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Ben Weller created the group PHP
69 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
I want to learn PHP, AJAX and how to build a CMS. How do I go about it? While I am familiar with code from my blog, I would like links to straight-up beginner resources. How do I set up a coding environment on my computer? What are the best tutorials and resources or even classes available on the web? Thanks in advance...
67 weeks ago from PHP, Web Development, Drupal, Joomla! and User Experience3 more
Timothy Johnson III recommended this
Rebecca Thorman:
@ Ted - Right now, I am making my way through the Head First book for PHP and MySql (think I'm on Chapter 5). I am using XAMPP as well, but only ...More@ Ted - Right now, I am making my way through the Head First book for PHP and MySql (think I'm on Chapter 5). I am using XAMPP as well, but only because the group recommended it and it ended up being easier than what the book suggested. I think the book is great and is very easy and clear - plus, there are lots of great online resources that align with each chapter. For me, I like being able to mark up the book as well. Hope that helps! After the Head First book, I also have a book called PHP and MySql for Web Devlelopment which is part of the Web Developers series. It looks pretty good, but certainly more advanced than the Head First book I'm doing now.
64 weeks ago
64 weeks ago
Ben Weller:
Rebecca,
I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?
Once you've gotten ...MoreRebecca,
I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?
Once you've gotten some experience with the basics, I'd recommend using that experience in a true LAMP stack.
There are 2 easy (easier...) ways to move in that direction:
- virtualize a LAMP server locally (using VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.), or
- set up a virtualized server through RackSpace, AWS, or similar.
If you're planning to stick with it, it is important to break away from the Windows-based stack. Linux-based stacks tend to be more performant and robust, and don't suffer with the issues inherent in the Windows-targeted implementation of PHP. It is very likely that any professional opportunities that you'll encounter will require LAMP experience over X/WAMP experience.
25 weeks ago
I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?
Once you've gotten ...MoreRebecca,
I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?
Once you've gotten some experience with the basics, I'd recommend using that experience in a true LAMP stack.
There are 2 easy (easier...) ways to move in that direction:
- virtualize a LAMP server locally (using VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.), or
- set up a virtualized server through RackSpace, AWS, or similar.
If you're planning to stick with it, it is important to break away from the Windows-based stack. Linux-based stacks tend to be more performant and robust, and don't suffer with the issues inherent in the Windows-targeted implementation of PHP. It is very likely that any professional opportunities that you'll encounter will require LAMP experience over X/WAMP experience.
25 weeks ago
Mehul Kar
I don't have any web development experience, but would like to learn. What's the best place to start? My technical experience is limited to some basic html and css. And I taught myself some Visual Basic about 8 years ago.
Rebecca Thorman and Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Rebecca Thorman:
Uh, I just have Windows! Ha. See, I don't think there is any super beginners guide to setting this stuff up. I'm happy to play with code but ...MoreUh, I just have Windows! Ha. See, I don't think there is any super beginners guide to setting this stuff up. I'm happy to play with code but setting up the environment to do so mystifies me. I would definitely appreciate any tutorials you recommend.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
Mehul Kar:
Thanks for the replies Ben. I've been looking at WP themes and I had a local XAMPP installation with Apache and MYSQL databases. I didn't ...MoreThanks for the replies Ben. I've been looking at WP themes and I had a local XAMPP installation with Apache and MYSQL databases. I didn't understand anything about what was going on other than the WP template though.
Now, I'm going through the stellar videos I found here (via a spam message ironically). But on the same website, the tutorials for CSS were from 2006, so I'm not sure how up-to-date these are. They ask for a WAMP installation and to be on the safe side, I uninstalled XAMPP and have installed WAMP.
Could you take a look at these tutorials and tell me if they're worth watching or if they're too old?
http://www.elearnkey.com/Course.aspx?G=1&Ca=1&Co=2&CD=2
69 weeks ago
Now, I'm going through the stellar videos I found here (via a spam message ironically). But on the same website, the tutorials for CSS were from 2006, so I'm not sure how up-to-date these are. They ask for a WAMP installation and to be on the safe side, I uninstalled XAMPP and have installed WAMP.
Could you take a look at these tutorials and tell me if they're worth watching or if they're too old?
http://www.elearnkey.com/Course.aspx?G=1&Ca=1&Co=2&CD=2
69 weeks ago
Ben Weller
The PHPRiot iPad app is a great reference tool. Get info on PHP functions and syntax, as well documentation of the Zend framework: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phpriot-com-web-developer/id382340169?mt=8
69 weeks ago from PHP
Ben Weller
Hey there Web Devs:
Just wanted to introduce a new group just for us PHP developers: http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/php
Join up. While I can't say I'll be the primary contributor of content, I'm sure that the group can be a valuable vehicle for sharing info, and for networking with other PHP developers.
Ben Weller
joined the group Web Development
69 weeks ago
Ben Weller
Are you doing more with PHP than hacking a WordPress theme? Are you building an app? Do yourself a favor: Use PHPUnit for test driven development from the beginning. See: http://www.phpunit.de/manual/3.6/en/index.html
Ben Weller
Are you doing more with PHP than hacking a WordPress theme? Are you building an app? Do yourself a favor: Use PHPUnit for test driven development from the beginning. See: http://www.phpunit.de/manual/3.6/en/index.html
69 weeks ago from PHP
TOP IDEA:
Kasey Kaplan
I wish I could import my linedIn profile.......
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Jenn Wilson
Hey everyone! I just joined this group and thought I'd ask for some free advice. :-) After losing my job and an increasingly frustrating job search process, I'm thinking freelance may be in my future. Any recommendations on the best way to build a clientele base?
Ben Weller:
That's how I got into freelancing, and I'm expanding my business from there! I couldn't stand the idea of one more awkward phone interview with no ...MoreThat's how I got into freelancing, and I'm expanding my business from there! I couldn't stand the idea of one more awkward phone interview with no call back as promised. But anyways....
What type of freelance work would you be getting into? Your industry and target market will very likely influence your client prospecting and acquisition process in a major way.
113 weeks ago
What type of freelance work would you be getting into? Your industry and target market will very likely influence your client prospecting and acquisition process in a major way.
113 weeks ago
Jenn Wilson:
It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one in that boat!
I'd be doing copywriting, voice overs, and audio production. Sounds a bit random I ...MoreIt's reassuring to know I'm not the only one in that boat!
I'd be doing copywriting, voice overs, and audio production. Sounds a bit random I know, but I'm coming out of radio, so it's actually exactly what I was doing (and doing well). I just don't know if there's a better strategy than going door to door to peddle my wares.
And thanks for the response!
113 weeks ago
I'd be doing copywriting, voice overs, and audio production. Sounds a bit random I ...MoreIt's reassuring to know I'm not the only one in that boat!
I'd be doing copywriting, voice overs, and audio production. Sounds a bit random I know, but I'm coming out of radio, so it's actually exactly what I was doing (and doing well). I just don't know if there's a better strategy than going door to door to peddle my wares.
And thanks for the response!
113 weeks ago
Dale Beermann
Is anyone using Basecamp for project management? I'm evaluating it right now and find it really frustrating. I shift milestones and all of the todos are still under the old dates. It's nearly impossible to effectively change a project plan from what I can tell.
Does anyone have other suggestions? Pivotal Tracker looks interesting, and it's free. I need something that can do project management and time tracking for consulting gigs.
115 weeks ago from Freelancing and Tech Gurus
Carmille recommended this
Dale Beermann:
This was all super useful, thanks everyone. I've started looking at a few of these, but I'm starting to settle on Pivotal Tracker. I found out ...MoreThis was all super useful, thanks everyone. I've started looking at a few of these, but I'm starting to settle on Pivotal Tracker. I found out that they have a time tracking feature, you just have to ask to have it enabled. It's also free, and based on agile development, which for me is perfect.
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Ben Weller:
I've used Basecamp, and I found it to be OK. I like the connectivity with FreshBooks... Despite that, I've been with using 5pm (MoreI've used Basecamp, and I found it to be OK. I like the connectivity with FreshBooks... Despite that, I've been with using 5pm (http://www.5pmweb.com/) for months now, and find it quite easy to use. My clients seem to find it valuable as well for collaboration and issue / progress tracking.
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Ben Weller
Hey freelancers. I'm a web developer, but this question seems applicable across the board...
What type of payment terms do you usually offer when invoicing clients? I've been using Net 7 (must be paid in 7 days), but a client recently asked for Net 30. Should I have expected this? Any input is greatly appreciated!
122 weeks ago from Freelancing
Cyndee Sugra:
Yes, 30 day net is typical and standard. All of our contractors bill us 30 day net (which doesn't always mean that we wait 30 days to pay them ...MoreYes, 30 day net is typical and standard. All of our contractors bill us 30 day net (which doesn't always mean that we wait 30 days to pay them though). When I was a freelancer back in the early days, I would request a deposit to start (typically 50%), or if it was a longer term project and couldn't finance the project myself, I would create milestones and request payment along the way. This would help offset waiting for the final payment, which would be 30 day net (or longer).
121 weeks ago
121 weeks ago
Melissa Breau:
Hi Ben. Everything I've read says to have them pay a portion of the payment up front and then the rest once the project is complete - I've always ...MoreHi Ben. Everything I've read says to have them pay a portion of the payment up front and then the rest once the project is complete - I've always followed this model. I'm actually surprised so many people on here say they do it differently!
121 weeks ago
121 weeks ago
Sarah
I think I need to tell my 8-5 employer that I'm going to start moonlighting as a freelance copywriter. I work for a very small company and am closely connected with most of my colleagues through various social media outlets so it's only a matter of time until they "find me." In a perfect world, a boss is totally supportive and excited to hear that your personal brand is strong and contributing to the corporate brand, etc. But in the real world, I'm a little nervous. Any advice?
122 weeks ago from Freelancing
Benjamin Jancewicz:
I eventually told my boss, and was nervous about it too.
He was really supportive about it, and understood.
I've also worked in a place that ...MoreI eventually told my boss, and was nervous about it too.
He was really supportive about it, and understood.
I've also worked in a place that wasn't supportive. It was one of the reasons I left.
If an employer understands that people freelance because they enjoy it, they support it more. Just make it clear that you do not intend to compete with your 8-5.
122 weeks ago
He was really supportive about it, and understood.
I've also worked in a place that ...MoreI eventually told my boss, and was nervous about it too.
He was really supportive about it, and understood.
I've also worked in a place that wasn't supportive. It was one of the reasons I left.
If an employer understands that people freelance because they enjoy it, they support it more. Just make it clear that you do not intend to compete with your 8-5.
122 weeks ago
Ben Weller
Nice idea for a group! I'm a Vermont, USA based freelance Web & WordPress developer. Feel free to drop me a line. I'm also always on the lookout for talented UI / Web Designers. Do you fit that description?
Benjamin Jancewicz:
Hey Ben,
I've done a lot of Web Design, and a lot of it for Wordpress. Email me at MoreHey Ben,
I've done a lot of Web Design, and a lot of it for Wordpress. Email me at benjancewicz@zerflin.com
123 weeks ago
I've done a lot of Web Design, and a lot of it for Wordpress. Email me at MoreHey Ben,
I've done a lot of Web Design, and a lot of it for Wordpress. Email me at benjancewicz@zerflin.com
123 weeks ago
Cyn Mallard:
Hi Ben, Yes I do. Designer, web designer, SaaS Gui designer. Keep me in mind. Contact MoreHi Ben, Yes I do. Designer, web designer, SaaS Gui designer. Keep me in mind. Contact cyn@cynergiestudio.com
122 weeks ago
122 weeks ago
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