Skills
My core base skills are HTML, CSS, Javascript, and PHP. I have used these skills for over 20 years and usually call on them almost daily for my work in retention email marketing and personal projects. In reality, these are somewhat broad topics, so let’s dive in a little deeper:
- HTML
I've been developing websites for something like 20 years, before there were any good drag-and-drop editors, so I'm used to coding in native HTML. In fact, I prefer it. I have followed the development of the language and techniques, particularly in regards to structuring pages so they work on any size screen. Most of my work for my current employer involves email, which is a particularly specialized form of web development. It requires being able to think through how content will work on many different devices as well as some rather “antiquated” applications.
- CSS
I write native CSS on an almost daily basis. I have also used SASS for some projects (such as customizing Bulma), as well as a bit of Stylus, which is popular with some Vue projects.
- Javascript
Like so many web developers, Javascript is something I've been using more and more in recent years. My current work involves writing native “vanilla” JS — no JQuery, React, or any other frameworks — every day. That said, I am comfortable with JQuery and have used it a lot. Node.js is also a common tool I use for both work and personal projects. I've been through training for Angular, React, and a few other frameworks, and have settled on Vue as the one that gets the job done for me with the minimum fuss. Many of my current projects utilize Vue for custom components.
As mentioned above, most of my work these days involves email, which is a peculiar type of web development that allows some modern techniques but still requires some very “old school” code and arcane knowledge of how to work around specific issues with the various email applications in common use. The main platforms I build for are Adobe Campaign Standard, Klaviyo, and Salesforce (Exact Target). I also occasionally work in Marketo, Site Impact, and Alterian. See my portfolio for some examples.
- Accessibility
In recent years, I've led my team's efforts to make our work more accessible for those with limited vision. I have created presentations and other materials to educate the wider professional services group on best practices.
- PHP
I've been using PHP as part of my personal website development, as well as free-lance work, for about 15 or more years. Yes, PHP is a beast, but if you want an interface to something or code to do a certain task, chances are you’ll find lots of options with PHP. And, it's fast. Some of the newer frameworks, like Laravel, definitely offer enough to help me get things done without too much extra work. I'm particularly liking the combination of Laravel’s lightweight Lumen product for developing APIs to support Vue front-ends.