Power user - no programming background- now developer

[#1]

Hello, all - my first posting.

I'm in higher education and in a kind of an odd situation - I don't have a programming background but have a developer license. I'm a quick learner, and have always been the "power user" of our previous reporting system, but I've never had to get into the guts of scripting, etc.

I have been to the developer training and it was useful. I've watched numerous videos, etc. I've done some introductory stuff on SQL (just very basic reviews). But I am having a hard time taking what I KNOW I want to do and figuring out where on earth to start.  I have mockups of the reports that we want to create.  I just can't seem to bridge the gap between learning how to use certain functions and figuring out WHEN to apply them.  I have been slogging through Qlikview 11 for Developers, and it is really good. But I still can't seem to sit down and know what scripting I need to do in what order to get to where I need to be.

Sorry if this is rambling or doesn't make sense...I'm having a hard time putting into words where I feel like I'm stuck. it's like driving around a destination that you can see from your car, but you just can't find the road IN.

Does anyone have advice for a TRUE newbie?

Thanks!

[rwunderlich]

Welcome to QV!

It is indeed sometimes challenging for a newbie to translate the mechanics of the product into a solution that solves  a business requirement. Some thoughts and suggestions.

- In QV, the data model is King. I mention this first because a good data model will let the product do the work as it should. The data model should reflect the business process and the relationships (associations) between the data and business elements. Most experienced Developers will say they spend something like 80% time on the model and 20% on the visualization.

- Like any software product, find relevant examples and copy them. I can recommend (because I publish it) Qlikview Cookbook | Recipes for Qlikview Success as a good source for documented examples. The Community site here is also very good although it can be sometimes difficult to find specific content.

- The Qlik Demo site (http://demo.qlik.com) has some great examples. Most of the sample qvws are available for download so you can examine the code. The scripting is not always available, but at least you can see the data model and chart expressions.

- Books are good. You've got a winner in "Qlikview 11 for Developers" . I do understand that books don't always provide that "how to bridge"  you are looking for. One promising book in that area is  "QlikView your Business" (QlikView Your Business: An expert guide to Business Discovery with QlikView and Qlik Sense: Oleg Tro...) although it won't be available until March 2015.

- Find an experienced QV Consultant who is willing to provide you some coaching. The idea with coaching is that you meet occasionally (online or in person) for a few hours to validate what you are doing or to get you unstuck.

-Seek out your QV peers in Higher Ed. Consider establishing a Higher Ed group here on QlikCommunity (http://community.qlik.com/places) if one does not already exists. Contact you local QT Sales rep or Partner to see if a User Group exists in your area.

- Start small and iterate. Don't be daunted by the "50 requirements". Deliver one requirement, test the success and deliver the next few.

-Rob

[#3]

Rob -

Thanks for such a thoughtful response. These are great thoughts and suggestions, and I feel very encouraged!

Bought the cookbook with the Developer book.   I figured it would come in handy....

Camilla

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Further to Rob's suggestion's check even http://www.perceptualedge.com/

very useful as knowledge in BI gives an edge as developer

Regards

Neetha

[#5]

A great summary there Rob

One thing I would add Camilla, there are also a number of great blogs out there with useful tips, examples and tutorials which can provide a great source of knowledge for you.

http://community.qlik.com/blogs/qlikviewdesignblog/2013/03/22/the-qlikosphere-external-resources--pa...

[#6]

Wow, that is just fantastic!! Thanks so much!

I'm already blown away by the helpfulness of the Qlikview Community...

[datagrrl · Accepted solution]

Camilla, a little over ten years ago I became an "accidental developer" of a rather large SQL Server data warehouse. It was honestly the best thing that happened to me. I love what I do.

What Rob says about taking it one requirement at a time is really how I have managed my career. I think it helps get people something to work with and also manages expectations. I guess it goes without saying I am a fan of the agile development methodology.

You have built a strong foundation. The best thing is to get working with your data on something you know you can do. Getting something customers are using into production will help build confidence in your skillset, which is really what you need more of.

[#8]

Thank you so much! It's nice to hear from someone else who stumbled upon this type of thing.

[rwunderlich]

The good news for me is that stephen.redmond's very excellent book "Qlikview Cookbook for Developers" sometimes gets confused with my QlikViewCookbook.com site. But all credit for writing that book is due to Stephen, not me.

-Rob

[engishfaque]

Dear Camilla,

Kindly find attached books, which helps you to get into QlikView.

Kind regards,

Ishfaque Ahmed