Decent PHP software to dissect to learn

Lt. Manlove · 3 Dec 2007 at 04:19

My PHP seems to be at it's limits and what I think I need is to look at something real world. Any recommendations of software that I can look at in-depth to see how the original dev team put the final product together? Something like a photo gallery, shoutbox, CMS?

The software doesn't have to be the latest version, earlier versions may make more sense to me! Because of this, overly complicated programs like vBulletin would probably blag my head also.

Rather than recommending well branded software, i'm ideally after software that is known to be rather simple under the hood to begin with

Thanks

Daveyboyuk · 3 Dec 2007 at 09:03

I think you will learn more from actually 'coding' rather than just studying other people's code. I agree there is loads to learn from other peoples code, how to do and how NOT to do things. Why not pick a project for yourself to code and see what other people have done and start coding? Remember that software evolves over time and there is rarely a 'final product'.

Dj_Jestar · 3 Dec 2007 at 10:34

As above. The only way I learned what was what, was by making my own projects, even if they were not used for anything, and by lots of reading of books, articles, blogs, more experienced folks forum discussions, etc.

SiriusB · 3 Dec 2007 at 12:15

I agree with the above. Even simple applications can be hard to follow at times, especially if not everything is immediately obvious as to its purpose. Looking at something like a gallery or CMS I think will be a huge challenge and you probably wont learn that much [too much time getting your head around it!].

I would simply pick a project you have never attempted, and start coding. When you get stuck, then start checking out other people's stuff/examples/etc

Lt. Manlove · 3 Dec 2007 at 19:10

Thanks for all the replies.

Well i'm not a complete beginner, I just want to see some working examples of classes etc. I've built an entire CRM package integrated with PayPal's API but using CakePHP; my first *real* program which is used every day and takes about £3000 daily. (looks pretty damn smart too)!

Guess i'll start building more.

Dj_Jestar · 3 Dec 2007 at 19:15

For learning, I'd recommend dropping CakePHP faster than a cannon ball. It does everything for you, and you'll learn nothing.

Try out the Zend Framework (and tutorial)

Lt. Manlove · 3 Dec 2007 at 19:21

Dj_Jestar said:
For learning, I'd recommend dropping CakePHP faster than a cannon ball. It does everything for you, and you'll learn nothing.

Try out the Zend Framework (and tutorial)

Thank you! The main objective with the CRM was RAD but I doubt I would use CakePHP again in future, it just doesn't feel stable

I've not really considered Zend Framework, always thought Symfony looked better, judging by the documentation.

Thanks once again