By JO TIMBUONG intech@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: Software giant Microsoft Malaysia in collaboration with the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and PHP.net.my — a community of developers for the scripting language — have launched two new websites, PHPAcade.my and PHPmarketplace.my.
PHP.net.my founder and president Ahmad Amran Kapi said the two sites would help PHP developers get more proficient in coding PHP in a Windows environment, as well as market their PHP skillsets.
“Although Linux (an open-source operating system) is still the most frequently used platform for PHP deployments, PHP developers are increasingly choosing Windows as their platform of choice because many organisations require new applications to run in that environment,” he said.
In a survey conducted by the special interest group and Microsoft late last year, it was found that 70% of PHP developers would consider deploying PHP-based applications on a Windows platform.
PHP is a general purpose scripting language widely used to create web applications. Popular sites like Facebook and Wikipedia, as well as applications like WordPress are PHP-based.
Answer to a call
According to the survey, the local PHP developer community also wanted more training and awareness programmes on how to deploy PHP in a Windows environment.
“PHPAcade.my is responding to this request,” Ahmad said. PHPAcade.my is an online, self-paced training facility that will provide thorough but easy-to-follow instructions for deploying PHP on the Windows platform.
However, participants must have a basic understanding of PHP before considering the programme because it is not an introductory course to PHP.
Upon successful registration, participants get to download the PHP on Windows Training Kit, which is developed by Microsoft.
PHPAcade.my also provides virtual lab facilities required to complete the course online so that the developers won’t need to invest in a server of their own.
The lab allows students to install, configure and operate a complete PHP application on a full Windows platformm, as well as get the tools they need to complete the lab exercises in the training kit.
They will also be able to seek further instructions and ask questions about the assignments and the programme through a moderated forum.
Coming soon
Ahmad said the programme lasts for a week and organisers are now deliberating over the fees. The programme is expected to kick off next month.
After honing their skills on PHPAcade.my, graduates will get the opportunity to moneytise their skills at PHPMarketplace.my.
This is an online service that matches PHP on Windows developers to organisations looking for such expertise.
Companies and individuals can bid for jobs, and the job advertisers will select the winning bidders based on their credentials, experience and asking price.
Graduates of PHPAcade.my are automatically channeled to PHPMarketplace.my, but other PHP developers are also welcome to use the service.
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