By flashy on

Hi All,

A very quick question - what makes a 'Drupal Developer?'.

I've been using Drupal - off and on - for around 3 years now. I have a good understanding of views, install, blocks, panels. Put it this way, I can create a site without editing the code - besides CSS - I can apply some basic theming.

Worth noting, I don't know any programming codes like PHP or Java, I can't edit modules but I understand the module system.

SO, have I got it what it takes to call myself a 'Drupal Developer'? Can I walk around claiming I'm a true drupalist, can I start applying for Drupal jobs? Am' I employable within the Drupal Community? Can I change the heading of my CV to 'Drupal Developer'? What job title would fit me?

It would be good if the Drupal Association fleshed out the Drupal roles, defining the following:
- Drupal expert
- Drupal themer
- Drupal mid-weight
- Drupal light-weight

Any comments on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks

⋅ Categories: Drupal 4.5.x or older, Drupal 4.6.x, Drupal 4.7.x, Drupal 5.x, Drupal 6.x, Drupal 7.x, Drupal 8.x

Comments

vm’s picture

vm commented

You're classification is that of a site builder. Not sure I see a need for the DA to invest resources into a task such defining these types of titles.

flashy’s picture

flashy commented

Thanks - yeah probably a bit over the top to define the roles, scrap that.

In your eyes, is a Site Builder employable?

Pedja Grujić’s picture

Pedja Grujić commented

I would probably classify you more of a Front-End Developer with Drupal experience. Should be able to get a job especially in this Drupal crazed market.

Again depends on your other skills as well.

Pedja
Drupal Geek at New Target Inc.
http://www.newtarget.com

vm’s picture

vm commented

a site builder may be employable if they illustrate a willingness to learn and grow as a developer/themer.

My feeling is that to use the word developer in a title and actually have it mean something instead of exposing someone as a complete boob you must have "developed" something. Realistically, I'm not sure that anyone who actually considers themselves a developer would be asking the question about whether or not they were a developer or asking what they would be classified as. They'd simply be what they are, and do what they do.

have you utilized hook_form_alter? any preprocess functions? custom tpl.php files for core or views? used devel.module at all? have any understanding of the drupal api's at all?

flashy’s picture

flashy commented

Good stuff.

""My feeling is that to use the word developer in a title and actually have it mean something instead of exposing someone as a complete boob you must have "developed" something. Realistically, I'm not sure that anyone who actually considers themselves a developer would be asking the question about whether or not they were a developer or asking what they would be classified as. They'd simply be what they are, and do what they do."" - This is true, but not everybody is comfortable to state their skill above others. I don't want to say I'm a Drupal Developer when the guy next door knows twice as much - but doesn't consider himself a developer.

"have you utilized hook_form_alter? any preprocess functions? custom tpl.php files for core or views? used devel.module at all? have any understanding of the drupal api's at all?" - Nope and I think this answers my question...

I'm a SITE BUILDER

Thanks