Tips for Hiring CodeIgniter Developers?

[eluser]Unknown[/eluser]
Hi all!

I've been writing a series of guides on how to hire programmers, like these:

* http://gun.io/blog/how-to-hire-a-programmer
* http://gun.io/blog/how-to-hire-devops/
* http://gun.io/blog/6-tips-for-hiring-a-n...developer/

I'd like to write one for CodeIgniter/PHP, but I don't have as much experience.

Can anybody give me some starting points for my article? What would you look for if you were hiring a CI dev?

Thanks so much!
Rich

[eluser]regal2157[/eluser]
Honestly, I don't think there is a special test for CodeIgniter Developers. I think any standard PHP programmer, who has proven knowledge of MVC methods, whether it be with using CodeIgniter, FuelPHP, or the other frameworks out there.

If I were set out to hire a CodeIgniter Developer, I might start by looking who has knowledge in CodeIgniter, but I wouldn't limit the pool to just CI Developers. My current job, is a Coldfusion Developer, using another MVC framework - on the CF side. I got this job with no experience in CF, and no experience in the MVC framework we use. And they definitely researched their candidates. So it wasn't like they were desperate looking for a developer.

The point of that, is they saw I had knowledge in other areas, including MVC. Frameworks should be simple to pick up, granted that you already have skills in that area.

I would also look into their core PHP coding skills. Can they code PHP "by-hand." Or do they need to reference items on things such as array searches and such. There are a lot of 'programmers' who either choose one language, or one style. Someone might learn Wordpress, and praise it, and dismiss other ways of coding. Others, learn how to code just by frameworks, and can't code PHP without it.

I would also look for motivation in the coder. Is this a 9-5 job, just for a paycheck, or are they secretly working on projects when they get home, or before they wake-up. Finding a passionate developer is key as well. These developers usually consistently further their skills and knowledge, and are often quite happy with the work they produce. I think you'll find less shortcuts in code with these developers.

So, as I said, I think the core thing to look for is an experienced web developer, who has MVC knowledge. Not just someone who has CI experience. Searching for a PHP developer is tricky task as well, but that's where you should look when looking for any PHP Developer.