PHP

The main aspect of my career is focused upon my skills as a PHP programmer, this was the main focus of my Internet Computing degree at Northumbria University and has continued to develop throughout my time in employment. I specialise in Object Oriented PHP programming and can code scripts to handle complex functionality as well as communicating with MySQL, Oracle and Microsoft databases.

At my current employment with ne-web Ltd our web development is based on a MVC framework, keeping the PHP programming (business logic) as separate as possible from the CSS / XHTML (user interface). Becoming a PHP programmer and understanding the layout of code has helped me to develop a good level of knowledge in other areas such as Java programming.

MySQL

MySQL databases is another area where I have a high level of ability. I can perform complicated MySQL statements using joins and multiple tables, this has helped me to develop websites that contain dynamic data and a Content Managment System which is all linked to a back-end MySQL database. The end product being a website where almost all of the content is being taken from a database which in turn can be managed easily through a CMS.

My knowledge of databases also extends to Oracle and Microsoft Access databases.

XHTML / CSS

XHTML and CSS are the basis of most web development projects and is a must for any web designer or web developer who wants to progress in the industry. I have excellent knowledge of XHTML and CSS as it was a core module of my degree and I have also created CSS and XHTML for many websites in my spare time and whilst in employment.

W3C standards compliance is of the upmost importance to me as I feel it helps to structure CSS and XHTML to a single high standard which all web developers, designers and IT professionals can adhere to. All the websites I design and develop using CSS and XHTML are standards compliant, such as this website.

• CSS validator
• XHTML validator.

JavaScript

JavaScript was an area where I had some knowledge of from my time at university but my web development work in Newcastle has helped me improve my knowledge of this area and to implement JavaScript functions for use with lightboxes, slideshows of images and menus.

Flash

Flash animation is a skill that I am trying to constantly improve, I can create flash animations, slideshows etc. Using XML I can link flash animations, such as a slideshow of images with descriptions, to a CMS system so that the description and images can be edited easily by the user.

I have also picked up many useful tips for web deigners using Flash such as Scalable Inman Flash Replacement (sIFR), replacing text headers with flash headers, resulting in a header which can be in any font which is still search engine friendly.

Object Oriented Design and Programming

All of my education in web design and development has been using an object oriented approach. I can create in-depth analysis and specifications using OOD and UML (Unified Modelling Language) techniques such as entity relationship diagrams, class diagrams, use case diagrams, activity diagrams, object diagrams and sequence diagrams.

I also code to an MVC framework which makes use of classes to help keep XHTML code as separate as possible from the PHP and other code (business logic), this ultimately helps the code to be re-used in future projects and also keeps it easy to modifiy and update.

Content Management System Programming

My current employers (ne-web Ltd) have a very comprehensive CMS, coded completely from scratch by ne-web employees this system can be custom built for any website. I have implemented the CMS for large projects which have needed me to adapt the code and write new functions so that the CMS taylors to the exact needs of the client. I have a good understanding of what is needed in a CMS and always try to keep the usability factors in mind when implementing such a system.

One of my career goals as a web designer and PHP programmer is to eventually design and code my own CMS which can be implemented easily to pre-existing websites.

Search Engine Optimisation

SEO is very important to help drive traffic to your website and ultimately increase business and sales. I have very good knowledge and experience of what is needed when trying to optimise websites and pages for specific keywords. I understand the importance of SEO research and use tools such as Google Keywords Tool and Rank Checker to help provide reports on potential keywords for websites along with domain name suggestions which will help Google pick up a website for specific keywords.

I also know the how to use techniques such as website submission to relevant sources and search engines, title tags, header tags, use of key phrases in content, meta keywords and descriptions, refreshing content regularly (blogs) and especially when it comes to trying to gain Google page ranking for your website through links from other sites.

I have optimised this website and its pages for specific keywords which are relevant to my profession, skills and the area I am targeting, you can see this if you look at the page source code. This page is optimised for the terms web development newcastle and php programmer north east, I am also working on getting some links from friend's websites and other relevant sites with good Google page rankings to help improve the page ranking of my website.

Website Design

I am also a web designer, having designed and created CSS and XHTML for many websites such as this this one. My design focus is mainly on creating professional looking websites for businesses but I have also began designing more websites for individuals such as portfolios which require a more unique design and approach.

Email Design

Emails are very important for a business as an means of advertising and delivering information to existing and potential customers. Email design is very different from website design as email templates require the use of tables and internal styling while also having compatibility issues with many email clients. I have vital experience in this area and can create complicated email templates that can reflect the image or website of a business.

I also create signature templates for companies and individuals.

Print Design

I can design advertisements for print such as leaflets, flyers, posters and information booklets.

I create designs for print using Adobe InDesign and know the design principles and rules which are needed to create advertisements for print.