I like building stuff.  And the stuff I usually like to build, is computer programs that do things for me, that no one else has, or has even thought of.  Lately, that usually means building database based web applications in PHP and MySql.  That really is my favorite tech tools as of late.  With those two products, I’d be hard pressed to think of something I couldn’t write.  With the possible exception of computer games, but I think some people have even managed to do that.  I’ve been throwing a little more JavaScript and CSS into the mix lately, but those two definitely are not my strong suits.

I like PHP,  largely because of the vast number of functions that are part of the core language.  It seems that whenever I dream up something crazy I want to do with the code, I find a PHP function that either does it, or greatly helps me get it done.  I’m not big on some of the more object oriented languages like .Net or C++ , even though I’ve dabbled in them a bit.  It always just seems like it takes me way too long to get the simplest things done with them.  I suppose if  all I did was program, and built up myself a lot of reusable code I under stood, then those languages wouldn’t be so bad.  But as it is, I wear a lot of different hats in this business, and I need a language that works quickly and efficiently for me.

Plus that fact the PHP works so effortlessly with MySql is a big bonus.  I still remember the days, working in those large IT shops, where it took days just to get the attention of a DBA to create a database and do some work for you.  While I may not be the most brilliant DBA, I know enough to get the job done, and make some real measurable progress.  That is after all, what it takes to run a business.