The advert was pitching for three roles, a Technical Manager, Graduate Software Engineers and skilled Software Engineers. The wording went like this:

"Do you have 2-20 year's experience in Java or C++, expertise in OO Development, a strong UNIX background (preferably Linux) and a good understanding of a broad range of algorithms and data-structures? Cool. Go work for a bank."

I have to confess, this did make me laugh. The sheer brass-ballsness of it was refreshing. But it got me thinking a little about the PHP world, after-all according to Bruce Perens our community is populated with 'script-kiddies' and developers who (shock, horror) don't use an MVC framework for their sites or posses Computer Science degrees.

Does a Comp Sci degree make you a more productive developer? Does having a head full of OO design patterns or Unix knowledge allow you to churn out applications faster than a 'script kiddie'? Amazon obviously don't think so. In all fairness the Amazon advert wasn't saying "don't come to us if you're experienced", it was saying "don't come to us if that's all you've got". Because like it or not, application / site development isn't a science in the traditional sense. There is an intrinsic artistic ability invoked when we program. The underlying basis is always logic, and to a degree mathmatical processes. But the way in which we shape our code can almost certainly be considered something of an un-celebrated artform.

I believe that it is possible to create truly beautiful code. Code so sleek and elegant that it can hold its head proud, while the Ruby-encrusted ships sail on by. This doesn't mean getting utterly wrapped in objects, or forcing your site through an MVC framework when, quite frankly it doesn't need one. It means knowing how to apply your skills and knowledge effectively - how to write your own development story if you like.

It would appear that successful adoption by millions of developers means PHP is likened to BASIC. The reality of course is that it has become so successful because -it works-. That and there are stacks of resources out there to pick up and run with. The PHP world is full of MVC-less heretics, with no degrees and precious little understanding of structure and design. I for one champion this, here's my vote for the 'underlings' who actually get stuff done. Rigid structure and enforced design paradigms does not a good programmer create. "Understanding" creates good programmers. Rather than scare these 'underlings' off at the first hurdle, let them free-form their way into the language, and build upon those skills increasing their knowledge as they go. Experience is a far better catalyst for knowledge than a straight-jacket development enviroment.

Come 2007 how many Ruby developers will be using it without understanding just what is going on under the hood? Right now they've got the technically-savvy early adopters testing the waters, but there is a finite number of them and this will not last. Over time their demographic will shift and it will be interesting to see what state things will be in then. As the flood of 'script kiddies sold on Ruby' enter the arena, how long before we start seeing security reports, poorly implemented code, bad design, perverse code structures, and all the other traits akin to beginner development? The framework may shield them from some of it, but not all.

A good developer will tame even the most wild beast, and PHP is a raw and wild beast indeed. You can force people down rigid and strict routes if you like, but at the end of the day it's a programming language just like any other - and if someone is going to write shit code, then they're going to write shit code no matter what.

Oh if the Amazon job interests you (it's in Scotland, btw) more information is here: www.amazondc.com