I use these to make websites
Professional Skills
I use all of these technologies and skills to make and manage my websites. I like some of them more than others, but I will always use the right tool for the job. If you think I should try using something else, feel free to suggest it to me!
- Python
- Plone
- Zope
- Repoze BFG
- Django
- TAL / METAL
- ZODB
- Free BSD / Linux Server admin
- Apache server admin
- SVN/CVS version control
- Accessibility (WCAG)
- Java
- JSP
- Tomcat
- Struts
- Tiles
- MySQL
- PHP
- XHTML
- XML
- CSS
- Javascript
Over the course of over 5 years in the world of commercial web development I have gained exposure and experience in a range of different platforms and languages.
Most recently I have been developing in Python on the Plone and Zope platforms. This has been a real eye opener. I like python a lot now and have started to explore Repoze BFG and also Django. As web frameworks I think python has bred some of the best ones. I also like the ZODB, though it is all a bit magical. But you can go time traveling in it which is awesome.
Before that I was developing in Java and PHP using Tomcat with Stuts, Tiles and Apache. For a long time I thought this was the best way. Java is dead powerful but it's clunky after using python. That was for a huge e-commerce site selling insurance. It was all backed up by a big old MySQL database which was nice.
Development Practices
I am well versed in Agile and Lean development processes including Scrum and Kanban. I am used to working in high velocity project work and small line client / SLA work. I can work competently either on my own or as part of a team.
I like Scrum. I like it a lot. But some people don't use it properly. Especially since it is hard to develop applications in a truly agile manner when you are dealing with clients that do not understand agile methodology. It's difficult, but not impossible.
Kanban is a process that borrows a lot from The Toyota Way. I have been educated in the 14 principles. What it boils down to is common sense, rigorously applied. They're sound principles. I like them. Now I know that Toyota have been in the news a lot recently for engineering failures in their cars. I still stand by their principles. For more information on the Toyota Way and why I still believe that their principles are sound, read this excellent article about it by managing director at Team Rubber, Andy Parkhouse.
Personal Life
When I'm not creating things for the internet, I spend my time playing music. I play in a band called Los Conios and have done for several years. We've enjoyed a certain amount of success including supports for The Dead Kennedys and Stiff Little Fingers. I'd like to say that music is my life, but I don't think it's appropriate to tie yourself to one dream!
I also enjoy snowboarding, reading, pool and darts. I used to skateboard before it started to hurt too much. Tired old bones. I have aspirations to take up a martial art such as Wing Chun and fight my brother in a mixed martial arts extravaganza. If I only had the time. I suppose the important thing to take from this is that although I specialise in Web technologies, I am not your stereotypical geek and you would not find me on the IT Crowd. Probably.
