As I freelance web developer I have created numerous applications for the web. I utilise server-side (PHP), client (JavaScript, XHTML, CSS), and hybrid (AJAX, XML, SOAP) languages to develop bespoke products and packages including online calculators, video and music players and live-streaming applications, performance and reporting tools. I have developed plugins for existing packages as well as applications for social media and the iPhone.

I have worked with a range of content management systems including in-house client systems and off the shelf packages such as Drupal, Modx and Wordpress, as well as creating bespoke systems from scratch as requested. Included within this experience is working on standard visual templates that can be automatically applied to new and existing content, creating one central place to change that look across all content on a site; editing tools allowing non-technical individuals to create and edit content; scalable modules extending an existing system’s functionality; workflow management; and document management. In working with off the shelf systems, I have created and developed a number of bespoke plugins, improving both the functionality and expandability of the system.

I have worked on a range e-commerce solutions both with packages such as Magento as well as bespoke systems which have included shopping carts, PayPal solutions, a number of API integration modules, and complex bespoke e-commerce solutions with a variety of options such as real-time shipping rates, bulk product uploads, web-based order fulfilment engines, real-time shopper tracking, and vouchers, discounts and user accounts.

Working with clients and front-end users, I have developed a number of secure and sophisticated intranets and extranets. These have included training systems for the Royal College of Midwives, user assessment and diagnostic tools for a number of NHS and other care-based organisations, and members’ areas for clubs and associations.

I use a range of database languages, primarily MySQL, MS SQL Server, and Oracle, to develop secure database driven sites. Databases are lean and fit for purpose, built for speed and reliability. They have included password protected administration areas, full MD5/SHA1/Blowfish encryption and are backed-up regularly to ensure data loss is kept to a minimum.

In addition to developing back end functionality, I will also program for the front end of websites using languages such as CSS, XHTML and JavaScript. I ensure that all code I write is tested in the standard browsers (Firefox, IE 6-8, Chrome, Safari) as well as a number of text browsers such as Lynx to check for accessibility compliancy. All sites are tested against the relevant W3C standards and are DDA compliant.

I provide emergency and ongoing maintenance and additions to sites written and developed by others, working in whichever format and style is requested. Code is always commented to ensure others can understand it. I develop and use reporting tools to help analyse website effectiveness and as a means for further website improvement.

I have worked on a number of forums, blogs and blogging tools, creating bespoke solutions and developing plugins for existing packages. In improving the networking capabilities of sites I have created RSS feeds, and links to sites such as Twitter and Facebook. I have also worked on applications for Facebook and the iPhone.