OpenLampTech - Developer Interview With Joni Halabi
Web developer Joni Halabi shares a fantastic developer interview with the OpenLampTech newsletter readers and community.
Welcome to this OpenLampTech text-based developer interview.
Web and WordPress developer Joni Halabi has been working with the web’s most used and popular CMS for several years.
Joni is also very knowledgeable about Gutenberg, focusing much of her development on writing custom blocks for the post editor.
Needless to say, I am very excited Joni participated in this interview for the OpenLampTech newsletter readers.
And now without any further ado, on to the interview.
Q: Please introduce yourself and tell us what you currently do for a living.
My name is Joni Halabi. I am a web developer at Georgetown University and am based in the Washington DC metro area. In addition to writing code, I teach, speak at conferences, and write technical articles about my work.
Q: What PHP framework(s) and/or CMS(s) are you interested in the most or currently using (if any) and why?
The majority of my work is in WordPress. I have been a theme and plugin author for years. My more recent projects focus on writing custom blocks for the post editor. I have been working with WordPress’s block API (“Gutenberg”) since it was still in its alpha stage. Watching Gutenberg evolve over the years has been a fascinating journey, and I am excited to work with it as it continues to mature.
Q: Do you think it is important for developers to know some SQL and not rely solely on an ORM? Why or why not?
Absolutely! I think it is important to have a working understanding of database structure and querying when working with any CMS. I like to think of languages like a toolbox. Some tools (languages) are used far more than others, but it is always beneficial to keep all the tools in your toolbox for those “just in case” moments. I may not use SQL often, but if I come across a data-centric problem, knowing my way around a database is invaluable.
Q: What is one piece of software that you just cannot live without and why?
I would be lost without TickTick, my to-do app. It allows me to organize my thoughts, break down larger projects into smaller tasks, and keep track of my progress. A fully-fleshed out to-do list is very motivating.
Q: You type all of your code in which IDE/Text Editor/Software?
I use Visual Studio Code as my IDE. I do not use all of its features, but I love its ability to search within all of the files in a folder or project. It is also convenient that GitHub uses it as well as its in-browser IDE. I can seamlessly switch between using that or my desktop version, if the need arises.
Q: How has working as a web developer/designer/professional benefited you other than the obvious paycheck and monetary value?
I was extremely shy when I was younger, to the point where presenting in front of an audience was an awful experience for me. I had something in between stage fright and imposter syndrome. However, over the course of my career, I became more confident in my work and, especially through my current position, found that people are interested in what I have to say.
When I started at Georgetown, my manager encouraged me to apply to speak at conferences, and I found the developer conference community to be very welcoming. Now, presenting and teaching are two of my favorite parts of being a developer. This is something that younger me would be utterly shocked by (in a good way).
Q: Do you have a book, newsletter, blog, podcast, or other resource you would recommend to other developers?
My world has been very focused on WordPress. Gutenberg Times is a great blog that talks about changes to the post editor and Gutenberg API. I also follow the Make WordPress Core blog for overall updates on new features in general and the core release cycle.
I listen to a lot of podcasts. Many are focused on topics outside of development, but one technology-focused show that I love is Tech News Weekly. It is a great way to stay up-to-date on all sorts of tech topics, including AI, security, and device hardware.
I would also like to give a shout-out to Stuff You Should Know and Stuff You Missed In History Class. They are not developer podcasts, but they are well-researched and highly entertaining shows about all sorts of historical and current topics.
Q: What hobbies or activities do you do for fun?
I try to exercise every day and, when the weather cooperates, love going for runs around my neighborhood. I spend most of the rest of my free time doing fun things with my 5 year old.
Q: Where can readers go to learn more about you and any projects you may have going?
The best way to keep up with my projects is either through my website (https://jhalabi.com) or on Twitter/X (@jonihalabi)
Unrelated to development, but I published my first children’s book last year. Sweet Little You is a unique welcome baby book for mothers who make their dream of having a child come true through donor conception.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add or share with the OpenLampTech readers?
No matter what you are working on, please write your code with accessibility in mind! 🙂
Thank you, Joni Halabi, for sharing your knowledge and insights with the OpenLampTech newsletter readers and community!
Thank you for reading. I hope you have a great rest of your week.
Take care.
Josh Otwell