PHP Coding Competition

Hitch · 02-21-2007, 06:43 AM

Hey,

So, does anyone think a "PHP Coding Competition" would be a good thing to have?
(As a one-off, or regulary)

Basically, on each competition, there is a "theme", eg, ShoutBox, Generator, Class' etc...

And, you have to stick to that theme, but add as many features, and functionality as possible, this would help you chances of winning.

Good security and clean code is also a factor.

The winner will be judged on a Poll.
The scripts may differ from easy to hard

So, does anyone think it will be good to have?

Let me know what you think about the idea.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/programming/296851-php-coding-competition.html

Thanks,
Adrian

Amnezia · 02-21-2007, 07:10 AM

Its a good idea but why restrict it to php, it would be nice to compare implementations in different langauges.

Hitch · 02-21-2007, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Amnezia

Its a good idea but why restrict it to php, it would be nice to compare implementations in different langauges.

That was something that crossed my mind.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

Though, i think it would be better to have the same language, to make it more of a "Fair Test".

If other languages was to be allowed, they should both be Server Side.

Amnezia · 02-21-2007, 07:21 AM

Well pure server side coding hardly embraces the web 2.0 concept. why restrict people to certain languages and only server side scripting. If you really want people to showcase their talents there should be no restriction on the method of implementation IMHO.

beaver6813 · 02-21-2007, 09:08 AM

It makes the contest fairer limiting the languages that can be used. Obviously if someone coded in PHP and then someone did some beautiful RoR coding then RoR would gain more votes just because it looks better. There is also the factor that if it wasn't limited someone with high experience in one of the higher level languages such as i dunno.. C++ for example would do better most of the time in every contest and would effectively have a monopoly over the people coding Perl.

And im all for a contest

Hitch · 02-21-2007, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by beaver6813

It makes the contest fairer limiting the languages that can be used.

????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

Originally Posted by beaver6813

And im all for a contest

Great!

I'm gonna see what other responses we get, and votes, then, maybe organize it soon.

Matthew. · 02-21-2007, 09:36 AM

Sounds like a decent idea, i have seen it done with solutions to algorithms etc as oppsed to fully blown scripts.

I won't be able to join as i can never find that much free time lately, especially if it is anything large however i voted yes.

Matt

Peter · 02-21-2007, 09:56 AM

it is certainly a good idea. I know sites such as codewalkers.com used to have php contests but that was a while back now. I agree with what people are saying about ensuring the same language is used but it does not mean to say that it has to be php everytime but there would I imagine be more entrants if it was php as not so many people necessarily know c++, perl, python, ruby on rails etc.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

I also think it would be better to do what codewalkers.com used to do where it was a contest to make for example a class that could be made to run from an already existing script.

1 thing I have reservations regarding the voting suggestion to decide on winner. How can you really ask people who may not be familiar with programming to judge the work, they would have no concept of good practice nor good coding.

Hitch · 02-21-2007, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by filth@flexiwebhost

1 thing I have reservations regarding the voting suggestion to decide on winner. How can you really ask people who may not be familiar with programming to judge the work, they would have no concept of good practice nor good coding.

Well, most users could vote for scripts, for functionality, and customization etc...
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

The coders, will possibly vote on the above, and code.
The poll wouldn't display the users name either...so, nobody tends to be bias (Even if they don't mean too)

Matthew. · 02-21-2007, 10:02 AM

edit: Bah, should have refreshed.

Originally Posted by filth@flexiwebhost

1 thing I have reservations regarding the voting suggestion to decide on winner. How can you really ask people who may not be familiar with programming to judge the work, they would have no concept of good practice nor good coding.

I too was wondering this, can i assume Hitch you would be one judge?

????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

Perhaps gather a group of people to be judges for contest #1, #2 etc etc who will not be entering that particular contest?

Matt

Barrucadu · 02-21-2007, 10:13 AM

I think this is a great idea. It wouldnt be fair if any language was allowed, because, I assume, a more difficult language would tend to get more votes if someone made the script in it, so restricting it to just PHP is a good rule.

Dan · 02-21-2007, 05:11 PM

My opinions:

One language only.

The people who submit get to vote. They are the coders and know if a script is good or not. (There could also just be a few judges, but mainly the people who submitted vote.) Hopefully people wouldn't vote for themselves just to vote for themselves when they know they've lost.

If the script can be "hacked" at all, it is disqualified; really any minor detail that isn't supposed to happen.

How about contests where file size and speed matter?

Originally Posted by Amnezia

Well pure server side coding hardly embraces the web 2.0 concept.

I don't know where you saw anything about "web 2.0."

lpxxfaintxx · 02-21-2007, 05:48 PM

As long as there is a decent prize, I'm sure many will participate.

lee101 · 02-22-2007, 10:14 AM

I'm all up for it, I think it should be restricted to 1 server-side language (PHP, imo the most popular, and I know it

). But as for client side, I think that should be pretty open, as that would allow competitors to be judged on compatability aswell, so some fancy ajax site wouldn't necessarily be at an advantage, due to it's requirement of javascript.

Another thing is time-scale, what would this be, or would it vary depending on the size of the "task"

I think this could be very interesting, and informative for some people, i.e. to learn from their mistakes, and other peoples methods!

Got my vote
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

Lee

Shorty · 02-22-2007, 12:04 PM

Restrict it to PHP and i'm in.

Will our code have to be published openly to the internet? I dont think it would be pleasant to make a full system, which can be quite a project for some, only for it to be given away - when it could probably be sold for a tidy profit if it's any good.

In fact I have an idea...the winner packages the script they make, and we make a site that showcases and sells them as an award winning script!...so our first challenge should be to make the most functional site for selling scripts, haha.

Hitch · 02-22-2007, 12:12 PM

Guys, thanks for the feedback and votes.

For the first competition, it 's more than like to stick to PHP. (Obviously, HTML/CSS will be involved... Javascript is a extra) (Not final) Maybe competitions after could expand in terms of languages.

As for the "publishing" code, well, depending on how many users feel about this, the code "may" remain private, though it seems most users don't mind displaying their code...lets see what happens.

The winner, not sure what to do for the winner.
Obviously, i can't do anything "big", or give much away, as this competition was meant as a "community activity".

I'll be hoping to make a thread soon, to get Competition One on the way.

More feedback, would be appreciated.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

Thanks

Adrian

beaver6813 · 02-22-2007, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by Hitch

Guys, thanks for the feedback and votes.

For the first competition, it 's more than like to stick to PHP. (Obviously, HTML/CSS will be involved... Javascript is a extra) (Not final) Maybe competitions after could expand in terms of languages.

As for the "publishing" code, well, depending on how many users feel about this, the code "may" remain private, though it seems most users don't mind displaying their code...lets see what happens.

The winner, not sure what to do for the winner.
Obviously, i can't do anything "big", or give much away, as this competition was meant as a "community activity".

I'll be hoping to make a thread soon, to get Competition One on the way.

More feedback, would be appreciated.

Thanks

Adrian

Get RJ to donate something towards it

Jim_ · 02-22-2007, 01:37 PM

The only problem I can see with this idea is rules concerning copying or modifying of others' code and how to enforce such a rule.

RJ · 02-22-2007, 01:49 PM

You've got the green light from me. I'd like to see the rules set out a little clearer, like Jim mentioned. What is allowed?

beaver6813 · 02-22-2007, 01:57 PM

I think this type of competition should be made roughly the same as the other design/photo contests etc, obviously rules will need to be implemented.. idea! How about a little submission script, people submit their entries before the deadline and then once the contest is over the judges will take a look at the scripts and judge them.

That way prevents anyone else seeing the script before the end, once the winner is chosen the author could choose to disclose or not disclose the source-code. Obviously the judges would have to run some quick background checks to make sure the script has been written by the author and not someone else.

Hitch · 02-22-2007, 02:01 PM

Hey,

RJ, Great!
So, the rules.

Here's what i think should be needed, though, i'd love others to add/comment on these.

1. All the code must be your own, no copyrighted code.
You cannot use functions/classes, "snippets", posted on sites or forums.
It's fine to use them if you have created them, and/or posted them yourself however.

2. You may not start the project untill the competition has official started.

3. Testing must be done on your server, or localhost.
Hosting will be offered to those who don't want to publicaly host their code on their servers.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851

4. If the competition requires you to post code (Will be stated in the Starting Thread), you may add a notice, stating users may not redistribute, sell, or use your code.
Sadly, if they ignore this, there is not much that can happen.
(Most competitions may not require code to be posted)

5. When entering your Script/Code, you must PM the competition holder.
All scripts/code authors will be anonymous until a winner has being chosen.

Ok, rule 4, effeminately needs some improvement!

It's quite tricky...

Please post what you think needs adding/changing.

Thanks

Adrian

Albino · 02-22-2007, 03:42 PM

good idea this, would flash be allowed?

I could imagine design elements getting in the way though.

vinodkv · 02-22-2007, 04:47 PM

good idea, when are you planning to start this competition???

Rudy · 02-22-2007, 06:45 PM

Adrian,
Great idea. I'm all for it. I probably wouldn't be able to get involved much during the school year (I'm VERY, VERY busy as a sophomore in college right now), but during the summer months I think it would be something I'd like to participate in. Great idea!

Originally Posted by Hitch

Please post what you think needs adding/changing.
Adrian

I honestly think that all code should be done from scratch, with the exception of really basic code that is used in just about every script...

Amnezia · 02-23-2007, 09:44 AM

Doing all the code from scratch doesn't really represent quality coding.

Only poor coders write everything from scratch, in a comercial enviroment you're encouraged to make use of existing frameworks where ever possible.

View Poll Results: Is this a good idea?
Yes	16	66.67%
No	3	12.50%
It has good and bad points	5	20.83%
No opinion	0	0%
Voters: 24. You may not vote on this poll

02-21-2007, 06:43 AM	THREAD STARTER #1 (permalink)
Hitch Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Uk, South Yorkshire Posts: 1,225 Follow @adrianc333	PHP Coding Competition Hey, So, does anyone think a "PHP Coding Competition" would be a good thing to have? (As a one-off, or regulary) Basically, on each competition, there is a "theme", eg, ShoutBox, Generator, Class' etc... And, you have to stick to that theme, but add as many features, and functionality as possible, this would help you chances of winning. Good security and clean code is also a factor. The winner will be judged on a Poll. The scripts may differ from easy to hard So, does anyone think it will be good to have? Let me know what you think about the idea. ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/programming/296851-php-coding-competition.html Thanks, Adrian __________________ Cueburst - Support System - FAQ Knowledge Base, Tickets and more.

02-21-2007, 07:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
Amnezia Professional Monkey Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Escaped from the zoo Posts: 907	Its a good idea but why restrict it to php, it would be nice to compare implementations in different langauges. __________________ Webmaster Words

02-21-2007, 07:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
Amnezia Professional Monkey Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Escaped from the zoo Posts: 907	Well pure server side coding hardly embraces the web 2.0 concept. why restrict people to certain languages and only server side scripting. If you really want people to showcase their talents there should be no restriction on the method of implementation IMHO. __________________ Webmaster Words

02-21-2007, 09:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
beaver6813 NamePros Regular Join Date: May 2005 Location: England Posts: 392 Follow @beaver6813	It makes the contest fairer limiting the languages that can be used. Obviously if someone coded in PHP and then someone did some beautiful RoR coding then RoR would gain more votes just because it looks better. There is also the factor that if it wasn't limited someone with high experience in one of the higher level languages such as i dunno.. C++ for example would do better most of the time in every contest and would effectively have a monopoly over the people coding Perl. And im all for a contest __________________ -Beaver6813.com - Web Developer Extraordinaire!

02-21-2007, 09:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
Matthew. Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: England Posts: 1,568	Sounds like a decent idea, i have seen it done with solutions to algorithms etc as oppsed to fully blown scripts. I won't be able to join as i can never find that much free time lately, especially if it is anything large however i voted yes. Matt __________________ University Grade Calculator juegosjuegos Your Hotel in Austria Matratzen

02-21-2007, 09:56 AM	#8 (permalink)
Peter NamePros Expert Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,069	it is certainly a good idea. I know sites such as codewalkers.com used to have php contests but that was a while back now. I agree with what people are saying about ensuring the same language is used but it does not mean to say that it has to be php everytime but there would I imagine be more entrants if it was php as not so many people necessarily know c++, perl, python, ruby on rails etc. ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851 I also think it would be better to do what codewalkers.com used to do where it was a contest to make for example a class that could be made to run from an already existing script. 1 thing I have reservations regarding the voting suggestion to decide on winner. How can you really ask people who may not be familiar with programming to judge the work, they would have no concept of good practice nor good coding.

02-21-2007, 10:13 AM	#11 (permalink)
Barrucadu Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: East Yorkshire, England Posts: 2,689 Follow @barrucadu	I think this is a great idea. It wouldnt be fair if any language was allowed, because, I assume, a more difficult language would tend to get more votes if someone made the script in it, so restricting it to just PHP is a good rule. __________________ Website \| Blog Arch Hurd developer; GNU Webmaster; FSF member #8385

02-21-2007, 05:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
lpxxfaintxx Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 1,082	As long as there is a decent prize, I'm sure many will participate. __________________ han(sup) yoon - internet entrepreneur

02-22-2007, 10:14 AM	#14 (permalink)
lee101 NamePros Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 413 Follow @leefindlow	I'm all up for it, I think it should be restricted to 1 server-side language (PHP, imo the most popular, and I know it ). But as for client side, I think that should be pretty open, as that would allow competitors to be judged on compatability aswell, so some fancy ajax site wouldn't necessarily be at an advantage, due to it's requirement of javascript. Another thing is time-scale, what would this be, or would it vary depending on the size of the "task" I think this could be very interesting, and informative for some people, i.e. to learn from their mistakes, and other peoples methods! Got my vote ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851 Lee __________________ Linux Screenshots

02-22-2007, 12:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
Shorty Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: England Posts: 1,034	Restrict it to PHP and i'm in. Will our code have to be published openly to the internet? I dont think it would be pleasant to make a full system, which can be quite a project for some, only for it to be given away - when it could probably be sold for a tidy profit if it's any good. In fact I have an idea...the winner packages the script they make, and we make a site that showcases and sells them as an award winning script!...so our first challenge should be to make the most functional site for selling scripts, haha.

02-22-2007, 12:12 PM	THREAD STARTER #16 (permalink)
Hitch Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Uk, South Yorkshire Posts: 1,225 Follow @adrianc333	Guys, thanks for the feedback and votes. For the first competition, it 's more than like to stick to PHP. (Obviously, HTML/CSS will be involved... Javascript is a extra) (Not final) Maybe competitions after could expand in terms of languages. As for the "publishing" code, well, depending on how many users feel about this, the code "may" remain private, though it seems most users don't mind displaying their code...lets see what happens. The winner, not sure what to do for the winner. Obviously, i can't do anything "big", or give much away, as this competition was meant as a "community activity". I'll be hoping to make a thread soon, to get Competition One on the way. More feedback, would be appreciated. ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851 Thanks Adrian __________________ Cueburst - Support System - FAQ Knowledge Base, Tickets and more.

02-22-2007, 01:37 PM	#18 (permalink)
Jim_ NamePros Regular Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NY, USA Posts: 610	The only problem I can see with this idea is rules concerning copying or modifying of others' code and how to enforce such a rule. __________________ ask me about the internet

02-22-2007, 01:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
RJ NamePros Webmaster Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 12,930 Follow @DomainBuyer	You've got the green light from me. I'd like to see the rules set out a little clearer, like Jim mentioned. What is allowed? __________________ @DomainBuyer facebook

02-22-2007, 01:57 PM	#20 (permalink)
beaver6813 NamePros Regular Join Date: May 2005 Location: England Posts: 392 Follow @beaver6813	I think this type of competition should be made roughly the same as the other design/photo contests etc, obviously rules will need to be implemented.. idea! How about a little submission script, people submit their entries before the deadline and then once the contest is over the judges will take a look at the scripts and judge them. That way prevents anyone else seeing the script before the end, once the winner is chosen the author could choose to disclose or not disclose the source-code. Obviously the judges would have to run some quick background checks to make sure the script has been written by the author and not someone else. __________________ -Beaver6813.com - Web Developer Extraordinaire!

02-22-2007, 02:01 PM	THREAD STARTER #21 (permalink)
Hitch Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Uk, South Yorkshire Posts: 1,225 Follow @adrianc333	Hey, RJ, Great! So, the rules. Here's what i think should be needed, though, i'd love others to add/comment on these. 1. All the code must be your own, no copyrighted code. You cannot use functions/classes, "snippets", posted on sites or forums. It's fine to use them if you have created them, and/or posted them yourself however. 2. You may not start the project untill the competition has official started. 3. Testing must be done on your server, or localhost. Hosting will be offered to those who don't want to publicaly host their code on their servers. ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=296851 4. If the competition requires you to post code (Will be stated in the Starting Thread), you may add a notice, stating users may not redistribute, sell, or use your code. Sadly, if they ignore this, there is not much that can happen. (Most competitions may not require code to be posted) 5. When entering your Script/Code, you must PM the competition holder. All scripts/code authors will be anonymous until a winner has being chosen. Ok, rule 4, effeminately needs some improvement! It's quite tricky... Please post what you think needs adding/changing. Thanks Adrian __________________ Cueburst - Support System - FAQ Knowledge Base, Tickets and more.

02-22-2007, 03:42 PM	#22 (permalink)
Albino Munky Designs Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 996	good idea this, would flash be allowed? I could imagine design elements getting in the way though. __________________ Toddish.co.uk - Portfolio/Blog Powcomics.com - Webcomic Hosting/Directory Erant.co.uk - vent your rage!

02-22-2007, 04:47 PM	#23 (permalink)
vinodkv NamePros Regular Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 403	good idea, when are you planning to start this competition???

02-23-2007, 09:44 AM	#25 (permalink)
Amnezia Professional Monkey Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Escaped from the zoo Posts: 907	Doing all the code from scratch doesn't really represent quality coding. Only poor coders write everything from scratch, in a comercial enviroment you're encouraged to make use of existing frameworks where ever possible. __________________ Webmaster Words

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