Hi All,
This is more of a philosophical question than a technical one, but I’d like some opinions on it, and I think that there are many others in my position that would benefit.
My issue is that I don’t really have time to learn how to code. I know, I know… no one has time anymore, but please hear me out.
Since learning to use Drupal about 2 years ago I’ve been involved with several projects wherein I’ve become the default quasi-developer, front-end designer, site manager, and system administrator. What I’ve found is that I can produce fairly nice, feature rich Drupal sites with the wealth of contrib. modules out there (Views, CCK, image handling, etc….). BUT!
I can’t code.
I know enough PHP to insert something into a block, or re-word a string, but that’s about it. I still don’t really even know how arrays work.
My question
Succinctly, my question is: Given the time that I have available for all of this stuff – in addition to a full-time job and regular life – am I better off trying to become more expert at the front-end stuff, or should I just learn PHP already?
Pros
1. If a project doesn’t use Drupal, I’ll know enough PHP to be able to participate.
2. Learning PHP would help my Drupal development too
3. Learning PHP would make front-end theming easier
4. Learning PHP should give me that missing background in programming – and should allow me to learn other languages in the future
Cons
1. At 28, I know I’m not too old to learn anything. But am I too old to become ‘good’?
2. Am I better off getting better and better at front-end UX work?
3. Am I better off farming out the PHP work?
Suggestions from coders welcome!
Thanks
Terry
