OpenLampTech issue #106
MySQL Invisible Columns | Lightweight Linux distros | 10 PHP libraries for 2023 | New WooCommerce install default blocks. OpenLampTech is a media and content source for PHP, MySQL, and the LAMP stack.
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Marian Pop shared a great developer interview I recently published in OpenLampTech. Be sure to read it here:
Optimizing Performance: Top 10 Must-Have PHP Libraries in 2023
PHP (and other) devs would be very busy if they had to write every feature they needed from scratch. By using libraries for common tasks and functionalities, developers can save time (and headaches). This article lists several popular PHP libraries developers can reach for a number of needs. [eLuminous Technologies]
5 Lightweight Linux Distros for Reviving Your Old Hardware
In 2014, I took an old dead-in-the-water Dell laptop and installed Slackware Linux (version 13 - think) on it, completely changing my outlook on ‘tinkering’ with computers. I think I learned more about Linux (then) during that whole process and man it was fun. I've not used any of the 5 mentioned Linux distros but I bet it would be fun and a good learning experience for anyone to try and breathe new life into a laptop with Linux. [Turbo Future]
PHP: $this vs parent vs self vs static
I use $this
all the time in CodeIgniter and some WordPress code. I have a good understanding of what $this
means in PHP but have never stopped to consider parent
, self
, or static
. This article has explanations and code samples for all 4 of them: $this
, parent
, static
, and self
. These are important concepts to be at least aware of the differences in these keywords. [Medium]
MySQL invisible columns and how to define it with Laravel and Doctrine
Invisible Columns have been in MySQL for a little while now. And while I can't think of a use case for one right off the top of my head, that doesn't mean they aren't a useful feature in the correct context. Since Invisible Columns are hidden from query results by default, perhaps they could store some sort of calculation. To access an Invisible Column, you must reference it in the query. [dev.to]
WooCommerce 8.3 Makes Cart, Checkout, and Order Confirmation Blocks Default on New Installations
I'm definitely on the fence when it comes to WordPress blocks. And I mean for real, I'm on the fence because I don't have (or have chosen) a favorite side. I might never either. I'm not sure about it in a WooCommerce setting, but I've been tinkering (I love that word) with Full Site Editing (FSE) for a photographer portfolio site build and I must say, I'm digging it right now.
But Woo is making some blocks the default on some pages it seems so we will have to see how that goes. [WPTavern]
How openSUSE Tumbleweed makes a great case for rolling release Linux distributions
I'm pretty sure most LAMP stacks nowadays run Ubuntu or something similar. At one time, it was all CentOS. I don't know for sure if any LAMP stacks are using openSUSE or not. But, I can tell you from a hardcore Linux nerd, that it is one fun and powerful distro. I used openSUSE Leap for a couple of years as my daily driver up until I switched to macOS in November of 2022 and it is one incredible Linux OS. [ZDNET]
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WooCommerce News and Release Information
Getting to Know Woo: Extensibility in the New Product Editor (November 17th, 2023)
WooCommerce 8.3.1 Released (November 21st, 2023)
Why WooCommerce is the Best BigCommerce Alternative
WooCommerce Blocks 11.6.0 & 11.6.1 Release Notes (November 23rd, 2023)
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Take care.
Josh Otwell
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