Code Craftsman
I am an independent developer of PostgreSQL-driven PHP web applications that take advantage of the latest techniques with javascript, cascading style sheets (CSS), and AJAX. I have spent over three years developing a PHP application framework to support rapid development of client projects. I have extensive experience with the Adobe suite of design and publishing applications, including integration of web-based applications with InDesign.
I write the developerBlog, where I share techniques and best practices for the technologies I use in my own development work. Each article covers at least one important technology category in support of an active project. Each Sunday, I write an extremely concise item more widely applicable than my weekday project-specific articles.
Contact Istarel Workshop about new projects
PHP 5 & PostgreSQL Bootcamp at the Big Nerd Ranch
The Big Nerd Ranch's mission is to teach programming-related topics in an intense, immersive environment. I teach the 5-day PHP 5 & PostgreSQL Bootcamp. This is no corporate 9-to-5 experience where you take a superficial look at PHP and dabble in MySQL or PostgreSQL. This course is a deep and serious study of PHP and related technologies.
- Day 1 covers the PHP 5 language (including its object-oriented programming support) as well as a review of HTML and an introduction to cascading style sheets (CSS).
- Day 2 is all about data-driven web site composition. We delve into SQL using DBO, covering everything from simple SELECT statements to complex JOINs. We study how to use composition to build effective PHP scripts.
- Day 3 examines form-based PHP scripts using PEAR::HTML_Quickform as our platform. We introduce Javascript and its role as a helper for PHP applications, and extend our understanding of SQL to include saving validated data.
- Day 4 begins with security, including authentication of users and the importance of page protection. The day ends with state transitions, archiving strategies and a first look at XML integration with PHP.
- Day 5 is about fun and advanced topics: create an RSS feed and provide web services, manage file uploads, and use Ajax for a richer user experience.
As with all Big Nerd Ranch classes, students are encouraged to bring their own projects. I'm available all evening to help with them. If you have a topic you really need to learn, and you don't see it on the syllabus, let me know ahead of time, and I'll make sure we cover it during the class.
Contact Istarel Workshop about the PHP 5 & PostgreSQL Bootcamp
Objective-C/Cocoa Bootcamp at the Big Nerd Ranch
Cocoa is an incredibly powerful set of libraries and tools that enables development of rich Mac OS X applications. Built on the Objective-C language, Cocoa has a steep learning curve that can be daunting to developers new to the Macintosh platform. The seven day Beginning Cocoa Bootcamp starts with a weekend introduction to Objective-C and the Cocoa Foundation toolkit, which I teach. Aaron Hillegass takes over for the remaining five days, giving students a comprehensive look at the development of Cocoa applications.
