Like many developers my age, I was predominantly self-taught. I went to art school to learn how to make things pretty, and I learned the code I needed mostly on my own. For quite some time, I had been given the impression that how you code PHP is irrelevant. As long as the code works, its just as valid as any other code that runs without critical error. But lately I’ve been digging a little deeper in to that well and have since realized that there is in fact a scale and a standard for syntax-related best practices. continue reading »
Like many developers my age, I was predominantly self-taught. I went to art school to learn how to make things pretty, and I learned the code I needed mostly on my own. For quite some time, I had been given the impression that how you code PHP is irrelevant. As long as the code works, its just as valid as any other code that runs without critical error. But lately I’ve been digging a little deeper in to that well and have since realized that there is in fact a scale and a standard for syntax-related best practices. 
I’ve recently been researching XML as a back-end data source for a new CMS I’m trying to build, continuing my perpetual quest for a completely database-independent front-end. My usual process for such endeavors is to pick up a couple books at the Library of Congress and peruse my RSS feeds for relevant insights. I like to start with the books (for example XML and PHP circa 2002) and work my way forward so that I can get a feel for how the technology has adapted. Before taking a look at some brand-spanking-new methods from PHP5, I’d like to take the opportunity to go over two classic methods for dealing with XML. continue reading »
I’ve recently been researching XML as a back-end data source for a new CMS I’m trying to build, continuing my perpetual quest for a completely database-independent front-end. My usual process for such endeavors is to pick up a couple books at the 
I’m a relatively young programmer by most people’s standards. Ever since I got started about 10 years ago, I’ve been coding in Notepad. Now I use Dreamweaver, which is essentially the same except that it color-codes my work for me and has a built-in FTP function. I’ve tried several IDEs, numerous PHP editors, and “make your life easier” tools in every color of the rainbow, but they inevitably frustrate me. Why do I find it so difficult to give up the familiar? continue reading »