "[[Ambush Bug]]" to a letter in his comic in [[1985]].

==Media==
===Comic Book===
*[[Sergio Aragonés]]' ''Fanboy''
*[[Galactic Storm]] ''Fanboy''

===Television===
*''[[The Simpsons]]'''s [[Comic Book Guy]] refers to himself as a fanboy.
*''[[Freakazoid!|Freakazoid]]'''s [[freakazoid!#Other characters|Fan Boy]]
*''[[King of the Hill]]'''s [[Hank Hill]] is a fanboy of [[propane]].

===Radio/Podcasts===
*[[Fanboy Radio]] - [http://fanboyradio.com]
*[[Fanboy TV]] - [http://www.fanboy.tv]
*Drooling FanBoy - [http://droolingfanboy.com]
*ifanboy - [http://www.ifanboy.com]
*[[The Fanboy Smackdown Podcast]] - [http://www.fanboysmackdown.com]
*[[The Opie and Anthony Show]] - [http://www.opieandanthony.com]

===Webcomics===
*Fanboy Almanac (webcomic) - [http://fanboyalmanac.com Fanboy Almanac]
*[http://www.ngeb.net/fanboys Fanboys web comic]
*[http://www.fogclub.net F.O.G.Club web comic]
*[http://www.fanboysonline.com Fanboys!! Beyond Geekdom!!! (webcomic)]
*[http://www.fanboys-online.com Fanboys-Online]

==See also==
* [[Addiction]]
* [[Cyberstalking]]
* [[Editor war]]
* [[Anorak (slang)|Anorak]]
* [[Astroturfing]]
* [[Otaku]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fanboy Urban dictionary: fanboy]
* [http://www.netjak.com/review.php/1013 Dissecting the Fanboy Mind] - A discussion of the fanboy behavior in regards to video games.
* [http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6463 The trial of the Fanboy] - A criticism of the fanboy concept and overusage of the term.

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Anime and manga terminology]]

[[de:Fanboy]]

Archive:Fanboy

2007-07-05T05:54:43Z

205.250.119.166: /* Background */

'''Fanboy''' is a term used to describe an individual (usually male, though the feminine version '''fangirl''' may be used for females) who is utterly devoted to a single fannish subject, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an [[obsession]]. Fanboys remain loyal to their particular obsession, disregarding any factors that differ from their point of view. Fanboys are also typically aggressive and hateful towards the opposing brand or competition of their obsession regardless of its merits or achievements.

== Background ==
Fanboys are attributed with a sycophantic devotion to the creators and principles behind a work with which they are currently enthralled, but will quickly move their attention elsewhere once something better or just newer comes along. Fanboys are noted for a very emotional attachment to their chosen subject, often taking negative remarks about it as a personal attack. They will readily engage in debates, but will fall back on emotional responses. For example, a "fanboy" may go out of their way to point out negative and often untrue statements about their obsession's rivals; this is commonly known as [[FUD]].

As electronic entertainment gained popularity, the term became increasingly applied to [[video game]]rs and television addicts. As a result, a subculture emerged which readily labeled itself as fanboys. Within this group, more effort is taken to fit in with a perceived standard, resulting in a more outgoing attitude, even among those with insecurities. This outgoing stance is often felt to be abrasive by those not involved in the culture as deeply.

More recently, especially in the [[video game industry]], fans of a particular video game console manufacturer have begun exhibiting slavish devotion to their brand of choice. An example would be a "Microsoft fanboy", one who holds devotion to the company [[Microsoft]]. In the video game industry fanboy dubbing can also occur in video game titles, such as [[Halo]] or [[The Legend of Zelda]]. Conversely they hold an unreasonable amount of animosity towards the other brands which they consider to be competition. They are extremely rude to fans of the other companies or even people who don’t exhibit complete and utter devotion to the object of their fanaticism. These people seek out every opportunity to annoy others whose opinions differ from theirs. This trend has caused the term “fanboy” to acquire an increasingly negative connotation.

==History of fanboys and the term==
The term originated in [[comic book]] circles, to describe someone who immersed himself in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. The term is often used in a derogatory manner by other less obsessed fans. In the songs of the fannish [[parody]] [[musician]] [[Luke Ski]], many characters proudly consider themselves ''fanboys''. The term is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex. Common subjects of reverence by fanboys are [[TV show]]s, [[film|movie]]s, [[music]], [[anime]], [[comic books]], [[Star Trek]]([[Trekkies]]), [[Star Wars]] series, [[car]]s, [[video game console]]s, [[video games]], [[operating system]]s, [[MMORPG]]s, [[Computer Hardware|hardware]] and [[software]] companies.

Popular depictions of Fanboy stereotypes include the [[Comic Book Guy]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and columnist [[Larry Groznic]] from the satirical newspaper ''[[The Onion]]''.

The earliest published uses of the word "fanboy" have been dated to 1982. One reference is to the cover of the "Official Underground and Newave Comix Price Guide". On this cover page are sketched overweight, overzealous comic book collectors wearing T-shirts that state "Fanboys of America," and are describing the extreme measures they would go to, including moving to San Francisco, to preserve their comics. Also published in 1982, a comic strip appeared in Jim Engel and Chuck Fiala's "Fandom Confidential" comic. In the strip, Jim and Chuck met comic artist/writer [[John Byrne]] and collapsed into "mindless paroxysms of adoration." The John Byrne character responded that they were "a couple of fanboys in bondage" which was a play on words referring to a [[List of Monty Python's Flying Circus episodes#8. Archaeology Today|Monty Python skit]] in which an Elizabethan era character reads what she claims to be "'Gayboys in Bondage' by William Shakespeare".[http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=7&T1=Miscellaneous+Questions#154] Another early use is in a smart-alec editorial reply by "[[Ambush Bug]]" to a letter in his comic in [[1985]].

==Media==
===Comic Book===
*[[Sergio Aragonés]]' ''Fanboy''
*[[Galactic Storm]] ''Fanboy''

===Television===
*''[[The Simpsons]]'''s [[Comic Book Guy]] refers to himself as a fanboy.
*''[[Freakazoid!|Freakazoid]]'''s [[freakazoid!#Other characters|Fan Boy]]
*''[[King of the Hill]]'''s [[Hank Hill]] is a fanboy of [[propane]].

===Radio/Podcasts===
*[[Fanboy Radio]] - [http://fanboyradio.com]
*[[Fanboy TV]] - [http://www.fanboy.tv]
*Drooling FanBoy - [http://droolingfanboy.com]
*ifanboy - [http://www.ifanboy.com]
*[[The Fanboy Smackdown Podcast]] - [http://www.fanboysmackdown.com]
*[[The Opie and Anthony Show]] - [http://www.opieandanthony.com]

===Webcomics===
*Fanboy Almanac (webcomic) - [http://fanboyalmanac.com Fanboy Almanac]
*[http://www.ngeb.net/fanboys Fanboys web comic]
*[http://www.fogclub.net F.O.G.Club web comic]
*[http://www.fanboysonline.com Fanboys!! Beyond Geekdom!!! (webcomic)]
*[http://www.fanboys-online.com Fanboys-Online]

==See also==
* [[Addiction]]
* [[Cyberstalking]]
* [[Editor war]]
* [[Anorak (slang)|Anorak]]
* [[Astroturfing]]
* [[Otaku]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fanboy Urban dictionary: fanboy]
* [http://www.netjak.com/review.php/1013 Dissecting the Fanboy Mind] - A discussion of the fanboy behavior in regards to video games.
* [http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6463 The trial of the Fanboy] - A criticism of the fanboy concept and overusage of the term.

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Anime and manga terminology]]

[[de:Fanboy]]

Archive:Fanboy

2007-07-05T05:54:28Z

205.250.119.166: /* Background */

'''Fanboy''' is a term used to describe an individual (usually male, though the feminine version '''fangirl''' may be used for females) who is utterly devoted to a single fannish subject, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an [[obsession]]. Fanboys remain loyal to their particular obsession, disregarding any factors that differ from their point of view. Fanboys are also typically aggressive and hateful towards the opposing brand or competition of their obsession regardless of its merits or achievements.

== Background ==
Fanboys are attributed with a sycophantic devotion to the creators and principles behind a work with which they are currently enthralled, but will quickly move their attention elsewhere once something better or just newer comes along. Fanboys are noted for a very emotional attachment to their chosen subject, often taking negative remarks about it as a personal attack. They will readily engage in debates, but will fall back on emotional responses. For example, a "fanboy" may go out of their way to point out negative and often untrue statements about their obsession's rivals; this is commonly known as [[FUD]].

As electronic entertainment gained popularity, the term became increasingly applied to [[video game]]rs and television addicts. As a result, a subculture emerged which readily labeled itself as fanboys. Within this group, more effort is taken to fit in with a perceived standard, resulting in a more outgoing attitude, even among those with insecurities. This outgoing stance is often felt to be abrasive by those not involved in the culture as deeply.

More recently, especially in the [[video game industry]], fans of a particular video game console manufacturer have begun exhibiting slavish devotion to their brand of choice. An example would be a "Microsoft fanboy", one who holds devotion to the company [[Microsoft]]. In the video game industry fanboy dubbing can also occur in video game titles, such as [[Halo(video game)]] or [[The Legend of Zelda]]. Conversely they hold an unreasonable amount of animosity towards the other brands which they consider to be competition. They are extremely rude to fans of the other companies or even people who don’t exhibit complete and utter devotion to the object of their fanaticism. These people seek out every opportunity to annoy others whose opinions differ from theirs. This trend has caused the term “fanboy” to acquire an increasingly negative connotation.

==History of fanboys and the term==
The term originated in [[comic book]] circles, to describe someone who immersed himself in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. The term is often used in a derogatory manner by other less obsessed fans. In the songs of the fannish [[parody]] [[musician]] [[Luke Ski]], many characters proudly consider themselves ''fanboys''. The term is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex. Common subjects of reverence by fanboys are [[TV show]]s, [[film|movie]]s, [[music]], [[anime]], [[comic books]], [[Star Trek]]([[Trekkies]]), [[Star Wars]] series, [[car]]s, [[video game console]]s, [[video games]], [[operating system]]s, [[MMORPG]]s, [[Computer Hardware|hardware]] and [[software]] companies.

Popular depictions of Fanboy stereotypes include the [[Comic Book Guy]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and columnist [[Larry Groznic]] from the satirical newspaper ''[[The Onion]]''.

The earliest published uses of the word "fanboy" have been dated to 1982. One reference is to the cover of the "Official Underground and Newave Comix Price Guide". On this cover page are sketched overweight, overzealous comic book collectors wearing T-shirts that state "Fanboys of America," and are describing the extreme measures they would go to, including moving to San Francisco, to preserve their comics. Also published in 1982, a comic strip appeared in Jim Engel and Chuck Fiala's "Fandom Confidential" comic. In the strip, Jim and Chuck met comic artist/writer [[John Byrne]] and collapsed into "mindless paroxysms of adoration." The John Byrne character responded that they were "a couple of fanboys in bondage" which was a play on words referring to a [[List of Monty Python's Flying Circus episodes#8. Archaeology Today|Monty Python skit]] in which an Elizabethan era character reads what she claims to be "'Gayboys in Bondage' by William Shakespeare".[http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=7&T1=Miscellaneous+Questions#154] Another early use is in a smart-alec editorial reply by "[[Ambush Bug]]" to a letter in his comic in [[1985]].

==Media==
===Comic Book===
*[[Sergio Aragonés]]' ''Fanboy''
*[[Galactic Storm]] ''Fanboy''

===Television===
*''[[The Simpsons]]'''s [[Comic Book Guy]] refers to himself as a fanboy.
*''[[Freakazoid!|Freakazoid]]'''s [[freakazoid!#Other characters|Fan Boy]]
*''[[King of the Hill]]'''s [[Hank Hill]] is a fanboy of [[propane]].

===Radio/Podcasts===
*[[Fanboy Radio]] - [http://fanboyradio.com]
*[[Fanboy TV]] - [http://www.fanboy.tv]
*Drooling FanBoy - [http://droolingfanboy.com]
*ifanboy - [http://www.ifanboy.com]
*[[The Fanboy Smackdown Podcast]] - [http://www.fanboysmackdown.com]
*[[The Opie and Anthony Show]] - [http://www.opieandanthony.com]

===Webcomics===
*Fanboy Almanac (webcomic) - [http://fanboyalmanac.com Fanboy Almanac]
*[http://www.ngeb.net/fanboys Fanboys web comic]
*[http://www.fogclub.net F.O.G.Club web comic]
*[http://www.fanboysonline.com Fanboys!! Beyond Geekdom!!! (webcomic)]
*[http://www.fanboys-online.com Fanboys-Online]

==See also==
* [[Addiction]]
* [[Cyberstalking]]
* [[Editor war]]
* [[Anorak (slang)|Anorak]]
* [[Astroturfing]]
* [[Otaku]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fanboy Urban dictionary: fanboy]
* [http://www.netjak.com/review.php/1013 Dissecting the Fanboy Mind] - A discussion of the fanboy behavior in regards to video games.
* [http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6463 The trial of the Fanboy] - A criticism of the fanboy concept and overusage of the term.

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Anime and manga terminology]]

[[de:Fanboy]]

Archive:Fanboy

2007-07-05T05:53:37Z

205.250.119.166: /* Background */

'''Fanboy''' is a term used to describe an individual (usually male, though the feminine version '''fangirl''' may be used for females) who is utterly devoted to a single fannish subject, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an [[obsession]]. Fanboys remain loyal to their particular obsession, disregarding any factors that differ from their point of view. Fanboys are also typically aggressive and hateful towards the opposing brand or competition of their obsession regardless of its merits or achievements.

== Background ==
Fanboys are attributed with a sycophantic devotion to the creators and principles behind a work with which they are currently enthralled, but will quickly move their attention elsewhere once something better or just newer comes along. Fanboys are noted for a very emotional attachment to their chosen subject, often taking negative remarks about it as a personal attack. They will readily engage in debates, but will fall back on emotional responses. For example, a "fanboy" may go out of their way to point out negative and often untrue statements about their obsession's rivals; this is commonly known as [[FUD]].

As electronic entertainment gained popularity, the term became increasingly applied to [[video game]]rs and television addicts. As a result, a subculture emerged which readily labeled itself as fanboys. Within this group, more effort is taken to fit in with a perceived standard, resulting in a more outgoing attitude, even among those with insecurities. This outgoing stance is often felt to be abrasive by those not involved in the culture as deeply.

More recently, especially in the [[video game industry]], fans of a particular video game console manufacturer have begun exhibiting slavish devotion to their brand of choice. An example would be a "Microsoft fanboy", one who holds devotion to the company [[Microsoft]]. In the video game industry fanboy dubbing can also occur in video game titles, such as [[Super Mario]] or [[The Legend of Zelda]]. Conversely they hold an unreasonable amount of animosity towards the other brands which they consider to be competition. They are extremely rude to fans of the other companies or even people who don’t exhibit complete and utter devotion to the object of their fanaticism. These people seek out every opportunity to annoy others whose opinions differ from theirs. This trend has caused the term “fanboy” to acquire an increasingly negative connotation.

==History of fanboys and the term==
The term originated in [[comic book]] circles, to describe someone who immersed himself in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. The term is often used in a derogatory manner by other less obsessed fans. In the songs of the fannish [[parody]] [[musician]] [[Luke Ski]], many characters proudly consider themselves ''fanboys''. The term is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex. Common subjects of reverence by fanboys are [[TV show]]s, [[film|movie]]s, [[music]], [[anime]], [[comic books]], [[Star Trek]]([[Trekkies]]), [[Star Wars]] series, [[car]]s, [[video game console]]s, [[video games]], [[operating system]]s, [[MMORPG]]s, [[Computer Hardware|hardware]] and [[software]] companies.

Popular depictions of Fanboy stereotypes include the [[Comic Book Guy]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and columnist [[Larry Groznic]] from the satirical newspaper ''[[The Onion]]''.

The earliest published uses of the word "fanboy" have been dated to 1982. One reference is to the cover of the "Official Underground and Newave Comix Price Guide". On this cover page are sketched overweight, overzealous comic book collectors wearing T-shirts that state "Fanboys of America," and are describing the extreme measures they would go to, including moving to San Francisco, to preserve their comics. Also published in 1982, a comic strip appeared in Jim Engel and Chuck Fiala's "Fandom Confidential" comic. In the strip, Jim and Chuck met comic artist/writer [[John Byrne]] and collapsed into "mindless paroxysms of adoration." The John Byrne character responded that they were "a couple of fanboys in bondage" which was a play on words referring to a [[List of Monty Python's Flying Circus episodes#8. Archaeology Today|Monty Python skit]] in which an Elizabethan era character reads what she claims to be "'Gayboys in Bondage' by William Shakespeare".[http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=7&T1=Miscellaneous+Questions#154] Another early use is in a smart-alec editorial reply by "[[Ambush Bug]]" to a letter in his comic in [[1985]].

==Media==
===Comic Book===
*[[Sergio Aragonés]]' ''Fanboy''
*[[Galactic Storm]] ''Fanboy''

===Television===
*''[[The Simpsons]]'''s [[Comic Book Guy]] refers to himself as a fanboy.
*''[[Freakazoid!|Freakazoid]]'''s [[freakazoid!#Other characters|Fan Boy]]
*''[[King of the Hill]]'''s [[Hank Hill]] is a fanboy of [[propane]].

===Radio/Podcasts===
*[[Fanboy Radio]] - [http://fanboyradio.com]
*[[Fanboy TV]] - [http://www.fanboy.tv]
*Drooling FanBoy - [http://droolingfanboy.com]
*ifanboy - [http://www.ifanboy.com]
*[[The Fanboy Smackdown Podcast]] - [http://www.fanboysmackdown.com]
*[[The Opie and Anthony Show]] - [http://www.opieandanthony.com]

===Webcomics===
*Fanboy Almanac (webcomic) - [http://fanboyalmanac.com Fanboy Almanac]
*[http://www.ngeb.net/fanboys Fanboys web comic]
*[http://www.fogclub.net F.O.G.Club web comic]
*[http://www.fanboysonline.com Fanboys!! Beyond Geekdom!!! (webcomic)]
*[http://www.fanboys-online.com Fanboys-Online]

==See also==
* [[Addiction]]
* [[Cyberstalking]]
* [[Editor war]]
* [[Anorak (slang)|Anorak]]
* [[Astroturfing]]
* [[Otaku]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fanboy Urban dictionary: fanboy]
* [http://www.netjak.com/review.php/1013 Dissecting the Fanboy Mind] - A discussion of the fanboy behavior in regards to video games.
* [http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6463 The trial of the Fanboy] - A criticism of the fanboy concept and overusage of the term.

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Anime and manga terminology]]

[[de:Fanboy]]

Archive:Science World at TELUS World of Science

2005-11-14T00:49:18Z

205.250.158.209:

'''Science World''' is a non-profit [[Science museum|science centre]] in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]], at the end of [[False Creek]]. There are many permanent interactive exhibits and displays, as well as areas with varying topics throughout the years.

The building's official name is ''Telus World of Science''.

==History==

In [[1977]], Barbara Brink ran mobile hands-on exhibits known as the ''Extended I'' around the Lower Mainland. Later, the temporary ''Arts, Sciences & Technology Centre'' opened on January 15, [[1982]] attracting over 600,000 visitors. Another 400,000 benefitted from the centre’s outreach programs, which were delivered around the province.

Following the [[Expo 86]] World’s Fair, an intensive lobbying campaign was launched to secure the landmark Expo Centre building for Science World. With much government backing, the geodesic dome, designed by [[Buckminster Fuller]], was obtanied from the province and a massive fund-raising campaign ensued. Donations from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the GVRD, the private sector, foundations and individuals contributed $19.1 million to build an addition to the Expo Centre, redesign the interior and fabricate exhibits. In [[1988]], in a four month preview, over 310,000 visitors came to see the new building. A year later they opened the world's largest [[OMNIMAX]] screen in the upper section of the dome, seating 400 people.

The centre entered its first title sponsorship agreement with [[Alcan|Alcan Inc.]] in 1996, renaming its OMNIMAX Theatre the ''Alcan OMNIMAX'' Theatre. In the summer of 2005, Science World officially changed the name of the entire building to the ''TELUS World of Science'', after lukewarm reaction to the proposed name ''Telusphere''. This was part of an agreement with [[Telus]], the centre's sponsor. The name change has been made on the exterior of the building, but not in the name of the nearby [[Main Street-Science World Station|Skytrain station]] nor by the general public, as it is still widely known as Science World.

There is an [http://www.petitiononline.com/telus04/petition.html online petition] requesting that Telus reconsider and withdraw its decision to rename Science World.

==External links==

*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/ Official Science World website]
*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/pdf/pressrelease/TELUS%20World%20of%20Science%20Name%20Change.pdf Notice of name change] ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]])

[[Category:British Columbia museums]]
[[Category:Science museums]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Vancouver]]
{{canada-struct-stub}}

Archive:Science World at TELUS World of Science

2005-10-30T06:15:02Z

205.250.158.209:

'''Science World''' is a non-profit [[Science museums|science centre]] in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]], at the end of [[False Creek]].

Its official name is ''Telus World of Science''.

==History==

In [[1977]], Barbara Brink ran mobile hands-on exhibits known as the ''Extended I'' around the Lower Mainland. Later, the temporary ''Arts, Sciences & Technology Centre'' opened on January 15, [[1982]] attracting over 600,000 visitors. Another 400,000 benefitted from the centre’s outreach programs, which were delivered around the province.

Following the [[Expo 86]] World’s Fair, an intensive lobbying campaign was launched to secure the landmark Expo Centre building for Science World. With much government backing, the geodesic dome, designed by [[Buckminster Fuller]], was obtanied from the province and a massive fund-raising campaign ensued. Donations from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the GVRD, the private sector, foundations and individuals contributed $19.1 million to build an addition to the Expo Centre, redesign the interior and fabricate exhibits. In [[1988]], in a four month preview, over 310,000 visitors came to see the new building. A year later they opened the world's largest [[OMNIMAX]] screen in the upper section of the dome, seating 400 people.

The centre entered its first title sponsorship agreement with [[Alcan|Alcan Inc.]] in 1996, renaming its OMNIMAX Theatre the ''Alcan OMNIMAX'' Theatre. In the summer of 2005, Science World officially changed the name of the entire building to the ''TELUS World of Science'', after lukewarm reaction to the proposed name ''Telusphere''. This was part of an agreement with [[Telus]], the centre's sponsor. The name change has been made on the exterior of the building, but not in the name of the nearby [[Main Street-Science World Station|Skytrain station]] nor by the general public, as it is still widely known as Science World.

==External links==

*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/ Official Science World website]
*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/pdf/pressrelease/TELUS%20World%20of%20Science%20Name%20Change.pdf Notice of name change] ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]])

[[Category:Vancouver buildings]]
[[Category:British Columbia museums]]
[[Category:Science museums]]

{{canada-struct-stub}}

Archive:Science World at TELUS World of Science

2005-10-30T06:13:28Z

205.250.158.209:

'''Science World''' is a non-profit [[science centre]] in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]], at the end of [[False Creek]].

Its official name is ''Telus World of Science''.

==History==

In [[1977]], Barbara Brink ran mobile hands-on exhibits known as the ''Extended I'' around the Lower Mainland. Later, the temporary ''Arts, Sciences & Technology Centre'' opened on January 15, [[1982]] attracting over 600,000 visitors. Another 400,000 benefitted from the centre’s outreach programs, which were delivered around the province.

Following the [[Expo 86]] World’s Fair, an intensive lobbying campaign was launched to secure the landmark Expo Centre building for Science World. With much government backing, the geodesic dome, designed by [[Buckminster Fuller]], was obtanied from the province and a massive fund-raising campaign ensued. Donations from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the GVRD, the private sector, foundations and individuals contributed $19.1 million to build an addition to the Expo Centre, redesign the interior and fabricate exhibits. In [[1988]], in a four month preview, over 310,000 visitors came to see the new building. A year later they opened the world's largest [[OMNIMAX]] screen in the upper section of the dome, seating 400 people.

The centre entered its first title sponsorship agreement with [[Alcan|Alcan Inc.]] in 1996, renaming its OMNIMAX Theatre the ''Alcan OMNIMAX'' Theatre. In the summer of 2005, Science World officially changed the name of the entire building to the ''TELUS World of Science'', after lukewarm reaction to the proposed name ''Telusphere''. This was part of an agreement with [[Telus]], the centre's sponsor. The name change has been made on the exterior of the building, but not in the name of the nearby [[Main Street-Science World Station|Skytrain station]] nor by the general public, as it is still widely known as Science World.

==External links==

*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/ Official Science World website]
*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/pdf/pressrelease/TELUS%20World%20of%20Science%20Name%20Change.pdf Notice of name change] ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]])

[[Category:Vancouver buildings]]
[[Category:British Columbia museums]]
[[Category:Science museums]]

{{canada-struct-stub}}

Archive:Science World at TELUS World of Science

2005-10-30T06:12:51Z

205.250.158.209:

'''Science World''' is a non-profit science centre in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]], at the end of [[False Creek]].

Its official name is ''Telus World of Science''.

==History==

In [[1977]], Barbara Brink ran mobile hands-on exhibits known as the ''Extended I'' around the Lower Mainland. Later, the temporary ''Arts, Sciences & Technology Centre'' opened on January 15, [[1982]] attracting over 600,000 visitors. Another 400,000 benefitted from the centre’s outreach programs, which were delivered around the province.

Following the [[Expo 86]] World’s Fair, an intensive lobbying campaign was launched to secure the landmark Expo Centre building for Science World. With much government backing, the geodesic dome, designed by [[Buckminster Fuller]], was obtanied from the province and a massive fund-raising campaign ensued. Donations from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the GVRD, the private sector, foundations and individuals contributed $19.1 million to build an addition to the Expo Centre, redesign the interior and fabricate exhibits. In [[1988]], in a four month preview, over 310,000 visitors came to see the new building. A year later they opened the world's largest [[OMNIMAX]] screen in the upper section of the dome, seating 400 people.

The centre entered its first title sponsorship agreement with [[Alcan|Alcan Inc.]] in 1996, renaming its OMNIMAX Theatre the ''Alcan OMNIMAX'' Theatre. In the summer of 2005, Science World officially changed the name of the entire building to the ''TELUS World of Science'', after lukewarm reaction to the proposed name ''Telusphere''. This was part of an agreement with [[Telus]], the centre's sponsor. The name change has been made on the exterior of the building, but not in the name of the nearby [[Main Street-Science World Station|Skytrain station]] nor by the general public, as it is still widely known as Science World.

==External links==

*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/ Official Science World website]
*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/pdf/pressrelease/TELUS%20World%20of%20Science%20Name%20Change.pdf Notice of name change] ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]])

[[Category:Vancouver buildings]]
[[Category:British Columbia museums]]
[[Category:Science museums]]

{{canada-struct-stub}}

Archive:Project fork

2005-10-12T10:02:10Z

205.250.52.134:

:''This article is about "forking" a [[software development]] project. For other uses, see [[fork (disambiguation)]].''

In [[software engineering]], a '''project fork''' or '''branch''' happens when a developer (or a group of them) takes code from a project and starts to develop independently of the rest. The term is also used more loosely to represent a similar branching of any work (for example, there are several forks of the english language [[Wikipedia]]).

The term is particularly used in [[free software|free]] or [[open source]] software, when a [[schism]] occurs because of different goals or personality clashes. In a fork of this type, both parties inherit identical [[intellectual rights]] but typically only the larger group, or that containing the original [[software architecture|architect]], will retain the full original name and its associated [[social capital]]. Thus there is a reputation penalty associated with forking.

This can happen in [[closed source]] software as well, if the rights to the common code are shared; but this is rarer, as usually there are strict rules about ownership of the code. More commonly in closed source software, a developer forks its own code to develop two versions, such as a [[Window (computing)|windowed]] version and a [[command line interface|command line]] version.

Another sort of fork is a standard practice in many projects: to fork a ''stable'' or ''release'' version which will be modified only for bug fixes, while a ''development'' tree continues to get new features added. This is common practice in the [[Linux kernel]], for instance, but has been misrepresented occasionally in the trade press as the more problematic sort of fork described above. [http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20041121124609671]

In some cases, a fork can merge back into the original project or replace it. [[EGCS]] (Experimental/Enhanced GNU Compiler System) was a fork from [[GNU Compiler Collection|GCC]] which proved more vital than the original project and was eventually "blessed" as the official GCC project.

==Views on forking==

Some see forks as a weakness in open source, but others believe that they demonstrate the adaptability of the model. The relationship between the different teams can be cordial or very bitter. For instance, because the author of the [[LMule]] file-sharing program for Linux was uninterested in porting it to other systems, the [[xMule]] team started a "friendly fork" to do so. Disagreements among the developers led to xMule itself being forked into [[aMule]], and the tension between the developers remains high.

On the matter of forking, the [[Jargon File]] says:
:"Forking is considered a [[Bad Thing]] — not merely because it implies a lot of wasted effort in the future, but because forks tend to be accompanied by a great deal of strife and acrimony between the successor groups over issues of legitimacy, succession, and design direction. There is serious social pressure against forking. As a result, major forks (such as the [[GNU Emacs|Gnu-Emacs]]/[[XEmacs]] split, the fissionings of the [[386BSD]] group into three daughter projects, and the short-lived GCC/EGCS split) are rare enough that they are remembered individually in hacker folklore."

Because of the ease of forking a project but the challenge of continuing to develop and support it, it's common for forks without extensive resources to become inactive — for instance, see [[GoneME]], a fork of [[GNOME]] by a former developer, which was discontinued shortly despite attracting some publicity. Some well-known forks have enjoyed great success, however, such as the [[X.Org Server|X.Org]] [[X Window System|X11]] server, a fork from [[XFree86]]. Most distributions have switched to X.Org, and overall [[X11]] development has sped up as well.

==Other examples==

*[[Enciclopedia Libre]] is a fork from the [http://es.wikipedia.org Spanish-language Wikipedia] to evade possible advertising.
*[[Pretty Good Privacy]] was forked outside of the United States to free it from the restrictive laws on the exportation of cryptographic software.
*The many varieties of [[proprietary]] [[Unix|UNIX]] — all derived from AT&T UNIX and all called "UNIX", but increasingly mutually incompatible. ''See'' [[UNIX wars]].
*The game [[Nethack]] has spawned a number of variants using the original code, notably [[SLASH'EM]]. (Nethack was influenced by [[Rogue (computer game)|Rogue]], but its code was written independently.)
*[[OpenSSH]] was a fork from [[SSH]], which happened because the license for SSH 2.x was "[[non-free]]" (even though the source was available), so an older version of SSH 1.x, the last to have been licensed as [[free software]], was forked. Within months, virtually all Linux distributions, BSD versions and even some proprietary Unixes had replaced SSH with OpenSSH.
* [[Apple Computer]]'s [[WebCore]] is a fork of [[KDE]]'s [[KHTML]] 3.1. This technology is used in two [[web browser]]s: [[Safari]] and [[Konqueror]]. In this case, [[open source]] code became integral to a [[proprietary software|proprietary]] project.

==See also==
*[[revision control]]

==References==
*[http://linuxmafia.com/faq/Licensing_and_Law/forking.html Fear of forking] (Rick Moen)
*[http://www.dwheeler.com/oss_fs_why.html#forking Forking] ([[David A. Wheeler]])

[[Category:Software engineering]]

[[de:Fork]]
[[fr:Fork]]
[[pl:Fork]]

Archive:Science World at TELUS World of Science

2005-10-03T04:33:43Z

205.250.158.209:

'''Science World''' is a non-profit science centre in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]], at the end of [[False Creek]].

==History==
In [[1977]] Barbara Brink ran mobile hands-on exhibits known as the ''Extended I'' around the Lower Mainland. Later, the temporary ''Arts, Sciences & Technology Centre'' opened on January 15, [[1982]] attracting over 600,000 visitors. Another 400,000 benefitted from the centre’s outreach programs, which were delivered around the province.

Following the [[Expo 86]] World’s Fair, an intensive lobbying campaign was launched to secure the landmark Expo Centre building for Science World. With much government backing, the geodesic dome, designed by [[Buckminster Fuller]], was obtanied from the province and a massive fund-raising campaign ensued. Donations from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the GVRD, the private sector, foundations and individuals contributed $19.1 million to build an addition to the Expo Centre, redesign the interior and fabricate exhibits. In [[1988]], in a four month preview, over 310,000 visitors came to see the new building. A year later they opened the world's largest [[OMNIMAX]] screen in the upper section of the dome, seating 400 people.

The centre entered its first title sponsorship agreement with [[Alcan|Alcan Inc.]] in 1996, renaming its OMNIMAX Theatre the ''Alcan OMNIMAX'' Theatre. In the summer of 2005, Science World officially changed the name of the entire building to the ''TELUS World of Science'', after lukewarm reaction to the proposed name ''Telusphere''. This was part of an agreement with [[Telus]], the centre's sponsor. The name change has been made on the exterior of the building, but not in the name of the nearby [[Main Street-Science World Station|Skytrain station]] nor by the general public, as it is still widely known as Science World.

==External links==

*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/ Official Science World Website]
*[http://www.scienceworld.bc.ca/pdf/pressrelease/TELUS%20World%20of%20Science%20Name%20Change.pdf Notice of Name Change]

[[Category:Vancouver buildings]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Science museums|SSci]]
{{canada-struct-stub}}

Archive:Science World at TELUS World of Science

2005-10-03T04:33:07Z

205.250.158.209: