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One of the most common questions I get is, "how can I get better at X?" Whether X is object oriented programming, the MVC design pattern, PHP in general or just some generic question, it's something people are seeking out.
The answer that I always give them is that it's critical for them to understand the fundamentals of whatever they're seeking knowledge in.
So many of us want to skip past the fundamentals of things and move right into the heart of the language/paradigm/principle. But just as you can't pick up a guitar and skip over basics for playing advanced jazz chords, you can't skip over the fundamentals of programming in a language or a paradigm and go right to writing great applications.
This is a big part of why I spend so much time on fundamentals, and I love it when conferences and organizations do too. DC PHP is hosting a "Learn PHP" night this month. Lorna Jane Mitchell often focuses on many of the fundamentals of programming in PHP. Tutorials at conferences are a great way to pick up many of the fundamentals. And of course, books and classes, like the ones I offer, are useful tools as well.
Learning fundamentals isn't fun. It's not sexy. It's not something anyone will give you a pat on the back for or think you're really cool for doing. But it is necessary. It's important. And when you've reached the point of understanding the fundamentals, you can go on with an advantage over every other programmer out there that didn't bother.
Get the fundamentals of object oriented programming!
Early next month, I'll be offering a day-long seminar called The Fundamentals of Object Oriented PHP. This introductory-level class will focus on concepts such as tight coupling, abstraction, the single responsibility principle and more! Stay tuned for more details.
Can't wait? This weekend only, you can score 10% off Mastering Object Oriented PHP! Get more details here.
Brandon Savage is the author of Mastering Object Oriented PHP and Practical Design Patterns in PHP
Posted on 10/4/2013 at 4:30 pm
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