“The best time to do what was supposed to be have been done was yesterday, the next best time is right now.” -Dad
Author Archives: Solo
Log no. 1751990859
I wonder if this is true?
New mindset: 1 day
New habit: 21 days
New skill: 90 days
New body: 180 days
New life: 365 days
New you: 1,095 days
Log no. 1751967481
Infinite Loop
An infinite loop is a sequence of instructions in a program that repeats indefinitely because a terminating condition has not been specified or is never met. It’s also known as an endless loop. Essentially, the loop keeps running without ever stopping.
Log no. 1751967133
Log no. 1751966945
lu·cra·tive
/ˈlo͞okrədiv/
adjective: lucrative
producing a great deal of profit.
Origin
late Middle English: from Latin lucrativus, from lucrat- ‘gained’, from the verb lucrari, from lucrum (see lucre).
Log no. 1751896463
The best time to do something is at the moment that something is to be done.
Log no. 1751879909
I tried to update the title for each post and did not do a backup, which ended up deleting the titles of each post. ARGH! Lesson learned to always backup prior to do any work, and second, to test prior to actually implementing.
2025-06-30 02:01:42
PHP Programmer in twenty-four months:
How do I become a great php programmer
Becoming a great PHP programmer requires a mix of technical skills, practical experience, and a mindset geared toward continuous learning. Here’s a concise, actionable roadmap to get you there:
1. **Master the Basics**
– **Learn PHP fundamentals**: Understand syntax, variables, data types, loops, conditionals, functions, and arrays. Use resources like the [PHP Manual](https://www.php.net/manual/en/) or [W3Schools](https://www.w3schools.com/php/).
– **Get comfortable with HTML/CSS/JavaScript**: PHP often works with front-end technologies, so basic knowledge of these is essential.
– **Set up a local environment**: Use tools like XAMPP, WAMP, or Docker to practice coding on your machine.
2. **Deepen Your PHP Knowledge**
– **Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)**: Master classes, objects, inheritance, interfaces, and traits. PHP’s OOP features are critical for modern frameworks.
– **Work with databases**: Learn MySQL or PostgreSQL and how to use PHP’s PDO or MySQLi for secure database interactions.
– **Understand HTTP and web fundamentals**: Study how PHP handles requests, sessions, cookies, and forms.
3. **Learn Modern PHP Practices**
– **Use Composer**: Master dependency management with Composer for libraries and packages.
– **Adopt PSR standards**: Follow [PSR-12](https://www.php-fig.org/psr/psr-12/) for coding style and other PSR standards for interoperability.
– **Explore frameworks**: Learn Laravel (beginner-friendly, widely used) or Symfony for building scalable applications. Start with Laravel’s documentation or free tutorials like [Laravel Bootcamp](https://bootcamp.laravel.com/).
– **Secure coding**: Study common vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS) and use tools like PHP’s built-in functions to prevent them.
4. **Build Real Projects**
– **Start small**: Create a blog, to-do list, or simple CRUD app to apply your skills.
– **Contribute to open source**: Find PHP projects on GitHub (e.g., WordPress plugins, Laravel packages) and contribute. This builds your portfolio and exposes you to real-world codebases.
– **Freelance or side projects**: Build websites or tools for clients to gain practical experience.
5. **Master Tools and Workflow**
– **Version control**: Learn Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
– **Testing**: Write unit and integration tests using PHPUnit or Pest to ensure robust code.
– **Debugging**: Use tools like Xdebug or built-in PHP error logs to troubleshoot effectively.
– **CI/CD**: Understand how to deploy PHP apps using tools like GitHub Actions or Laravel Forge.
6. **Stay Updated and Engage with the Community**
– **Follow PHP trends**: Read blogs like PHP.Watch, follow PHP conferences (e.g., PHP[tek]), and stay updated on PHP 8.x features like JIT, attributes, and match expressions.
– **Join communities**: Participate in forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit’s r/PHP, or the PHP Discord to ask questions and share knowledge.
– **Learn from others’ code**: Study open-source PHP projects to understand best practices.
7. **Develop Soft Skills**
– **Problem-solving**: Practice on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to improve logic and algorithmic thinking.
– **Code readability**: Write clean, well-documented code that others can understand.
– **Continuous learning**: PHP evolves, so keep experimenting with new features and libraries.
8. **Resources to Use**
– **Free**: PHP Manual, Laracasts (free videos), FreeCodeCamp, and YouTube channels like Traversy Media.
– **Paid**: Laracasts subscriptions, Pluralsight, or books like *PHP: The Right Way* or *Modern PHP* by Josh Lockhart.
– **Practice**: Build projects on platforms like CodePen or deploy apps on free hosts like Heroku.
9. **Set Goals and Track Progress**
– Create a portfolio showcasing your projects (e.g., on GitHub or a personal site).
– Aim for certifications like Zend Certified PHP Engineer to validate your skills.
– Regularly review and refactor your old code to see how far you’ve come.
**Pro Tip**: Focus on building *real, functional projects* early on. Theory is important, but hands-on experience will make you stand out. Aim to solve real problems (e.g., automate a task, build an API) and iterate based on feedback.
If you want specific guidance (e.g., learning Laravel, debugging tips, or project ideas), let me know!
How long will this take if I study and practice daily for four hours
The time it takes to become a great PHP programmer depends on your starting point, prior programming experience, and the intensity of your study. Assuming you study and practice diligently for four hours daily, here’s a rough timeline based on typical learning curves and the roadmap from my previous response:
### Assumptions
- **Beginner level**: You have little to no prior programming experience.
- **Intermediate goal**: You can build functional PHP applications (e.g., a blog or simple e-commerce site) and understand modern PHP practices.
- **”Great” programmer**: You’re proficient in PHP, can work with frameworks like Laravel, write clean and secure code, contribute to open-source projects, and potentially land a job or freelance gigs.
- **Four hours daily**: This includes a mix of studying theory (reading, watching tutorials) and hands-on practice (coding, building projects).
### Estimated Timeline
1. **0–3 Months: Learn the Basics (Beginner)**
– **Focus**: PHP syntax, variables, loops, functions, arrays, basic HTML/CSS, and MySQL basics.
– **Milestone**: Build a simple PHP project (e.g., a contact form or to-do list).
– **Time**: ~360 hours (3 months × 30 days × 4 hours).
– **Details**: With 4 hours daily, you can cover the PHP Manual’s basics, W3Schools tutorials, and simple database interactions. You’ll spend ~2 hours studying and ~2 hours coding small scripts daily.
– **Outcome**: Comfortable with PHP fundamentals and able to create basic web apps.
2. **3–9 Months: Intermediate Skills**
– **Focus**: OOP, PDO/MySQLi, Composer, PSR standards, and intro to frameworks (e.g., Laravel). Start building more complex projects (e.g., a blog with user authentication).
– **Milestone**: Deploy a functional web app and understand MVC architecture.
– **Time**: ~720 hours (6 months × 30 days × 4 hours).
– **Details**: Spend ~1.5 hours on tutorials (e.g., Laracasts, Laravel Bootcamp) and ~2.5 hours coding. Learn Git, write basic tests with PHPUnit, and explore security practices. By month 6, you should be contributing to small open-source projects.
– **Outcome**: Proficient in modern PHP, able to use frameworks, and building portfolio-worthy projects.
3. **9–18 Months: Advanced Skills (Great Programmer)**
– **Focus**: Master Laravel/Symfony, write unit/integration tests, use CI/CD pipelines, and contribute significantly to open-source or freelance projects. Deepen understanding of design patterns, performance optimization, and APIs.
– **Milestone**: Build a complex app (e.g., an e-commerce platform or API-driven app) and potentially land a junior PHP developer job or freelance work.
– **Time**: ~1,080 hours (9 months × 30 days × 4 hours).
– **Details**: Dedicate ~1 hour to advanced topics (e.g., PHP 8.x features, microservices) and ~3 hours to hands-on projects. Engage with communities (Stack Overflow, r/PHP) and refactor old code to improve quality. Optionally pursue Zend certification.
– **Outcome**: You’re a great PHP programmer—capable of writing clean, secure, and scalable code, contributing to professional projects, and solving complex problems.
### Total Time
- **~12–18 months** (~1,440–2,160 hours) to go from beginner to great PHP programmer with consistent 4-hour daily study and practice.
- **With prior experience** (e.g., basic programming or web dev knowledge): You could shave off 3–6 months, potentially reaching “great” status in ~9–12 months.
### Factors That Affect the Timeline
- **Prior knowledge**: If you know another language (e.g., Python, JavaScript), you’ll grasp PHP concepts faster, possibly cutting the timeline to 9–12 months.
- **Learning efficiency**: Focused, deliberate practice (e.g., solving real problems, building projects) accelerates progress compared to passive learning (e.g., only watching tutorials).
- **Project complexity**: Tackling challenging projects early (e.g., APIs, authentication systems) builds skills faster but may slow initial progress.
- **Mentorship/community**: Engaging with mentors or communities (e.g., Discord, GitHub) can clarify concepts and reduce debugging time.
### Tips to Maximize Progress
- **Balance theory and practice**: Spend ~30% of your time learning (tutorials, docs) and ~70% coding real projects.
- **Build a portfolio**: Create 3–5 projects (e.g., blog, e-commerce site, API) to showcase your skills.
- **Review and refactor**: Revisit old code monthly to improve it based on new knowledge.
- **Set weekly goals**: E.g., “Learn PDO this week” or “Build a login system by Friday.”
- **Stay consistent**: Four hours daily is intense—break it into two 2-hour sessions to avoid burnout.
### Example Daily Schedule (4 Hours)
- **Hour 1**: Study a concept (e.g., OOP, Laravel routing) via docs or videos.
- **Hour 2**: Practice coding exercises related to the concept (e.g., build a class, create a route).
- **Hour 3–4**: Work on a project (e.g., add a feature to your blog) or contribute to open-source.
If you stick to this plan, you could be a great PHP programmer in about 12–18 months. If you want a tailored plan (e.g., specific projects, resources, or a faster track), let me know your current skill level or goals!
Provide me the study materials
Below is a curated list of study materials to help you become a great PHP programmer, tailored for a 4-hour daily study and practice schedule. These resources cover PHP fundamentals, modern practices, frameworks, and tools, organized to align with the beginner-to-advanced roadmap (12–18 months). Most are free or low-cost, with a focus on hands-on learning.
### 1. Beginner Stage (0–3 Months): PHP Fundamentals
**Goal**: Master syntax, variables, loops, functions, arrays, and basic database interactions.
- **Free Resources**:
- **[PHP Manual](https://www.php.net/manual/en/)**: Official documentation. Start with “Getting Started” and “Language Reference” sections. Use it as a reference for syntax and functions (~1 hour daily for quick lookups).
- **[W3Schools PHP Tutorial](https://www.w3schools.com/php/)**: Beginner-friendly, interactive tutorials on basics like variables, arrays, and forms. Practice their “Try It Yourself” exercises (~1 hour daily).
- **[FreeCodeCamp PHP Course](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/learn-php-free/)**: Free video and text-based tutorials covering PHP basics and simple projects like a calculator or form (~1–2 hours per topic).
- **[Traversy Media PHP Crash Course (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVbEyFZKgqk)**: 1.5-hour video covering PHP essentials with practical examples. Follow along by coding (~2 hours).
- **[PHP Manual](https://www.php.net/manual/en/)**: Official documentation. Start with “Getting Started” and “Language Reference” sections. Use it as a reference for syntax and functions (~1 hour daily for quick lookups).
- **Books**:
- **PHP & MySQL: Novice to Ninja by Tom Butler** (free online via O’Reilly or affordable on Kindle): Covers PHP basics, MySQL, and building a simple app. Read 1–2 chapters weekly (~1 hour).
- **Practice**:
- **Build a simple project**: Create a contact form or to-do list using PHP, HTML, and MySQL. Use [XAMPP](https://www.apachefriends.org/) to set up a local server (~2 hours daily).
- **Coding Challenges**: Solve PHP problems on [Exercism](https://exercism.org/tracks/php) or [Coderbyte](https://coderbyte.com/) (~1 hour daily).
- **Build a simple project**: Create a contact form or to-do list using PHP, HTML, and MySQL. Use [XAMPP](https://www.apachefriends.org/) to set up a local server (~2 hours daily).
### 2. Intermediate Stage (3–9 Months): Modern PHP and Frameworks
**Goal**: Learn OOP, Composer, PSR standards, Laravel, and build more complex apps.
- **Free Resources**:
- **[Laravel Bootcamp](https://bootcamp.laravel.com/)**: Free, hands-on Laravel tutorials to build a blog or task app. Follow step-by-step (~2 hours daily for projects).
- **[Laracasts (Free Videos)](https://laracasts.com/)**: Offers free Laravel and PHP videos like “PHP for Beginners” and “Laravel From Scratch.” Watch 1–2 videos daily (~1 hour).
- **[PHP The Right Way](https://phptherightway.com/)**: Guide to modern PHP practices (OOP, security, Composer). Read one section weekly (~30 minutes).
- **[PHP FIG (PSR Standards)](https://www.php-fig.org/psr/)**: Study PSR-12 for coding style and PSR-4 for autoloading. Apply to your code (~30 minutes weekly).
- **[The Net Ninja Laravel Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4cUxeGkcC9h6E8uA7S6k5v8kknT4aV_)**: Free series on Laravel basics like routing, controllers, and Eloquent ORM (~1–2 hours per video).
- **[Laravel Bootcamp](https://bootcamp.laravel.com/)**: Free, hands-on Laravel tutorials to build a blog or task app. Follow step-by-step (~2 hours daily for projects).
- **Paid Resources**:
- **Laracasts Subscription** ($15/month): In-depth video courses on Laravel, PHP, testing, and more. Worth it for structured learning (~1–2 hours daily).
- **Modern PHP by Josh Lockhart** (~$30 on O’Reilly): Covers OOP, Composer, and modern PHP practices. Read 1–2 chapters weekly (~1 hour).
- **Laracasts Subscription** ($15/month): In-depth video courses on Laravel, PHP, testing, and more. Worth it for structured learning (~1–2 hours daily).
- **Practice**:
- **Build a blog or CRUD app**: Use Laravel to create a blog with user authentication and a database. Follow Laravel Bootcamp or Laracasts (~2–3 hours daily).
- **Contribute to open source**: Find beginner-friendly PHP projects on GitHub (e.g., WordPress plugins, Laravel packages). Use [Git](https://git-scm.com/doc) for version control (~1 hour daily).
- **Learn testing**: Use [PHPUnit](https://phpunit.de/) to write basic unit tests for your projects. Start with Laracasts’ testing series (~1 hour daily).
- **Build a blog or CRUD app**: Use Laravel to create a blog with user authentication and a database. Follow Laravel Bootcamp or Laracasts (~2–3 hours daily).
### 3. Advanced Stage (9–18 Months): Mastery and Professional Skills
**Goal**: Master advanced PHP, testing, CI/CD, and contribute to complex projects.
- **Free Resources**:
- **[PHP.Watch](https://php.watch/)**: Blog with updates on PHP 8.x features (e.g., JIT, attributes). Read weekly to stay current (~30 minutes).
- **[Symfony Documentation](https://symfony.com/doc/current/)**: Learn Symfony for enterprise-level apps if you want an alternative to Laravel (~1–2 hours per topic).
- **[Stack Overflow PHP Tag](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/php)**: Browse or answer questions to deepen understanding and engage with the community (~30 minutes daily).
- **[Reddit r/PHP](https://www.reddit.com/r/PHP/)**: Follow discussions on trends, tools, and best practices (~15–30 minutes daily).
- **[PHP.Watch](https://php.watch/)**: Blog with updates on PHP 8.x features (e.g., JIT, attributes). Read weekly to stay current (~30 minutes).
- **Paid Resources**:
- **Pluralsight PHP Path** (~$29/month): Advanced courses on PHP design patterns, testing, and APIs. Follow 1–2 lessons daily (~1 hour).
- **Zend Certified PHP Engineer Study Guide** (~$30): Prepare for certification to validate skills. Study 1–2 sections weekly (~1 hour).
- **Pluralsight PHP Path** (~$29/month): Advanced courses on PHP design patterns, testing, and APIs. Follow 1–2 lessons daily (~1 hour).
- **Practice**:
- **Build a complex app**: Create an e-commerce site or REST API with Laravel/Symfony, including authentication, payments (e.g., Stripe), and testing (~3 hours daily).
- **Learn CI/CD**: Deploy apps using [GitHub Actions](https://docs.github.com/en/actions) or [Laravel Forge](https://forge.laravel.com/) (~1 hour daily).
- **Contribute significantly to open source**: Take on larger issues in projects like Laravel or WordPress (~1–2 hours daily).
- **Optimize code**: Use [Xdebug](https://xdebug.org/) for profiling and performance optimization (~1 hour weekly).
- **Build a complex app**: Create an e-commerce site or REST API with Laravel/Symfony, including authentication, payments (e.g., Stripe), and testing (~3 hours daily).
### Tools and Setup
- **Local Environment**: Install [XAMPP](https://www.apachefriends.org/) or [Docker](https://www.docker.com/) for a development server (~1 hour to set up).
- **Code Editor**: Use [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) with PHP extensions (e.g., PHP Intelephense, PHP Debug) for autocompletion and debugging.
- **Version Control**: Learn Git via [GitHub’s Git Guide](https://github.com/git-guides/) (~1 hour to learn basics).
- **Composer**: Install [Composer](https://getcomposer.org/) for dependency management and practice using packages (~30 minutes to set up).
### Community and Support
- **PHP Discord**: Join the PHP Discord server for real-time help (search “PHP Discord” on Google).
- **GitHub**: Explore repositories like [Laravel](https://github.com/laravel/laravel) or [WordPress](https://github.com/WordPress/WordPress) for code inspiration.
- **Conferences**: Watch recorded talks from [PHP[tek]](https://tek.phparch.com/) or [Laracon](https://laracon.us/) on YouTube (~1 hour weekly).
### Suggested Weekly Schedule (4 Hours Daily)
- **Monday–Friday**:
- 1 hour: Study theory (e.g., PHP Manual, Laracasts, or book chapter).
- 1 hour: Practice coding exercises (e.g., W3Schools, Exercism).
- 2 hours: Work on a project (e.g., blog, CRUD app, or open-source contribution).
- 1 hour: Study theory (e.g., PHP Manual, Laracasts, or book chapter).
- **Saturday**:
- 2 hours: Learn a new tool (e.g., Git, PHPUnit, Xdebug).
- 2 hours: Refactor or expand your project.
- 2 hours: Learn a new tool (e.g., Git, PHPUnit, Xdebug).
- **Sunday**:
- 1 hour: Read PHP.Watch or r/PHP for trends.
- 3 hours: Build or deploy a project feature (e.g., add authentication).
- 1 hour: Read PHP.Watch or r/PHP for trends.
### Additional Tips
- **Track progress**: Use a GitHub portfolio to showcase projects. Update it monthly with new apps.
- **Free hosting**: Deploy projects on [Heroku](https://www.heroku.com/) or [Render](https://render.com/) to share live demos.
- **Stay organized**: Use a tool like Notion to plan your study schedule and track completed resources.
These materials should keep you engaged for 12–18 months, with a mix of free and affordable options. If you want a more specific plan (e.g., focusing on Laravel or a particular project), or if you have a specific skill level or budget, let me know, and I can refine the list!
2025-06-23 07:12:04
Self-efficacy is an individual’s belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. It’s a key factor in motivation, behavior, and emotional well-being. People with strong self-efficacy tend to set challenging goals, persist in the face of obstacles, and recover quickly from setbacks.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-efficacy.html
The Ulysses Contract, also known as a commitment device or Ulysses Pact, is a strategy, inspired by the Greek myth of Odysseus (also known as Ulysses), that helps individuals make decisions in the present that will benefit them in the future, even when facing temptations or potential obstacles. It involves creating a system or contract with oneself to navigate future challenges and maintain desired behaviors or outcomes.
Here’s a breakdown:
The Mythological Origin:
The story of Ulysses (Odysseus) involves him instructing his crew to plug their ears with wax and tie him to the mast of his ship as they approached the island of the Sirens, who lured sailors to their deaths with enchanting songs.
This act of self-binding allowed Ulysses to hear the sirens’ song without succumbing to their temptation and endangering his crew.
Modern Applications:
Behavioral Psychology:
. The Ulysses Contract is a concept in behavioral psychology that utilizes this self-binding technique to help individuals achieve goals, manage habits, and make better decisions.
Investing:
.The book “The Ulysses Contract” by Michael Kemp uses this concept to guide investors on how to build long-term, low-risk investment strategies and avoid getting caught up in short-term temptations like cryptocurrency or day trading.
Mental Health:
.Ulysses Contracts can also be used in mental health contexts. For example, individuals with recurrent, treatable disorders might agree to a contract that allows for advance consent to treatment, even if they might refuse it when their condition worsens.
Personal Goals:
.It can be applied to various aspects of life, such as managing diet, exercise, or work productivity, by creating systems or constraints that prevent falling back into old habits.
Key Elements of a Ulysses Contract:
Anticipating Future Temptations:
Recognizing potential future challenges or temptations that could derail your plans.
Creating a System: Establishing a structured plan or contract with yourself to address those challenges.
Self-Binding: Implementing strategies that limit your options or create barriers to succumbing to temptation.
Focus on Long-Term Goals:
Maintaining a focus on your desired long-term outcomes rather than short-term gratification.
Examples in Practice:
Diet: A person trying to lose weight might use a Ulysses Contract by pre-ordering healthy meals for the week or having a friend monitor their food intake.
Work:
A student might have a friend change their social media passwords during a study period or use website blockers to avoid procrastination.
Financial Decisions:
An investor might set up automatic investments or have a trusted advisor manage their portfolio to avoid impulsive decisions.
To The Mast: A Lesson In Commitment | by Monica McCarthy | Medium
In essence, the Ulysses Contract is a proactive approach to achieving goals by acknowledging the potential for future temptations and creating structures or agreements to overcome them, drawing inspiration from the legendary hero’s clever strategy.
2025-06-22 18:17:49
“People do not change until they realize that the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”
-Tony Robbins