Having done some googling I've found that the name of Lego is derived from the Danish words "LEg GOdt", meaning "play well". However, it also means "I study" or "I put together" in Latin. For years I had always thought it was Latin for something along the lines of "I search, I gather, I build" and this is what I base my Lego Theory of Web Development upon. Yes, it's been way too long since I posted one of my flakey analogies for you to ponder. Here goes.

Now, I know it's the British reserve to play down ones abilities but I do think I am a really good web developer. What I am not is a really good programmer. I have no real formal background in computing and I couldn't sit down and get involved in an argument, for example, about which is the better of Java and LotusScript. Nor do I care to a certain degree. What I do know is when one is more useful than the other. Each has its strengths and this is what's important to know, and appreciate. The same goes for other technologies on the net. It's important to know when to use what and how to use it.

Let's think about building with Lego. You might have a strong opinion on whether to use a green brick over a blue or a long brick over a short, but that doesn't help build the finished structure. If you have as much Lego as I did as a child then it really was a case of searching for the right bricks. The internet is like my pile of assorted bricks and most Domino databases like the finished "structures". I used to search, gather and build with the bricks in the same way I now search, gather and assemble various method and techniques in my database structures.

This is what I think makes a really good developer. There may be those who pride themselves on their in-depth knowledge of one particular language but can they cut the mustard when they have to juggle the various skills required to be a web developer. I've seen databases built by code gurus that look awful and have a really poor interface. Ok, the code might be amazing but what does that really matter to the users?!

Yesterday it was seven years to the day since I graduated, with a non-IT degree, and started my struggle to build a career as a "computer programmer". Since then I have been searching for and gathering the skills needed to survive day to day as a Domino/web developer. I've still had no formal training in any discipline. The only skill you really need as a web developer is the ability to dig out useful widgets of code and have the insight to know how, when and where you can successfully apply them. Once you have a decent pile of bricks, there's nothing you can't reasonably build.

So, now you know. If ever you meet me don't expect hours of discussing whether or not global variables are a good or a bad thing. I might well ask for a brief explanation of the pros and cons, on which I can base an opinion. But, any more than that and you'll soon see my eyes glaze over and my attention drfit...