Rules of Programming
Learn. Learn. Learn.
Everyone always questions me on why I like to build a custom CMS rather than use something packaged like WordPress or Joomla. The answer is actually quite simple; I like to learn.
I strongly believe that if you’re not willing to learn how to do it on your own, then you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place. Everyone is always in such a rush to make things easier on themselves that they don’t take the time to realize what they’re actually missing.
I by no means think that I know everything there is to know about PHP Programming (or life for that matter); however, I would never be where I am today in my Programming knowledge if I had always taken the easy way out.
I constantly hear about Web Developers that push out Joomla websites, WordPress websites, Drupal websites, whatever websites with as many plugins as possible and as little thought as possible. Those CMS products didn’t just appear one day – they were developed by people over a long period of time, and I think you will never actually appreciate that without understanding what goes into it.
I think instead of rushing for the easiest solution you should maybe reach a little farther – don’t make something easier on yourself until you fully understand the complexity of it. I also don’t think this just applies to Programming either and I think if everyone took some time to learn something new we would all be better off for it.
The best way to learn is by doing. Period.