I just added my first PHP functionality to the site and it couldn't have been easier. Previously I had to hand code my right side bar with what I was watching and reading. The problem was I had to do this with every page, and that was time consuming. So I ended up not updating it nearly as much as I should (you'll notice I was watching Red Beard for two months...it's a long movie...just not that long). I knew there had to be an easier way, and 'PHP include' came to my rescue. Think of it like a code cut & paste for your website. Now all my pages pull in the chunk of HTML code that makes up my sidebar and all I have to do is change one bit of code to update my entire site. Sweet.

Labels: PHP

As a designer first and a programmer second I've noticed a big difference in the language each group uses. My head is usually full with words like 'branding', and 'typography', so now I have to make some room for 'variables', and 'arrays'. So far the PHP lessons are going well. The PHP visual guide book that I picked up on Amazon has worked very well. It has nice combination of pictures and text that massages my left and right hemispheres well.

Labels: PHP

I've had many good intentions of self teaching myself some web programing, but as I glance over at a dusty collection of books with strange black and white animal covers, I have to come to the realization that good intentions are just not cutting it. It all started with a desire to learn CGI and Perl. I got about 20 pages into the PERL book before my desire petered out. After that it was WAP and WML Script. I think that lasted 40 pages. Enter PHP and MySQL. I'm going to throw the gauntlet down on PHP. I am determined to learn this language! Now, I can hear what you're saying PHP. "You'll be doing good if you make 80 pages!" Well my friend...it's pistols at dawn!

Labels: PHP