Starting off using a Framework.

The last few days I have started coding with a PHP Framework. I am using an opensource framework Code Igniter by Ellislab.

I have never used a framework for coding before so this is quite a change from my normal way of doing things. I have been working with this since Friday last week, but have been pretty busy with other things so it has been an interrupted learning process.

Views | Models | Controllers

This is the part that is slowing sinking in to my brain. It is hugely different from my normal style, essentially everything you write is extending one massive class.

From the few hours I have spent working with CI (Code Igniter) here is my initial understanding.

A controller is where I call my Models and Layouts, A Model is my set of functions, and a View is my layouts.

Why CI?

I started with CI because of a job I am working on using an extension of CI to work with Filemaker Databases. I have only ever done a very small amount of filemaker work and it is nothing like an SQL DB, so is taking a little to get the hang of, but I am working it all out slowly.

Why use CI for normal work? Well it is a pretty good framework, It has a huge amount of pre-built functions to make coding easier and faster. There is also a User Guide which explains a lot of the functions and how to get started.

There is a forum, video tutorials, blog, wiki and pretty much every form of learning system you need.

I have a lot of working coming up, so will be using CI a fair bit then posting a little more about how much frustration it has caused me.