PHP Pro Tools: The Best and Most Underused Features - Oscar Merida

On this episode of Smash the Bug, Oscar Merida, Editor in Chief at php[architect] (phparch.com) is here to give us the "PHP pro tools" and remind us of some very useful resources we should be utilizing. The reality is that most developers only understand "the bare minimum" when it comes to PHP and there is a whole world of resources we can tap into to sharpen our knowledge.

Key Takeaways

Underused features in PHP:

For language syntax, there is a whole suite of functional array support that makes everything more efficient.

The biggest complaint about these array functions - is it legitimate or just a misunderstanding?

Developer experience vs actual functional quality.

In a practical sense, what does a generator actually do and how can it optimize performance?

Built-in developer web server - a quick way to stand up a local website to hack on ("quick and dirty dev environment").

SPL Library for working with files.

Best resources out there for PHP:

"We know what the platform requires of us, but it's hard for us to look outside of that"

php.net docs for practical day-to-day stuff.

phptherightway.com - actual advice on how to work with databases (and more).

Your local user group - listen and share!

Go to php.ug to find a local group, or nomadphp.com to get involved.

For helpful php tips and info, php[architect] (phparch.com) is a solid resource. It's an actual magazine that gets shipped to you, which will help you learn while getting away from your screen for a while. With your subscription, you'll gain access to the php[architect] discord community where you can ask questions and seek advice from others like yourself!

(Theme music courtesy of Trending Audio)