Computer Experience

My coding is largely self-taught because I believe you should use the appropriate language for a project whether or not you already know it. When I have been assigned projects or identified specific needs, I have also learned the appropriate language if I didn't already know it. My focus is to discover the most straightforward way to resolve the problem, meet the requirements or produce the effect I want regardless of whether the solution involves tools or languages that are new to me. I've used C++, Perl, Java, Javascript, JSP, ASP, PHP and Cold Fusion over the years, in both Windows and Unix environments. On the database side, I've worked with Btrieve, MS Access, Oracle 8i, SQL Server and MySql.

I took a course in Java programming to get the basic philosophy of programming and have applied this philosophy to other languages. The web, if you know how to search it, is an excellent resource for techniques and sample code. Additionally, many programming languages do come with manuals or have good learning texts available. I have used the Riley series for some coding instruction. I do not in any way discount classes as an excellent source of information and training, but they are not always available within time constraints. When possible, I have taken classes, mostly at UC Berkeley Extension, for the languages and/or concepts that interest me. I have done significant course work in the Systems Analysis and Design technical certificate program because systems analysis appeals to me.

I got my start in coding by making life more convenient for my co-workers and me through complex DOS and shell scripts. It was my co-workers who encouraged me to go into systems because they figured I belonged there. I love to make something broken work again. The logic patterns in system design, and especially databases, fascinate me. My flexibility and quick learning curve for languages is made possible by the underlying logic of most programs and languages I've come across. As long as the logic has enough similarities to other programs/languages I know, I can get the gist and figure out the specifics as necessary.

My start in systems was through systems analysis. I was responsible for troubleshooting several internal applications that no longer had a programmer to support them. To troubleshoot any of the problems, I first had to analyze the system behavior and then the code to figure out what was supposed to happen. Starting with only an understanding of the input and final output, I diagramed the internal workings of several unsupported applications that used Btrieve, DOS, C, Unix shell scripts and SQL to process information through an Oracle 7 database. I developed process flows that both identified potential failure points and could be used to train those responsible for upgrading or replacing the system. A lot of companies have critical programs that they still depend on or are migrating from for which the original coders have long moved on, so I expect to use those skills again.

Most of the coding I've done has involved a database in some form, whether back to the "old days" with Btrieve or more modern ones with Oracle 8i and SQL Server 2000. My most recent work has been within a MySql database with PHP as the front end. I didn't realize how spoiled I was until I tried to put this site together and found that my host does not provide any server or database support. Because of this, some of the fancier tricks I had planned got tossed, but I hope you enjoy the site anyway.

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