OpenLampTech No. 169

WordPress ecosystem | Laravel's models | Google Sheets for SQL IN() queries | PHP objects | What's next for SQL | Are DBAs doomed? | Linux love - Mac daily driver

Feb 14, 2025

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All commentary, thoughts, and opinions are mine unless otherwise quoted.

Google Sheets TEXTJOIN and CONCAT For SQL IN() Queries

I plan to write and publish more content like this outside of the regular OpenLampTech newsletter. Small practical tips that have a big impact are some of my favorites to learn and document.

In this article, I'm sharing ways you can leverage simple Excel/Google Sheets functions to do the heavy lifting for constructing SQL IN() queries.

[OpenLampTech]

Laravel Models Demystified: Simplifying Database Operations

Laravel's models are very powerful using Eloquent, the framework’s ORM. Models provide a streamlined approach to database access operations such as querying and updating data.

Quote from the source article:

“Models act as the bridge that simplifies querying, retrieving, and manipulating data stored in database tables.”

[dev.to]

Understanding the WordPress Ecosystem

WordPress is mostly a LAMP stack application.

However, various categories make up the WordPress ecosystem.

This article provides a high-level overview of core, plugins, themes, the database, the community, and hosting providers. All are part of the WordPress space.

[Building Better Software]

🚀 Shopify Store Setups and Onboarding! 🚀

As a developer experienced with WordPress and other web technologies, I'm now expanding my skills by offering Shopify store setups through my Partner account.

I'm gaining hands-on experience with Shopify and that means (for you):

✓ Competitive pricing

✓ Enthusiastic learning mindset

✓ Commitment to your project's success

✓ Honest communication about my current skill level

📩 Hit Reply and ask me about it to learn more and get started.

Understanding Objects in PHP: A Beginner’s Complete Guide with Real Examples (2025)

Understanding object-oriented programming (OOP) and objects in general are crucial in software and application development. Most modern programming languages support OOP.

Quote from the source article:

“Think of objects as digital containers that hold both data and the functions that work with that data.”

[Medium]

I Love Linux, But I Daily Drive a Mac for This Reason

Almost true for me. My daily driver is Windows for work but I do use a Mac for personal projects and computing.

Quote from the source article:

“The presence of per-user home directories, with permissions protecting them, reassured me that I was working with a true multiuser system.”

[How-To Geek]

Are database administrators doomed?

I don't think so. Even with the onset of AI. DBA skills are quite different from those of a (database) developer.

Quote from the source article:

“Even within the wider domain of information technology, database administration is one of those areas of expertise that often goes overlooked by aspiring STEM students and tech-savvy job seekers.”

[InforWorld]

After 50 Years, What’s Next for SQL?

This is one of the reasons why I feel learning SQL is a huge benefit to anyone's career in web, data, software, etc. Not only is SQL everywhere, but it's been there a long time too.

Quote from the source article: