reflections

Work Completed

• Define Objects
• Begin Creating Objects
• Define Views

Summary

I defined all the objects necessary for the system to function - List, Category, CategoryList, Favorite, Image, ImageList, Ingredient, IngredientList, Login, Rating, RatingsList, Recipe, SearchResult, SearchResultsList, Unit, UnitList, and User.

Each object will be used to hold data and transfer data to and from the database. These objects will then interact with other PHP pages that call them.

In defining views of the system, I decided to move image support for recipes into the next phase, and Out of Scope for this project. Time is running short, and images are the least necessary thing to be included at this point. The Project Charter has been updated accordingly.

In using PHP's object oriented programming support, I am attempting to modularize the code necessary for this site, and allow reusability of core concepts. In Chapter 7 of his book, Michael Allen talks about going out of the way to create reusable material being worthwhile and cost effective, and I tend to agree. For example, I created a PHP library of web control classes for common form elements - buttons, text fields, text areas, checkboxes, password fields, and hidden fields. Using this library allows me to easily create custom forms in PHP, and have them behave in a standard way. I plan on using this library every time I use forms in PHP, and have, in fact, already used it on a programming assignment for CSCI 6300.

Work On Tap

• Finish Creating PHP Objects
• Begin Styling

References

Chapter 7 in Allen, Michael W. (2003). Michael Allen’s Guide to E-learning. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.