HTML, SQL, and PHP Programming Languages - Essay Example

Languages in Computer Programming HTML, SQL, and PHP programming languages “HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a markup languageused in creation of web pages. It is the chief language and information that is displayed in web browsers” (Duckett, 2004). HTML language elements are often written in tags enclosed in angle brackets, for example, . Readable tags are represented in a pair, with a start tag, as well as, an end tag, also known as the opening and closing tags. In between the tags, web designers add web elements like tags and texts that form the web elements. HTML is the basic language of web designers. The web browser interprets the tags into a language that is audible to the browser users (Duckett, 2004). According to Beaulieu (2009), SQL (Structured Query Language) is another programming language used to manage data held in RDBMS (Relational Database Management Systems). The language has both data definition and data manipulation languages. SQL covers data insertion, update and delete, query, schema creation and adjustment, and controlled data access. Although SQL is a declarative language it has procedural aspects (Fehily, 2008, pp. xi-xii). PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a language used in web development. PHP is a fast programming language offering stability in various websites created using the language. It is a popular language due to its open use and zero costs. Like other programming languages, PHP is a code that is interpreted by websites to audible languages (Lengstorf, 2009, p.3-4). SQL, PHP, and HTML: Tools and techniques learned For one to understand how to effectively use the three programming languages, it is essential to understand the tools and techniques used in them. PHP: - Primary PHP tools learned include, CakePHP, CodeIgniter, XAmp, Pear PHP Net, and Symfony. Cake PHP is a fast web development framework that aids in development of a broad configuration for developing, maintaining and deploying websites. The tool allows for the use of MVC and ORM, design patterns. It uses fewer codes at no cost. CodeIgniter is used for complex programming, albeit its use of simple toolbox and small prints. However, its authoritative nature is suitable for complex and timed web applications. XAmp is a tool used in installation of Apache Distribution which has MySQL, PHP and Perl. It is easily accessible. Symfony is a library of programs stored in PHP. It allows web developers to access various PHP tools and components and build web applications in time. It allows for easier hosting, and maintenance of applications. PEAR is a both a framework and distribution system for reusable PHP components. It enables easier download and installation of applications from websites (Lengstorf, 2009, pp. 6-13). SQL: - Tools learned in SQL include; DAC (Data-tier Application) Package, bcp, SQL Server Intergartion Services, DAC BACPAC Import Export, and Wizards like; SSMS Generate Scripts, SQL Database Migration, and SQL Server Import and Export Wizards. DAC Package has a developer tool and is useful in packaging the schema, code and designing database to be used in another server. DAC BACPAC package extends the work and format of DACPAC to include metadata files and JavaScript Object Notation (JASON). It is useful in packaging SQL Server database when migrating them to SQL Database. The DAC BACPAC Import Export is used in importing and exporting BACPAC FILES FROM SQL Database to Windows. bcp is a utility line command that ships bulk uploads from SQL Server or SQL Database, although it is not a migration tool. SQL Database Migration is used to migrate SQL Server 2005/08 databases to SQL Databases. It is also used to single out compatibility problems, solve them and notify users about the problems. SQL Server Intergartion Services perform a wide range of data migration functions. This tool supports compound workflow and data conversion between the source and destination. SQL Server export and import Wizard is utilized to configure connections, sources and destinations in import or export of services packages. The tool supports a wide range of data sources making it simple and reliable (Fehily, 2008, pp. 41-44). HTML: - Tools learned in HTML include; Dreamweave Code Cleaner, Websafe Color Tool, CSS Menu Generator, Frontpage Code Cleaner and HTML Entity Chart. The Dreamweave Code Cleaner helps in reducing the size and content of Microsoft Frontpage by cleaning useless codes in the page chosen. HTML Entity Chart is a chart that has special set of iso Latin characters and how they can be accessed using HTML entities. Websafe Color Tool is a tool used in color specifications required by a user using the 216 we-safe color palette. CSS Menu Generator is used to develop a CSS and HTML code for an appealing text-based navigation buttons. It is has become valuable as more individuals prefer to use texts than images (Duckett, 2004). Concepts and principles of programming language learned Any programmer requires basic knowledge in computing to understand its architecture and how it is used in providing solutions to problems. In computer programming, languages are either low-level or high-level based on the type of computer used. It is advisable to comprehend the fundamentals of high-level language programming as it does not limit a programmer’s ability to use different computers. All computer languages must be coded in a manner that is easily to translate to comprehensible language by a website user. High-level languages require a programmer to develop languages that can either be compiled or translated. Thus, computer programmed language requires other programs to interpret the coded languages to comprehensible language. Compiled languages are superior to interpreted languages as they are faster to execute. However, interpreted languages are easy to code. Programming is a sequential process that involves several activities in a sequence. It is also imperative to follow some sequence of processes when programming. Usually, programmers write down a sequence of events that they use to program. Programming language has primary tools that must be understood by every programmer. These elements include data types, output, testing, and variables among other elements of programming language. Programming languages have similar elements but differ in the way the elements are used and the type of elements used. When a program is complete, testing forms a basic measure of success where executing codes used are put in function. There are different programming languages like Perl (Practical Extraction and Reporting Language), PeopleCode, PHP, Opa and OpenEdge ABL among many other languages. Each programming language has its own unique principles and concepts. The principles are useful in helping one to decide on which language to use. For a programmer, knowledge of these principles and concepts is important in deciding which language is best for a given program. In programming, various language codes need to act in a group so as to make the language in the website comprehensible to the users. Skills developed Programming language is the basic tool used by programmers to communicate information in websites. Unlike the language displayed on the websites, programming language requires codes and interpreters to make it audible to the website users. Further, a programming language is a complex interplay of codes that have been jostled into action by unique codes called the executing codes. A program is useless if it cannot successfully operate even after extensive work of preparing the codes. Primarily, a program is a set of language codes, where each code stands for a given entity in the program. Several skills that pertain to use of programming language and team work were developed. One of the skills that were developed is the ability to order things in a sequence. Programming is a complex process that requires one to recognize an issue, as well as, give a solution. Thus, the whole process necessitates a well planned procedure that identifies the causes of the problem, the solution, how the solution can be developed and how it can be implemented. In the use of a programming language, such a process is used to enhance the success of a program. Haphazard programming may result into failures and given the complexity and the length of the process, a failure is catastrophic. The ordering of activities will help in enhancing personal learning. In a team, each person has a role to play, just like every code in a programming language has a role or a meaning. Thus, appreciating each member in a team is important. The other skill developed is paying attention to details. Programming requires a lot of attention and careful consideration of the language codes being used. In many instances, failure of a program results from the wrong use of particular code(s) of a given language. Further, different languages have different order patterns, concepts and principles that are used to determine success. Paying attention to the object being studied will enhance concentration, and increase the understanding of the topic. In group work, paying attention to what one is doing is critical in enhancing the success of the group. Just like one language code may determine the failure or success of a program, one team member who does not pay attention can fail the whole team. The other skill learned is cooperation. In programming, language codes cooperate in a sequential order to produce an audible language. When one of the language codes does not fall in the sequence, the whole program is distorted as the language used is not comprehensible. In personal learning, cooperation can be vital in getting learning materials that are not at one’s disposal. In a team, cooperation is critical in ensuring that the team succeeds as one. Team members resemble the language codes, which should cooperate in a sequential manner. When one of the team members fails in their duty and cooperation, the team cannot function properly. Functional effectiveness of the team The effectiveness of the team relied on several factors; key among them being members’ cooperation and understanding. One of the aspects that were positive in the group was the reliance on each other. Throughout the learning and practice sessions, the members relied on each other for understanding the basics of language programming. Various individuals in the group were quick to grasp and understand the programming concepts that others. The first ones usually helped the slow ones to understand the basics. Another aspect that enabled the group to be effective was the members’ participation in programming exercises. All members were actively participating in the programs development without hesitation or being pushed. The group assigned each team member a program to develop, a language to code or any other programming procedure that was required by the team. This ensured that each team member understood the necessary requirements of each stage of programming or language use. The working together enhanced great understanding, where members’ weaknesses and strengths were exploited for the success of the team members. However, the group was not without any negatives. One of the negative aspects was the fight over leadership. All team members wanted to lead the group and show the other the skills they have learned during the course. Leadership haggles made the team slow and sometimes ineffective in enabling the team to develop new programs effectively. Another negative aspect was the difference in the team members. The team was unlucky to have different members who had differing understanding in almost all issues. Leadership haggles were the most problematic. This was solved by appointing one member to lead the team on each program procedure. Thus every team member had the chance to showcase their skills in the different procedures of language programming. This allowed more cooperation, members’ participation and enhanced development of skills among all the team members. Another problem was the differences among the team members. This proved problematic as some of the team members perceived other as inferior. By selecting each member to lead a certain procedure in the language programming exercise, each member was given a chance to redeem themselves by showcasing their skills in that field. To ensure that each member got the necessary skills, each team member was allowed to show their skills by leading a certain procedure in the programming exercise. All team members led the others in one activity or the other, helping them to master the skills. Further, team work and members’ participation was the philosophy of the team. All members were supposed to actively contribute to the exercise. Through these contributions, programming skills were developed by all members. The future Language programming requires one to pay attention to the concepts and principles of the language being used. Further, the codes being developed also require a lot of attention to ensure that they can execute certain commands. One of the proficiencies, which should be developed is being attentive and detailed to the language of programming. All through, most of the programs attempted have been unsuccessful due to the haphazard nature of their development. In one way or the other, despite the skills developed in the course unit, repeated mistakes always through leaving certain details of programming have proved costly. Therefore, paying close attention and being detailed will enhance success of programs. Developing attention and being detailed will require a lot of practice. Often, one program will have to be developed using different languages to ensure that the skills have been well developed and mastered to avoid similar future mistakes. Further, being slow in developing programs can also help. Fast development has always proved ineffective due to lack of time to ran through the procedures and verify the language codes and requirements. The course can be reorganized to start with the simplest basics of languages used in programming. Further, the course needs to incorporate a lot of team work, which has proved effective in enhancing understanding and development of necessary programming skills. Because of the complex character of the course work, a little more time can be added to cater for the extensive needs and importance of the course. All first year students should be very attentive with the course work. The project forms the basis for future success in programming. In addition to the project, one should undertake other independent projects to enhance their skills. Bibliography Beaulieu, A. 2009. Learning SQL (2nd Ed.). Sebastapol, CA, USA: OReilly Meyer, D. 2014. Fundamental PHP tools, techniques, and tips than no one should avoid. Webgranth. [Online]. Available at [Accessed 11 March, 2014] Duckett, J. 2004. Beginning Web Programming with HTML, XHTML, and CSS. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Publishing Inc. Lengstorf, J. 2009. PHP for absolute beginners. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag New York Inc. Fehily, C. 2008. SQL: Visual quickstart guide. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press. Read More