Global $response;
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:39 pm
I am a self-taught PHP programmer (I use the term loosely as some may be offended by that terminology). I started writing simple form handlers and very basic PHP/mySQL stuff. Then I wrote a shopping cart (3 generations over about a year) that is actually really solid and now I'm writing a customer management application. Though my scripts do what I want them to do, and appear solid, I am always insecure about the fact that I've never had formal training. I worry that a 'real programmer' might look at my code recognizing weaknesses like security holes, performance drains, redundancy, things I can't think of, etc.
It seems to me (let me repeat that), it seems to ME that the code examples that I see containing OOP/classes tend to be written by more experienced/knowledgable programmers. Not to say that OOP people are any more experienced or knowledgable. It just seemed like learning OOP was the 'next step'. I just didn't understand exactly when or how it should be used. I just want to learn as much as I can. I'm not happy with my current level of knowledge given that I pay my bills with PHP programming.
I did not intend to spark any fires with my question. I now see that the act of asking that question was a demonstration of my ignorance. I have read everyones responses along with the links provided, and I feel like I have definately learned something. I now have a greater understanding of OOP, while at the same time feeling more confident about my procedural code (I also now know what the term 'procedural code' means). I feel like each has it's place, and though one style may or may not be superior, I now have a better understanding of how and when/why I will use each. I just want to be confident and proud of my own work.
Thank you all for your responses, I have learned much from them.
It seems to me (let me repeat that), it seems to ME that the code examples that I see containing OOP/classes tend to be written by more experienced/knowledgable programmers. Not to say that OOP people are any more experienced or knowledgable. It just seemed like learning OOP was the 'next step'. I just didn't understand exactly when or how it should be used. I just want to learn as much as I can. I'm not happy with my current level of knowledge given that I pay my bills with PHP programming.
I did not intend to spark any fires with my question. I now see that the act of asking that question was a demonstration of my ignorance. I have read everyones responses along with the links provided, and I feel like I have definately learned something. I now have a greater understanding of OOP, while at the same time feeling more confident about my procedural code (I also now know what the term 'procedural code' means). I feel like each has it's place, and though one style may or may not be superior, I now have a better understanding of how and when/why I will use each. I just want to be confident and proud of my own work.
Thank you all for your responses, I have learned much from them.