WordPress is famously known for its 5-minute installation and hassle-free user experience. But when it comes to the development of websites, themes or plugins requirements are different to that of an end user. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to take some notes! Because Ante Šepić will help you from cow-boy coding and show you the modern tools and practice.
We’re glad you’ll be joining us in Zagreb in September. Could you tell us more about yourself?
I would describe myself as a tech-enthusiast, currently living in Rijeka and enjoying life! My working day mostly revolves around web development, both frontend, and backend. When I’m not working, you will usually find me coding some silly side projects, playing table tennis, enjoying good food or on the couch binge-watching the latest Netflix show.
Stack Overflow developer survey from 2016 revealed that 69% of all developers that participated in the survey are at least partly self-taught. Speaking from experience, is it nowadays easier to become self-taught WordPress/web developer?
When I was just starting, I remember there already being great resources out there for teaching yourself web development. They only multiplied with years of course, and I would say that nowadays it’s easier than ever. With websites like Udemy, Lynda, Coursera, etc. not to mention an excellent library of videos on YouTube, there can be no more excuses for not learning whatever you set your mind to. It’s worth mentioning that the official WordPress documentation has gotten much better over the years as well.
WordPress has a tight community with active contributors from all over the world, but can you tell us your experiences? What advice about community would you give to people just starting their WordPress journey?
Entering a new group is always frightening, especially when it seems like other members have known each other for years, and you’re just starting out and know no one. From my experience, there is nothing to be afraid of in the WordPress community. Most of the people I have met are warm and welcoming, and even though there are thousands and thousands of people “in the circle”, they always have a place for new members. I’m not kidding; they want YOU as a part of the community.
The best way to enter the community?
1. Go to a local WordCamp and start talking to people.
2. Start learning, and as you learn, you can give back, which helps the community to grow.
3. PROFIT!!!
In recent years WordPress development has come a very long way when it comes to development setups or tooling. Every year we see more and more tools that help take a headache and repetitiveness out of building plugins and themes. How does your setup help in your work, and what can we expect to learn?
It can be hard keeping track of all the build tools out there, and I think most of the developers don’t like the pace at which they are changing, especially in the JavaScript world. I, on the other hand, enjoy it! I love playing with tools, but at the end of the day, tools are just there to help you achieve your tasks more efficiently.
After a couple of years of iteration, I believe I have found a good way to structure my development in a way that helps me write good, maintainable code (which should be your ultimate goal). My assumption is that most of the people attending my talk will already be familiar with some of the tools I am using, but I will offer a fresh perspective on it based on my experience. I plan on sharing my full setup that covers both backend and the frontend, so even if you are doing just one of those, you should still find something interesting.
Did you get your ticket?
If you haven’t already, get your ticket for WordCamp Zagreb today. Tickets are priced at 20€ (around 150 HRK) which will give you entrance to the conference, (first) access to workshops on Friday and to Contributor day on Sunday. You will also get the drinks, lunch, incredible t-shirt and other cool swag from our sponsors.