Quote from: dev_cw at Dec 22, 2007, 01:01 PM
... install a local version to use as a play ground (I install, test and workout problems on a local playground before making any production decisions), 2) get to know the available snippets, chances are someone has had the same problem as you and has provided the solution. And don’t be shy to look at the code, you will find that many snippets have great documentation right in the code...
This is absolutely the most important part of learning MODx as a Newb--install it on a localhost with the sample data and such. It allows you to see a variety of common solutions, navigation using Wayfinder, User Login, simple Blog, and more.
While I have been using MODx for a year now, I am no PHP expert. I have written a few functions here and there and such but through persistence and need, I wrote my first actual snippet this week. I am now moving on to help on another promising snippet.
The more documentation that can be generated about MODx the better. It is better to have tonnes of documentation that has a short shelf life rather than waiting until the next release comes out. I am not saying that that should be left up to the dev team. As Ryan mentioned, they are busy with earning a living and developing for 0.9.7 and 1.0 and so I think that the wiki and sites like BobRay is developing are just what are needed until such time as the new codebase is stable enough to write about.
I love the fact that MODx is not for the YAPS users but I don’t agree that MODx is for developers only. I think that web designers who have enough wherewithal to set up a database and a localhost can build a basic site in MODx faster and easier than with a Blog App or with a Portal.
In the last few months (maybe since the award) I have noticed increased traffic at the forums, meaning increased user base. If one in ten each contributed a solution to a problem to the Wiki the devs could focus on development and innovation would spring forth in the user base. When an apps users take control of what they are doing devs can more easily direct the future and allow the users to self solve many of the problems that they face.
So, I say welcome newbs. Just be warned that their is still a minimum amount of knowledge required to build sites on MODx--just not as high as some would say.
All the best,
Jay