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Kartik Shukla
I am Kartik Shukla. I did my engineering in Information Technology. I was aware of programming languages like PHP and .Net, but I during my placement I got selected in one of the IT company where I started my professional journey. Life before WordPress was just knowing PHP and developing certain websites in Core PHP.
Managing projects in MVC structure. Even blogs I use to develop with Core PHP. Slowly and steadily I explored different frameworks and different technologies, but life before WordPress was a hard-work, whereas WordPress makes things simple and smart.
Q. How did you get to know about WordPress? Share if there is an interesting story.
Ans:
It was my first day as a Trainee and in the corporate world. I was only aware of PHP and nothing else. My manager came to me and ask me to explore WordPress, I said what is that? Never heard of anything, that is when I first heard about WordPress and started exploring it.
My first walk-through of WordPress made me think, how a CMS can be so simple and easy to manage. Even since I am in love with WordPress. I learned about themes, Plugins, Posts. Made a few simple blog sites and eventually jumped to enterprise-level projects.
Q. What’s the most interesting project you have done to date in WordPress? What were your responsibilities?
Ans: I have done many interesting and complex projects in WordPress. I won’t be able to name it due to NDA, but the website was huge, with millions of users. We developed a social networking website with the use of WordPress and that too complete customizing.
My role was as a tech-lead in which I addressed the complex features, take care of the load on the website, client communication, understanding and documenting new requirements. I turned a fixed cost project into a dedicated model with 3 WordPress developers working for client in dedicated model for almost 6 months.
Q. Have you ever been to any WordPress meetups or WordCamps? Share your thoughts on WordPress Community.
Ans: Yes, I have attended many WordPress meetups and WordCamps. I simply love WordPress community, as people in this community as really helpful and you never get stuck when you have any problem.
Apart from this community help you to grow, learn and network. Exchanges of ideas and goals take place. A great community which accepts everyone with open arms.
Q. How does your workstation look like? Can you send us a picture?
Ans: I like my Workstation to be clean. A Laptop, 21″ Monitor, Stable internet connection, notepad, Headphones.
Q. What interesting feature do you think you would like to see in WordPress and is currently missing?
Ans: I believe WordPress should allow you to change the File and Folder structure as it is so well-known that security is easily compromised.
Also, Forms management should be the default feature of WordPress in future releases. As when you build a website it is obvious you would be using the contact form and locations/maps which if WordPress include in default it would be a great enhacement.
Q. Out of the current plugins and themes which one do you like the most and why?
Ans: I like ACF and BeTheme, as it makes the task easy and allows to have a clean and better management Website. When it comes to customization it is obvious that you would need custom fields and that is where ACF helps you.
BeTheme is paid theme but it gives you all the flavors you need. If you are not looking for major customization BeTheme give you ready to install theme of all the business verticals.
Q. Any awesome technology you want to share other than WordPress?
Ans: I believe Angular and Node is good. React is also helping and gaining popularity these days.
Q. Do you like/love what you currently do in WordPress?
Ans: Yes, I enjoying doing what I do in WordPress and I will keep doing that.
Q. Where do you find yourself after 5 years
Ans: I wish to work for organization which have dedicate work at enterprise level in Wordpress. Also I wish to work for Automattic and take WordPress to next level with my ideas and innovation.
Q. Share something about your life other than work
Ans: My Life is quite exciting if we remove the Covid years. I love watching movies and Web-series. I travel with my family and friend, exploring new places.
When it comes to sports I love playing badminton and cricket. I write some blogs on my WordPress page and explore new technologies and learn management skills.
Q. To whom you give credit for your success?
Ans: I would like to give credit to my manager, colleagues and parents.
Q. Can you give us some reference for whom we should conduct an interview next and why?
Ans: I would like to refer Abdullah Ramzan, his contribution towards community is awesome.
Q. How do you reward yourself?
Ans: I reward myself by saving certain funds for learning and Certifications. I reward myself with new gadgets which can makes my work easy.
Q. Any suggestion for WordPress beginners?
Ans: Yes, take active participation in WordPress meetups and attend WordCamps that will help them to learn and explore new areas of WordPress.
As a beginner it is not important to contribute but to watch, learn from others and share your opinion and ideas. Pick certain areas which interest you and start contributing.
Sonl Sinha is a passionate writer as well as WordPress and WooCommerce rockstar who loves to share insights on various topics through his engaging blog posts. He runs a successful website design and digital marketing company. With 15+ years of experience in WordPress theme development, he strives to inform and inspire readers with his thought-provoking content. He helps thousands of small and medium businesses and startups create a unique online presence. Follow Sonl Sinha for your regular dose of knowledge and inspiration.
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