Posted by macca on 09/12/07 14:55

>So get yourself a personal website, hosted on a cheap, shared-host

Done this in the past. I also run a win2003 Server at home running
Apache/PHP/MySQL. Its not running on Linux/UNIX because i quite like
the fact that I can access it through a remote desktop
connection nice and easy through my laptop.

>linux box and start building it with php. Learn how to
>interact with a mysql database, even if it doesn't really
>accomplish anything at first. At least you'll get those skills.

Ive been using MySQL for a while now and can get php to interact with
it just fine. I can create databases/tables using MySQL's DDL(SQL),
design Entity-Relationship diagrams etc but I havent used PDO yet
though.


>Gradually work toward generating all your pages from code.
>Design and build your own content management system for
>displaying photos, dealing with file uploads, bulletin
>boards, etc.

I've done this also. I've created gallery website where people can
create accounts, upload images etc. It's not online any more though
because i was just trying to learn how to do it really, not have it
live.


I've created appointment booking systems using php calendar functions
and mysql such as http://www.valenciaworld.eu with back-end staff
searchable interfaces to the database.

Ive created a property auction website where the client can add
properties/images etc and the property is put on a timer with search
functionality linked to MySQL, dynamic thumnail genration etc but this
was never finished because the person who asked me to do it never paid
up!

Ive interacted with web services such as on the yahooAPI on
valenciaworld.eu etc

What I'm trying to say is that i CAN code. I can get things done. But
on a professional level, there will be certain ways of doing things
that i may not have stuck to such as design patterns and using OOP
techniques and stuff.

I think, after i finish my Web Apps course in December i'll take my
ZCE and start applying for jobs in the new year.

I may even brush up on my MySQL skills (which are already quite good
thanks to the Open Univerity) and consider the MySQL certification,
but this may be overkill before I start. I intend to do it anyway but
I could always do it and work at the same time I suppose.


Paul.

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