Variable Naming in PHP
PHP is a loosely typed language, meaning any variable can be any type. You could be using your variable as an integer one minute and then declare it as an array the next.
There are long-term repercussions for avoiding to take care of your code. Say you return to a project a year later to fix a bug. You’re not going to have the crystal-clear understanding you had when writing it. You’ll see all these variables and not know what is what until you go and debug your whole script to figure out what to change. Variable naming schemes won’t eliminate this problem, but it’s going to save the first step by identifying what variables are which type.
Backing up Data
I reformatted my computer last night and started thinking about the setup I have for backing up my data. It’s not a new phrase by any means, but I’ll still say it: backing up your data is the most important thing in computing. Before I get into it, I should mention that this post is going to be geared onto a personal level. I don’t expect to provide a backup solution on any professional scale.
Strategy for Heads-up Deep No Blind Increases Sit & Gos
Today I decided to play in a quick heads up SNG on PokerStars. Well, I wasn’t exactly paying attention to all of the details when I made my selection. I accidentally registered for a 200 BB deep game where the blinds do not increase. My brother had talked about his experience playing one of these. He said something to the effect of “I went all in 46 times before the other guy finally called.” I suspect my brother was exaggerating, but his quote does describe a certain type of play style that I think is really effective for this type of game: super tight with the purpose of “time-tilting” your opponent. In other words, boring your opponent to death.
Viewing Poker as a Profession
For as long as I can remember there has always been a separation between my poker online presence and my professional online presence. I have always kept two blogs, one for all things poker and one for topics relevant to my professional career, such as my resume, information about various projects, and a place for people to contact me. There are several reasons why such a separation makes sense, the first and foremost reason being that playing poker is not my profession. I’m going to school to get a degree in Information Systems with the intent on having a career within that field. So poker ends up being a much lower priority. It’ something I do on the side. In my case it would be more appropriate to categorize poker as a hobby. Looking back, I don’t think that I have treated it as such. I’ve studied the game, invested my money into it and even seen money as a result of playing. The very fact that I have a blog dedicated to poker means I see it as more than just a mere hobby. That blog was a place to discuss my profits and losses and to reflect on the emotional highs and lows that a poker player must endure. It allowed me to think on an objective level. I could get a better view of the big picture by seeing that I wasn’t just in the moment after a losing session, but that it’s just one session, and I can always play another tomorrow. (Maintaining a blog happens to be a great way of reducing tilt.) I could plan goals for the month and for the year. That level of dedication probably kept me from going broke. It allowed me to see poker in the same light as real poker professionals do: as a job.