Session 1: In today’s class we will be discussing what you have written in your research papers, which are also due today. After that we will be attempting to implement examples of the Open Source project you selected for the implementation assignment. I will be checking everyone’s progress as you work. The goal is to get to a point where the installation allows your project to be functional at a default level, exactly like the demonstration on Session 2, week 2. Make sure you are prepared by knowing exactly which software you plan on working with and having all of the necessary login and password information for your web hosting servers and database available. It is also a good idea to complete steps 1, 2 and 3 in the outline for the implementation project (Session 2, week 2).

Netcraft (What’s that site running?)
Ultimate Linux Reference Guide for Newbies

Session 2: Now that we all have a good start on the Open Source Implementation project it is time to start discussing our next and final project which involves either extending an application like WordPress by writing plugins or hacking the framework, or developing a dynamic web application of your own. There are many types of applications that are acceptable for this project. Here’s a list of a few examples to get you started.

1. E-Commerce – Developing a custom e-commerce system is an excellent asset for clients and employers.
2. Dynamic Content Management – The point is to allow the customer to edit their content without help from a developer.
3. Forums / Message Boards – These tools are important to community sites and organizations.
4. News / Blogging – News sites and blogs are a large part of the content on the internet and can be quite useful tools.
5. Calendar / Event Manager – Another example of useful tools for community sites, and others.

Other examples may also be acceptable. Consult with me about your ideas regularly. Once you have decided what sort of application you’ll be developing you need to start the planning stage. Start by writing a summary of what the application will do followed by a list of features. Try to think of all the details and requirements for each of the features. Make notes of web sites that have similar tools and resources that apply to what you are building. Later we will discuss the formal requirements for the planning stage, but I want you to start thinking about your projects right away.

Download: PHP Problem Set 3
1. All PHP problems within a “set” are due by the beginning of class on the next day that the class meets.
2. Answers must be available via links on the OLS or comparable hosting and copied to the drop off drive.
3. Solutions to each problem set will be given during demonstrations on the day that they are due.
4. Grades will be collected during the solution demonstrations by an assigned classmate.