Development

I’ve been thinking a bit of late about how I work when it comes to programming new modules for client requirements etc. Over the last couple of years, I’ve done a hell of a lot of work with PHP in particular, and learned a lot of new stuff. However, the “problem” with this is that it’s all based on work I’ve done, rather than any form of formalised training, and sometimes that can backfire.

In a couple of interviews I’ve had to go through technical tests on PHP where the people creating the test have obviously come through some kind of course in PHP, and thus know some of the really arcane crap that I’ve never needed to learn. Those tests are what’s made me think about all this.

When I’m writing stuff, I love working it from scratch. For me it’s the best way to learn – I don’t want to go to Hotscripts.com or wherever and use someone else’s code if I can write it myself. I can – and do – help out others with PHP queries on forums like Cre8asite, and also when certain people ask what needs fixing. So I do know a fair bit about developing, yet when I’m faced with a technical test, it all goes to shit because I’ve no idea what !(==*&^) does. Or whatever.

I look at the stuff I’ve written – and the stuff I continue to write – and I know I can do this stuff standing on my head. I just don’t have time for people who seem to want to say “look how comprehensive my knowledge is”. I bet they’ve never used the fucking functions either.