About Hoot . . .

Hoot is a relatively new study tool for Scrabble™ and other word game enthusiasts inspired in part by the study tool Lexpert. Since Lexpert had not been updated for the latest word lists, I decided to design a tool that would replace the functions that I enjoyed using, and add a few others. Although there are other useful tools, they didn't have what some of the things I wanted, and the ability to customize what it had. Furthermore, developing my own application means I decide what limits it has for my purposes.

About Me . . .

I am a programmer with experience with numerous languages and most of my programming was before I got a degree in the computer science field. I entered the field in the 1980's, about the time the PC (personal computer) was first made readily available. Since then, I've written in various versions of Basic, Visual Basic, C, Pascal, Java, and other languages. I also design websites and am familiar with HTML, CSS, PHP, Perl, ASP.NET, Javascript, and others. I've also done a lot of other computer type things. I didn't get a computer degree until 2012.

Before starting this project, C# was one of the languages I was least proficient in. I decided to develop this application in C# after I didn't get a C# programming job I had applied for. At the time I was just getting more interested in word games so I decided to make this my C# training project. I also have a degree in accounting, having written a tax accounting book or two, and do some graphic design. You can see my website, blog, and outdated resume, at www.tylerhosting.com/dbell/ and send me an email using one of the contact forms. For recreation, I also enjoy playing disc golf.