Re: [PHP] the state of the PHP community

  On 7/28/2010 10:36 PM, Nathan Rixham wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I find myself wondering about the state of the PHP community (and 
> related community with a PHP focus), so, here's a bunch of questions - 
> feel free to answer none to all of them, on list or off, or add more 
> of your own - this isn't for anything specific, just out of interest 
> and sure I (and everybody who reads the replies) will learn something 
> + doors/options/contacts may come of it. The only thing I can 
> guarantee is that I'm genuinely interested in every reply and will 
> read every one of them + lookup every tech and link mentioned.
>
> in no particular order:
>
> What other languages and web techs do you currently use other than PHP?
> - if you include html or css please include version, if js then 
> preferred libs, and whether client or server side.
MySQL, JavaScript (jQuery/UI), HTML 5, CSS 2/3
>
> What's your previous language/tech trail?
PHP was where I started
>
> Are you considering any new languages or techs, and if so which?
>  - names / links
After reading some of these responses, I may look into server side JS 
and Java.
>
> Is PHP your hobby/interest, primary development language, just 
> learning or?
All of the above. It started as a hobby, then became something to do for 
a living, and I don't expect to ever stop learning. :)
>
> How many years have you been using PHP regularly?
6
>
> How many years have you been working with web technologies?
7
>
> Did you come from a non-web programming background?
As far as programming, no
>
> Is your primary role web developer or designer?
Developer
>
> In your developer life, are you an employer, and employee, contractor, 
> freelancer, part of a team of equal standing members?
Freelancer, but interested in joining a team
>
> Do you tend to work on jobs for geo-local clients, clients in the same 
> country, or do you work internationally 'on the web'?
Mostly 'on the web'
>
> How do you get your projects? do they come to you, word of mouth, do 
> you hunt and bid for projects, code call, visit clients, target 
> clients individually you think you can help, or?
> - not looking for trade secrets, just to get enough for an overall 
> picture.
Still trying to figure all that out. I've bid on some and some have come 
to me. The ones that come to me tend to fall through though...
>
> Do you have any frustrations with the PHP community, do you find you 
> want to talk shop but can't, or find people to work with but can't, 
> have projects in mind you want to do but can't find people to do them 
> with etc?
I find I don't personally know many PHP developers, but that's not a 
fault of the community. I think PHP has a great community.
>
> Do you network with other PHP'ers in real life - meetups etc, do you 
> tend to shy away, or do you find you circulate in other web related 
> but non PHP focussed communities?
No, not really
>
> Are you a member or any other web tech communities, opensource 
> efforts, or standardization bodies - again, if so which?
No, not actively
>
> Are there any efforts, projects or initiatives which are floating your 
> boat right now and that your watching eagerly (or getting involved with)?
None that come to mind. Do HTML5 and CSS3 count?
>
> ps: please *do not* flame anybodies answers, that really wouldn't be 
> fair.
>
> Best & Regards,
>
> Nathan
>