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Jesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsWhat's the best way to make a portfolio?
I mean a portfolio where you can easily add new projects without having to edit the html everytime, like using AJAX and JSON!
Is there an easier way?
PD: Without using WordPress
1 Answer
Germán Campos
18,374 PointsIf you don't want to rewrite the html/remake the page every time, then you need to make a template, and basically, if you want to populate that template dynamically, then you need to work with a database. Which one is up to you, there is no 'best' or 'worst' answer here, it really depends on what programming/database languages you have experience or understanding of. Assuming you are just starting, then I'd go with PHP+MySQL as it is pretty easy to get started.
Last but not least, it really depends on the level of complexity you are planning to use/have on your portfolio itself. How much content (and of what type) are you planning to handle?
I am curious, why don't you want to use Wordpress?
Jesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsJesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsI'd rather make everything by myself, I know I can make it using PHP+MySQL but I don't have the knowledge yet. WordPress tempts me to use one of it's Plugins or Templates, I don't know any PHP so I'm limited to what they offer.
Germán Campos
18,374 PointsGermán Campos
18,374 PointsI think it is easier to manipulate custom loops in Wordpress than to dive in fully into PHP+MySQL. Ultimately, learning more about PHP+MySQL will help you better understand Wordpress.
Now, I know WP is very clunky and has LOTS of clutter markup and code, however, by using a framework like Genesis you can simplify it, and then you can modify your theme itself to further simplify the markup.
You can then use a plugin like ACF (Advanced Custom Fields by Elliot Condon) to further customize your portfolio entries. Normally what you do is this:
Make a general portfolio template, where you display/list a summary of say, 10 portfolio entries (by using a custom loop). Then make an individual portfolio entry template, where you display the full info for that given portfolio entry (with another loop). By using ACF, you can make your porfolio entry much more interesting than just a title+text entry. You could define, for example, a short description (to use in your general portfolio page) and leave the 'main text body' for the full desc, while also adding specific images like for say, a thumbnail, screenshots of a website, etc.
Ultimately the question, in my opinion, rests on this: What is the ultimate goal? : to make a professional looking portfolio page or to learn more about PHP+MySQL?
Have you used the Genesis framework before?
G
Jesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsJesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsNever heard of Genesis before, I was planning on learning PHP but I'm still learning JavaScript and it's frameworks. My goal is to make a professional portfolio while I learn.
Thanks for your answers
Germán Campos
18,374 PointsGermán Campos
18,374 PointsIn that case, I strongly suggest you give Genesis a try. Using it is like removing 70% of the hassle out of WordPress. TeamTreeHouse even has tutorials on it, and although introductory, they give you the introduction you need. After that, if you get stuck with the custom loops or cleaning up the markup, let me know and I'll gladly help.
Jesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsJesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsCool, I'll hit you up if I need any help when I start learning PHP. Thanks!