When your PHP website or application isn’t working correctly, the first question is usually:
“Can you figure out what’s wrong?”
That’s where the process starts.
I don’t expect you to know which line of PHP code is causing the problem. You don’t need to diagnose the application before contacting me.
You tell me what is happening. I investigate the problem.
1. Tell Me What’s Wrong
The first step is to tell me about the problem.
What isn’t working?
What is the application supposed to do?
What is it doing instead?
When did the problem start?
Did anything change before the problem appeared?
If you have an error message, send it to me.
If you aren’t sure what is causing the problem, that’s okay.
You don’t need to know whether the problem is PHP, MySQL, Apache, JavaScript, or something else.
That’s my job to determine.
2. I Review the Problem
I’ll review the information you provide and determine what needs to be investigated.
Depending on the problem, this may involve looking at the PHP code, database interactions, server configuration, PHP version, error logs, or other parts of the application.
The goal is to find the cause of the problem rather than simply treating the symptom.
3. I Determine What Needs to Be Done
Once the problem is understood, I’ll explain what I found and what I believe needs to be done.
Some PHP problems are relatively simple.
Others require more investigation.
I don’t want to guess at the solution before understanding the problem.
First I find the problem. Then I determine the fix.
4. I Fix the Problem
Once we agree on what needs to be done, I’ll make the necessary changes to the existing PHP website or application.
The goal is not to rewrite something that doesn’t need to be rewritten.
If the existing application can be repaired, that’s usually where I start.
5. I Test the Fix
After making the repair, the affected functionality needs to be tested.
The objective is to make sure the original problem has been addressed and the application is behaving as expected.
Depending on the problem, testing may involve checking the affected page, form, database operation, user workflow, or other functionality.
What If You Don’t Know What’s Wrong?
That’s not unusual.
In fact, that’s one of the reasons businesses hire a developer.
You may only know that:
- A page stopped working.
- You are getting a PHP error.
- A form no longer submits.
- The application suddenly behaves differently.
- Something worked yesterday but doesn’t work today.
- The website stopped working after a server change.
- The application stopped working after a PHP version change.
You don’t have to know why.
Tell me what you see. I’ll investigate what is happening.
What If the Problem Is More Complicated?
Some problems can be fixed quickly.
Others take time to track down.
An older PHP application can have years of code, database changes, third-party integrations, and other components that need to be considered.
That’s why I don’t promise a solution before looking at the problem.
The first step is understanding what is happening.
Once the cause is identified, we can determine the best way forward.
I Work on Existing PHP Websites & Applications
I am focused on existing PHP systems.
I’m not trying to sell you a new website when your existing website simply needs to be fixed.
If your PHP website or application is working but has developed a problem, the first question should be:
Can it be fixed?
Let’s find out.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell me what’s wrong with your PHP website or application.
Give me as much information as you can, and I’ll review the project request.
[Request a PHP Project Review]
You don’t have to know what’s wrong.
You just need to know that something isn’t working.