SASS
SASS is a scripting language used to create CSS files for use on websites. It's
advantages over CSS are it's ability to render multiple files into one. This means you
can have styles grouped together in small files allowing you to reuse it on another
project by just including that file. Extend classes so you don't have to add multiple
classes to an element in your HTML code. Mixins, nesting and loops mean you can
write nearer code with fewer lines.
Drupal™
Drupal is used as the CMS of choice for both smaller websites where the client
wants to update content, to large, ecommerce websites with 10s of thousands of products.
Custom and off-the-shelf modules are used to provided the required features. Data migrations
are written as modules that import and update products on the websites.
Drupal is a registered trademark of Dries Buytaert.
Jekyll
Jekyll is a static website generator written in Ruby that allows you to reuse more code
by writing it once and including it in other files. Liquid Markup is used to perform tasks
such as if statements and loops. I am using Jekyll on my personal website to generate the
Archive page and RSS feed, these pages are updated every-time I add content and regenerate
the site.
Cross Platform
I ensure that all the websites I make or work on are cross-platform. This means
that they look and function the same across different browsers. Features that
are not supported by a browser should gracefully degrade so that the user is
still able to use the site without noticeable issues. An example would be a
Javascript fallback for non-HTML5 browsers.
jQuery
Experience of using jQuery to implement AJAX on websites which dynamically alter
content and perform background tasks. Plug-ins such as Gallerific and JCycle have been used to create
galleries and automatically rotate images.
Quote Database
The (Cross) Linux from Scratch quote database was created to store short, funny excerpts
from the IRC channels. People are able to register on the website and provide quotes.
Jupiter HPC Cluster
This cluster was built from old classroom computers for Anglia Ruskin
University to provide High Performance Computing capabilities to research
students. Running Windows HPC Server 2008 R2 it has 100Mb/s interconnect,
30 computing cores and 26GB of RAM across 16 computing nodes.
Kustom - Forum
Kustom is a computer shop specialising in computer modification. I've
been assisting in the smooth operation of their forums by providing support
to users and removing unwanted accounts / spammers since 2010.
I have completed a total of six weeks work experience at Twist Interactive Design
during January and April 2012 with a further two weeks in February 2013.
My roles involved updating websites, implementing
Content Management Systems such as Perch, programming websites from design and
updating CSS. I have gained experience of Expression Engine, Perch CMS, Gallerific /
JCycle and working within a small team.
Databases
The database will be designed by identifying the required entities and their attributes which
will then be normalised to produce an Entity Relationship Diagram. This would then be
implemented in MySQL or MSSQL by a GUI package before creating suitable queries that meet
the requirements of the database driven website.
Websites
The design will be implemented in HTML and CSS with the functionality provided by PHP. MySQL will
be used in conjunction with PHP to create a database driven website.
Cross Linux From Scratch
Cross Linux From Scratch is a related project to LFS but also provides
support for multiple architectures and cross-compilation. I provide support
in the CLFS IRC channel but my main role is as developer and release
manager.
Laptop Repairs
I have experience at upgrading / replacing hardware components and
servicing the cooling system in addition I have also replaced power
connectors which require soldering.
Linux From Scratch IRC
Linux From Scratch is a instructional guide designed to educate people
about the workings of Linux and how the different packages interact. I
manage the IRC channels, ensuring that they are correctly staffed and
moderated as well as providing free support to LFS users.