expertise

Web development

I have been developing web sites and applications for over ten years, with the last seven of those at a commercial level. As such, I have worked with virtually every technology and language commonly found powering websites. I currently specialise with a few core technologies and techniques in order to deliver consistent results to a high standard:

ASP.Net

ASP.Net, and in particular C#, is my current language of choice for developing web applications, if for no other reason than development using Visual Studio is nothing short of a continual pleasure. I have worked to develop both Forms based ASP.Net solutions as well as utilising the new MVC framework. I am comfortable working with SQL Server as a data store (both Server and embedded Compact databases), including all aspects of DAO coding (Linq to SQL, Entity Framework etc.)

PHP

PHP was, and to many extents, still is, my first language when it comes to web development – an old, reliable friend that always able to help me out of sticky spot. I develop PHP solutions using fully Object Orientated PHP5 and more often than not, the Zend Framework. I have experience working with databases, file handling, graphics, SOAP services and network programming. I have developed solutions using a variety of applications and API’s, both commercial and open-source, including SugarCRM, Moodle, phpBB, Paypal, Facebook and Twitter.

HTML,CSS & JavaScript

This unlikely trio form the core of every web application, and with the craze for dynamic “Web 2.0″ sites, JavaScript in particular has never been so important. I have practical experience of developing cross-browser JavaScript solutions including implementing AJAX functionality on sites, both using entirely hand-crafted solutions as well as employing frameworks such as J-Query, script.aculo.us and Prototype. All my work is delivered as cross-browser, standards compliant HTML and CSS, ensuring the end product consistently looks stunning, regardless of platform or browser

Consultancy

I am able to offer consultancy and advice on web applications at any stage of the development cycle. I have experience of managing the full life-cycle of projects in a corporate agency environment, including requirements gathering, architecture and design, development, testing and final release. I also have experience of post-delivery activity including application maintenance & feature addition as well as systems and software auditing (database, performance, security et. al.). I also possess extensive knowledge of building and deploying solutions based on SugarCRM – from the most basic (default installation with a theme) through to the most complex (entirely custom data model): it is one of the best open-source applications available and is extremely flexible to work with.

Other bits and pieces

I also have a working knowledge of many other areas associated with web development and a general IT environment. I have practical knowledge of configuring and administering Linux web / database servers, setting up source-control with SVN and managing network environments (firewall / switch / load balancer configuration, network backups etc.). I have worked in a commercial environment in a range of team sizes under a variety of management styles (Agile, Scrum, Prince2).