Say hello to: Domien, a PHP developer at icapps
During this blog series, we highlight one of our colleagues who talks about his or her job at icapps. Find out what their challenges are in their job, how they want to grow in their job and get to know them a bit too.
Wondering what a job as a PHP developer looks like? Domien gladly explains.
What inspired you to become a PHP developer?
In the beginning, when you start developing for web you have to choose between frontend or backend. I have never been great in frontend development, the small details of choosing colors, for example, have never been my cup of tea.
To me, backend is interesting because, in the eyes of the customer, you're kind of performing magic. If we're talking specifically about my choice for PHP, it is because for web, PHP has always been my go-to language to do backend.
Where do you get pleasure from in your job?
The thing I like most about my job is that I can provide a solution that saves people a great deal of time. That's usually what we do, we automate pieces that might take, say, an hour manually, and we turn that into only 1 click. I think that's fantastic. And also, like I said earlier, the magic of backend development. When I do something, and people don't understand how I did that, I feel like a true magician.
How would you describe your job in 1 word?
I'd say; the underdog. As a PHP developer, you really are the underdog in the programming world. PHP is often seen as something outdated and something you can no longer do, but actually, many PHP projects are still under the radar.
When is a web application successful for you?
When the entire flow from development to delivery has been completed as planned. We put a lot of time into aligning processes. After we deliver a project, we set up a retrospective and look at what could be better. Putting all those working points into practice, results in a great outcome. If the processes we set up beforehand are followed, and everyone works well together, it is already successful. The second thing is efficient code and performance. You can make something that works well but may not be as efficient, then it is still not successful.
Do you have a favorite application and why?
I have a favorite app that I am (now not so anymore) secretly addicted to and that’s Instagram. I’m addicted to cooking and food videos, I could watch those for hours. But if I had to say which app I believe to be the most UX-friendly one, I would definitely say the KBC mobile banking app. This one ticks all the boxes.
Something that few people know about you? Secret talent?
Yes, I do have such a talent, but it is not always so useful I must admit.
I am very good at remembering faces. Even though the faces are aged, I keep remembering them. It does sometimes cause embarrassing situations actually. For example, I might run into someone I met 11 years ago at a student job and recognize them immediately, but usually, they don't recognize me anymore. #awkward
Let’s send you off with a dilemma: would you rather have a sing-off with Beyonce or a dance-off with John Travolta?
I can't sing very well, and even if I could sing, I could never win against Beyonce. So I choose to have a dance-off with John Travolta.
