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Building Content That Answers Real Questions: A Modern Approach

Understanding User Intent and Search Engine Evolution

Search engines are smarter than ever. They now prioritize content that truly helps users instead of relying on outdated tactics like keyword stuffing. This means focusing on what people want to know, not just sprinkling keywords onto a page.

Advances in AI-driven algorithms, such as semantic search and Google’s BERT update, have reshaped how search engines understand queries. These tools now assess context and meaning, making pairing users with relevant information easier. The focus has shifted from the what—specific phrases users type—to the why—the underlying reason for their searches.

For example, someone searching for “how to fix a leaky faucet” isn’t just entering keywords—they’re seeking practical, step-by-step advice. Content that aligns with these needs has a better chance of ranking well and being useful.

Matching Content to Search Intent Categories

Each search query falls into a specific intent category. By identifying this intent, you can tailor your content to give users exactly what they need. Here’s a breakdown of common search intents and how to align your content:

Informational Intent

  • What it is: Users want to learn about a topic.
  • Examples: “How does solar energy work?”, “What are the benefits of meditation?”
  • Content Approach: Create detailed guides, explainer articles, or FAQs. For example, a headline like “The Basics of Solar Energy Explained Simply” signals clear, helpful content.

Navigational Intent

  • What it is: Users are looking for a specific brand, website, or resource.
  • Examples: “Facebook login,” “YouTube tutorials,” “NY Times homepage.”
  • Content Approach: Ensure your website is optimized for branded terms and has clear landing pages to guide users quickly to their goal.

Transactional/Commercial Intent

  • What it is: Users are ready to take action (make a purchase, download, sign up).
  • Examples: “Buy noise-canceling headphones,” “Cheap flights to NYC.”
  • Content Approach: Use product reviews, comparisons, and CTAs (calls-to-action) to guide purchasing decisions. Content like “Top 5 Affordable Noise-Canceling Headphones in 2023” works well.

Investigative Intent

  • What it is: Users are comparing products, services, or researching before purchasing.
  • Examples: “Best laptops for video editing,” “Tesla Model 3 vs. Model Y.”
  • Content Approach: Include in-depth comparisons, pros-and-cons lists, or expert reviews. Make the information easy to scan with tables or bullet points.

Content mismatching user intent can frustrate visitors, increasing bounce rates and losing conversions. Businesses that succeed, like those using St George SEO, often merge intent analysis with local and industry-specific knowledge to make their content more useful and relevant.

Keyword Research with Intent at the Core

Effective keyword research goes beyond volume and competitiveness. It’s about uncovering the why behind every query. Here are some tools and strategies to pinpoint intent-driven keywords:

  • AnswerThePublic: Discover commonly asked questions tied to keywords.
  • Competitor Gap Analysis: Identify content gaps by examining competitors’ rankings. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to spot opportunities.

Look for Long-Tail Keywords

Phrases like “how to save money on groceries in winter” reveal highly specific user needs. Long-tail keywords often hint at informational or investigative intent and attract more qualified traffic.

Context Matters

Never assume intent without considering context. For example, “best restaurants” could mean affordable options to one user or luxury dining to another. Looking at location and session cues, like time of day or device type, can help refine this understanding.

Creating Content That Builds Trust, Not Just Traffic

Driving clicks is one thing; keeping users engaged is another. Thoughtful content builds authority and trust by genuinely answering questions.

  • Cite Credible Sources: Back up claims with links to well-known websites, studies, or expert opinions.
  • Use Step-by-Step Guides: Detailed instructions help users take action confidently for how-to topics.
  • Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge alternative viewpoints to show thorough research.

Improve Readability

Make your text easy to consume:

  • Write short paragraphs (2-4 lines).
  • Use headings and subheadings to organize sections.
  • Avoid technical jargon unless necessary (and explain it when used).

Example Formats That Engage Users

  • FAQ Sections: Anticipate and answer the most common questions.
  • Comparison Tables: These simplify decisions by laying out details side-by-side.

Adding Value Beyond the Search Box

Once users click on your content, value-added features can enhance their experience and encourage further engagement.

  • Internal Linking: Guide users to related content on your site. It increases session duration and helps visitors find more useful material.
  • Multimedia Enhancements: Use videos, infographics, or interactive tools to break up text and improve understanding.
  • Interactive Features: Calculators, quizzes, or product finders can make the experience more personalized and memorable.

Refining Through User Behavior

Analyze post-visit actions, such as:

  • Heatmaps: Identify which page elements users focus on.
  • Session Recordings: Observe how visitors interact with your site.

Update based on user activity. For example, if visitors click a button that doesn’t lead to anything useful, adjust the link or text for clarity. Keeping content evergreen—refreshing it with updated statistics or examples—ensures it remains valuable over time.

Practical Steps for Ongoing Success

To create content that continuously meets user needs, follow these core practices:

  1. Perform quarterly intent audits to check if content matches user goals.
  2. Regularly A/B test headlines, meta descriptions, and CTAs for better conversions.
  3. Monitor new opportunities to appear in featured snippets or answer boxes.
  4. Use analytics to identify underperforming pages, then refine their structure or content.

Professionals often combine nuanced intent analysis with technical know-how to create sustainable strategies that adapt to search engine updates and user behavior.

By staying proactive, content creators can position themselves for future success. The next wave of search will reward those who answer real questions at the heart of their strategy. Keep focusing on value, and results will follow.

September Holiday E-Commerce Marketing Calendar & Campaign Ideas (2025 Edition)

September may not be as saturated with holidays as December or November, but it offers unique opportunities for e-commerce businesses to connect with their audience, drive engagement, and boost sales. From seasonal changes to meaningful awareness days, this month is ideal for thoughtful and creative campaigns.

In this post, we’ll break down key September holidays, their relevance to online retailers, and actionable marketing ideas you can implement.

Why September Matters for E-Commerce

  • Back-to-school season: Families and students are shopping for school supplies, tech gadgets, fashion, and home goods.
  • Seasonal shift: As summer ends and fall begins, shoppers are preparing for cooler weather, holidays, and cozy vibes.
  • Early holiday prep: Smart shoppers start browsing early for Halloween and even early Black Friday deals.

📅 Key September Holidays for E-Commerce (2025)

DateHolidayTheme IdeaCampaign Suggestion
Sept 2Labor Day (USA)Celebrate workersOffer sitewide sales or BOGO promotions
Sept 8International Literacy DayEmpower with readingPromote books, learning tools, or online courses
Sept 13Positive Thinking DayUplift your customersLaunch positive affirmation merchandise or content
Sept 16National Working Parents DayFamily and career balancePromote family-friendly products, bundles
Sept 21International Day of PeaceGlobal harmonyHighlight eco-conscious or fair-trade collections
Sept 22First Day of Fall (Autumnal Equinox)Seasonal refreshLaunch new fall collections, promote cozy essentials
Sept 29National Coffee DayCoffee cultureOffer coffee-related products or partner with cafés

🍁 September Marketing Ideas by Theme

1. Back-to-School Promotions

  • Offer discounts on backpacks, tech, and clothing.
  • Create a gift guide for college students and parents.

2. Fall Preview Campaign

  • Tease your upcoming fall collection.
  • Launch a “Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall” sale.

3. Labor Day Weekend Sales

  • Market it as your “last big summer sale.”
  • Use urgency: “48-hour Labor Day Flash Sale!”

4. Storytelling Campaigns

  • Share customer or employee stories around peace, learning, or positivity.
  • Feature UGC (user-generated content) that aligns with each holiday theme.

5. Seasonal Product Bundles

  • Curate fall-themed product bundles (e.g., scented candles, hoodies, mugs).
  • Offer limited-time packaging or exclusive fall prints.

📣 Social Media Content Ideas

  • Polls & Quizzes around fall favorites
  • Behind the scenes of your new fall product line
  • Countdowns to Labor Day or Autumn
  • Hashtag campaigns like #FallRefresh or #PeacefulSeptember

Final Thoughts

While September might feel like a slow retail month, it’s actually a golden opportunity to set the tone for Q4. With thoughtful campaigns that align with awareness days and seasonal shifts, you can build stronger relationships with your audience and drive consistent sales.

Start planning early, align your messaging with your audience’s mindset, and don’t forget to test what works best—your September can be a quiet powerhouse.

Top August Holidays and Their Usefulness for E-commerce Marketing

August may not have the year-end shopping frenzy. Still, it’s packed with themed holidays and observances that present golden opportunities for e-commerce businesses to engage customers, promote products, and boost conversions. Whether you’re selling school supplies, wellness products, or personalized gifts, this month offers a rich marketing calendar to align your promotions with national sentiments and consumer trends.

Why August Matters in E-commerce

While August marks the tail end of summer in many regions, it’s also the gateway to back-to-school season—a huge retail moment. According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. back-to-school spending reached over $110 billion in 2023, and this trend is expected to grow year after year. In addition, themed days like International Dog Day or National Wellness Month offer creative hooks for niche marketing campaigns.

Let’s explore the top holidays and how online retailers can leverage them effectively.

Key August Holidays for E-commerce

DateHolidayE-commerce Opportunity
August 1National Girlfriends DayPromote gift boxes, jewelry, skincare, and custom cards. Great for upselling and gift bundles.
First Friday of AugustInternational Beer DayRun discounts on drinkware, bar accessories, or beer subscription boxes. Host virtual happy hours.
August 8International Cat DayPet stores can feature cat-themed products, toys, and donation campaigns. Leverage user-generated content.
August 9Book Lovers DayIdeal for selling books, journals, and reading accessories. Promote author events or themed bundles.
August 15National Relaxation DayWellness brands can offer deals on aromatherapy, self-care kits, and yoga gear. Promote stress-relief content.
August 16National Tell a Joke DayEngage customers with lighthearted humor. Create viral meme contests or funny product descriptions.
August 19World Photography DayGreat for promoting cameras, accessories, photo prints, and digital courses. Launch a photo contest.
August 26International Dog DayPerfect for pet shops to highlight dog products, run giveaways, and collaborate with pet influencers.
All MonthBack-to-School SeasonApparel, electronics, stationary, backpacks, and home learning tools are in high demand. Launch BTS landing pages and limited-time offers.

Strategic Benefits for E-commerce Retailers

1. Niche Targeting

August holidays cover diverse interests—pets, books, wellness, and humor—allowing stores to engage segmented audiences with hyper-targeted content and promotions.

2. Content Marketing Fuel

Use these holidays to create themed blog posts, product collections, or social media challenges. For example, a post titled “Top 10 Relaxation Essentials for National Relaxation Day” can drive both traffic and conversions.

3. Social Media Engagement

Holidays like International Cat Day or Tell a Joke Day are highly shareable. Use branded hashtags, reels, and user-generated content to increase visibility and organic reach.

4. Email & SMS Campaigns

Build campaigns that align with each observance. Subject lines like “Unwind Today — It’s National Relaxation Day 🌿” or “Your Dog Deserves This Treat 🐶” create urgency and personalization.

5. Product Bundling and Upselling

Create limited-time holiday bundles such as “Relaxation Kits” or “Pet Lover Packs.” Cross-sell and upsell related items to increase average order value (AOV).

Tips for Maximizing Holiday-Based Campaigns

  • Plan ahead using a marketing calendar with key dates and themes.
  • Personalize offers based on user behavior or product interests.
  • Leverage influencers, especially in pet, wellness, and book niches.
  • Use urgency with countdown timers and “today only” messages.
  • Track performance and A/B test holiday-themed creatives.

Final Thoughts

August may not have traditional “peak” shopping events, but it’s a treasure trove of niche holidays that are perfect for e-commerce engagement. When used strategically, these observances offer memorable moments to connect with your audience and drive sales before the Q4 rush kicks in.

By aligning your store’s promotions with these holidays, you can stay top-of-mind, increase customer loyalty, and keep your revenue flowing through the summer slowdown.

ReflectionClass usage: Get all properties or methods of a Class in PHP

ReflectionClass class in PHP is a way to inspect a class and get all information of the class like what is its name, what are its properties, what are its methods, attributes, constants, even doc comments, interfaces, modifiers, namespaces, parent class, static properties, trait, check if the class is abstract or interfaces, check if iterable, etc. So today we use a simple example class and get all properties of that class.

Let’s create a class called image.php which contains $image and $height properties and multiple methods which contain the following code:

<?php

class Image
{
    public int $width;
    public int $height;

    /**
     * Constructor
     *
     * @param string $file
     *
     */
    public function __construct(string $file)
    {
        if (!extension_loaded('gd')) {
            exit('Error: PHP GD is not installed!');
        }
        if (is_file($file)) {
            $this->file = $file;
            $info = getimagesize($file);
            $this->width = $info[0];
            $this->height = $info[1];
            $this->bits = isset($info['bits']) ? $info['bits'] : '';
            $this->mime = isset($info['mime']) ? $info['mime'] : '';

            if ($this->mime == 'image/gif') {
                $this->image = imagecreatefromgif($file);
            } elseif ($this->mime == 'image/png') {
                $this->image = imagecreatefrompng($file);
            } elseif ($this->mime == 'image/jpeg') {
                $this->image = imagecreatefromjpeg($file);
            } elseif ($this->mime == 'image/webp') {
                $this->image = imagecreatefromwebp($file);
            }
        } else {
            throw new \Exception('Error: Could not load image ' . $file . '!');
        }
    }

    /**
     *
     *
     * @return    int
     */
    public function getWidth(): int
    {
        return $this->width;
    }

    /**
     *
     *
     * @return    int
     */
    public function getHeight(): int
    {
        return $this->height;
    }
}

Get all properties names of a Class in PHP

Now let’s create another index.php and add the following code:

<?php

require "Image.php";

$image ="webocreation.png";
$image = new Image($image);

$ReflectionClass = new \ReflectionClass('Image');
$imageproperties = $ReflectionClass->getProperties(\ReflectionProperty::IS_PUBLIC);

echo "<pre>";
print_r($imageproperties);
echo "<pre>";

$imagemethods = $ReflectionClass->getMethods(\ReflectionMethod::IS_PUBLIC);

echo "<pre>";
print_r($imagemethods);
echo "<pre>";

ReflectionProperty::IS_PUBLIC is to get only Public properties and ReflectionMethod::IS_PUBLIC is to get only Public methods.

Once you run the index.php you will see the output below where you can see the public property and public method:

Array
(
    [0] => ReflectionProperty Object
        (
            [name] => width
            [class] => Image
        )

    [1] => ReflectionProperty Object
        (
            [name] => height
            [class] => Image
        )

)

Array
(
    [0] => ReflectionMethod Object
        (
            [name] => __construct
            [class] => Image
        )

    [1] => ReflectionMethod Object
        (
            [name] => getWidth
            [class] => Image
        )

    [2] => ReflectionMethod Object
        (
            [name] => getHeight
            [class] => Image
        )

)

In this way, you can get all the Methods and Properties of a class.

Get all methods names of a Class in PHP

Here is one Livewire Laravel example which shows how the ReflectionClass is used:

https://github.com/livewire/livewire/blob/master/src/ComponentConcerns/HandlesActions.php#L154-L167

protected function methodIsPublicAndNotDefinedOnBaseClass($methodName)
{
    return collect((new \ReflectionClass($this))->getMethods(\ReflectionMethod::IS_PUBLIC))
        ->reject(function ($method) {
            // The "render" method is a special case. This method might be called by event listeners or other ways.
            if ($method === 'render') {
                return false;
            }

            return $method->class === self::class;
        })
        ->pluck('name')
        ->search($methodName) !== false;
}

In this way, ReflectionClass is used to get all properties or methods of a Class in PHP. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments so that we can add extra topics. You can follow us at our Twitter account @rupaknpl, subscribe to our YouTube channel for opencart tutorials, and click to see all PHP development.

July Holiday E-Commerce Marketing Calendar & Social Schedule for Online Retailers

As we move into the heart of summer, July offers countless opportunities for e-commerce brands to connect with customers through timely campaigns, themed product launches, and fun social media content. From patriotic promotions around Independence Day to playful celebrations like World Emoji Day, there’s a lot to work with.

This July 2025 E-Commerce Marketing Calendar will help your online store plan marketing content, increase engagement, and boost sales throughout the month.

Read more: June holidays and May holidays

📅 Key July 2025 Holidays & Campaign Ideas

DateHolidayThemeCampaign Suggestion
July 1International Joke DayHumor & FunLaunch a playful campaign, share funny memes or bloopers
July 4Independence Day (USA)Patriotism & FreedomHost a “Red, White & You” sale, feature U.S.-made products
July 6International Kissing DayRomance & ConnectionOffer couple bundles or “Buy 1, Gift 1” promotions
July 7World Chocolate DaySweet TreatsPartner with chocolate brands or run dessert-themed bundles
July 15Give Something Away DayGenerosity & LoyaltyRun giveaways, freebies, or surprise rewards for purchases
July 17World Emoji DayFun & Modern CommunicationUse emojis in campaigns, launch an emoji-themed product line
July 20Moon DayExploration & ImaginationFeature space/sci-fi themed products or discounts
July 24International Self-Care DayWellness & MindfulnessPromote spa kits, self-care bundles, or meditation apps
July 30International Friendship DayBonds & TogethernessBOGO deals, referral discounts, or a “Tag Your Friend” contest
All JulyNational Ice Cream Month (USA)Summer Treats & IndulgenceRun a weekly ice cream-themed flash sale
All JulySummer Sales SeasonHeat & DealsLaunch your mid-year clearance or site-wide seasonal sale

🗓️ Weekly Social Media Strategy for July

Week 1 (July 1–7)

  • Theme: Humor + Patriotism
  • Post Ideas:
    • July 1: Post a joke poll or a funny customer review
    • July 4: Share behind-the-scenes of your red-white-blue packaging

Week 2 (July 8–14)

  • Theme: Sweetness & Love
  • Post Ideas:
    • Run a “sweetest review” contest for a free product
    • Promote bundles for couples or friends

Week 3 (July 15–21)

  • Theme: Community + Creativity
  • Post Ideas:
    • Giveaway alert with Give Something Away Day
    • Emoji guessing game or quiz for World Emoji Day

Week 4 (July 22–31)

  • Theme: Self-care + Connection
  • Post Ideas:
    • Host a #SelfCareSunday series
    • Share user-generated content of friends using your products

🛒 Quick Campaign Ideas for Online Retailers

  • Flash Sales: Tie a 24-hour sale to quirky holidays (like World Chocolate Day).
  • UGC Contests: Encourage users to share themed content (e.g., emoji makeup looks).
  • Bundles: Create July-specific product bundles like “Summer Essentials” or “Friends Forever Kits.”
  • Referral Bonuses: Use International Friendship Day to drive referrals.
  • Email Campaigns: Send themed newsletters every week tied to the upcoming holiday.

💡 Pro Tips to Maximize July Promotions

  • Use countdown timers on your site for key holiday sales.
  • Collaborate with micro-influencers for themed unboxing or testimonial videos.
  • Leverage hashtags like #July4thSale, #WorldEmojiDay, #SelfCareSunday.
  • Refresh your homepage banner and hero section to match weekly themes.

📌 Final Thoughts

July is a high-energy month filled with opportunities for brands to connect with customers. Whether it’s sharing laughs on International Joke Day or celebrating love on Kissing Day, tailoring your campaigns to these holidays will make your brand feel timely, relevant, and fun.

The Ultimate Marketing Calendar for E-Commerce Stores (June 2025 Edition)

June marks the halfway point of the year—a golden opportunity for e-commerce businesses to evaluate their goals and ramp up marketing efforts before the holiday surge begins. Whether you’re targeting summer shoppers, hosting mid-year sales, or riding the wave of fun, niche holidays, June offers a packed calendar of marketing potential.

In this blog, we’ve compiled a detailed marketing calendar for June 2025, complete with holiday highlights, campaign ideas, and social media inspiration. Use this as your strategic blueprint to drive engagement, conversions, and customer loyalty all month long.

Why Seasonal and Holiday Marketing Matters

Holiday-based marketing is proven to boost visibility, customer engagement, and sales. According to the National Retail Federation, themed promotions tied to national days or seasonal moments lead to higher social interaction and conversion rates.

By aligning your promotions and campaigns with specific holidays, you create relevance, and relevance drives results.

Key E-Commerce Holidays in June 2025

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of notable holidays and observances that can be used to fuel your June marketing campaigns.

June 1 – Global Day of Parents

Idea: Run a campaign celebrating parents, offering discounts on family-related products.

June 5 – World Environment Day

Idea: Highlight sustainable products or donate a portion of proceeds to an environmental cause.

June 8 – National Best Friends Day

Idea: Offer “Buy One, Gift One” deals. Encourage followers to tag their best friends for giveaways.

June 14 – Flag Day (USA)

Idea: Promote patriotic-themed products or U.S.-made collections.

June 16 – Father’s Day (USA)

Idea: This is a big one! Feature gift guides, flash sales, and last-minute gift delivery options.

June 16 – National Love a Tree Day

Idea: Promote eco-friendly products or plant a tree for every purchase made.

June 18 – International Picnic Day

Idea: Bundle outdoor items or picnic sets for summer outings.

June 20 – Summer Solstice (First Day of Summer)

Idea: Launch your summer product line or a “Hello Summer” promotion.

June 21 – National Selfie Day

Idea: Run a selfie contest where customers show off your products for a chance to win.

June 21 – International Yoga Day

Idea: Promote wellness and fitness-related products with influencer tie-ins.

June 29 – Camera Day

Idea: Feature photo-related gear or apps, or run a UGC (user-generated content) photo contest.

June 30 – Social Media Day

Idea: Encourage user content, shout out loyal followers, or run social-only exclusive promotions.

Weekly Themes & Marketing Ideas

You can also group promotions thematically by week:

  • Week 1: Family & Appreciation Week – Celebrate parents, friendship, and community.
  • Week 2: Eco & Outdoor Week – Focus on sustainability and outdoor summer experiences.
  • Week 3: Father’s Day Week – Push gift ideas, flash sales, and bundles.
  • Week 4: Wellness & Self-Care Week – Promote mindfulness, fitness, and beauty products.

Campaign Channels to Use

Diversify your strategy using the following channels:

  • Email Marketing: Send themed email blasts ahead of each major day.
  • Social Media: Use hashtags like #FathersDay2025, #SummerSolstice, and #BestFriendsDay.
  • Content Marketing: Create blogs, gift guides, or customer spotlight stories tied to the dates.
  • Paid Ads: Run short-term ad campaigns aligned with specific holidays to boost visibility.

Download: June 2025 Social Media & Marketing Calendar

Want a printable version? We’ve created a downloadable June 2025 Marketing Calendar and Social Media Schedule Template you can use for daily planning.

📅 June 2025 E-Commerce Marketing Calendar

DateHolidayTheme IdeaCampaign Suggestion
June 1Global Day of ParentsFamily AppreciationOffer bundle deals or personalized gifts for parents
June 5World Environment DaySustainability & Green LivingPromote eco-friendly products; donate to environmental causes
June 8National Best Friends DayFriendship & SharingRun BOGO deals or a “Tag Your BFF” social contest
June 14Flag Day (USA)Patriotism & Local PrideHighlight U.S.-made products or red-white-blue collections
June 16Father’s Day (USA)Gifts for DadsCreate gift guides; run last-minute promotions or bundles
June 16National Love a Tree DayNature & Eco-Friendly AwarenessOffer “plant-a-tree” with purchase or highlight green products
June 18International Picnic DayOutdoor FunBundle picnic gear or run summer giveaway contests
June 20Summer Solstice (Start of Summer)Sunshine & New Season StartLaunch summer collection; offer “Welcome Summer” flash sales
June 21National Selfie DayUser EngagementHost a selfie contest with branded hashtags
June 21International Yoga DayWellness & MindfulnessPromote yoga gear or run influencer wellness takeovers
June 29Camera DayPhotography & CreativityRun UGC photo contests or promote camera accessories
June 30Social Media DayDigital Community & InfluenceShare user-generated content; run platform-exclusive promos
June (Any)Pride MonthInclusivity & CelebrationHighlight inclusive products, collaborate with LGBTQ+ creators

Final Thoughts

Marketing around key dates doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you plan ahead. With June’s fun mix of national holidays, global observances, and seasonal milestones, your e-commerce store has countless opportunities to boost engagement and revenue.

Stay consistent, stay creative, and watch your store grow this summer.

E-Commerce Holiday Calendar for May: Sales & Marketing Ideas to Boost Revenue

May kicks off the unofficial start of summer in many regions and brings with it a host of unique marketing opportunities for online stores. From globally recognized days to niche observances, May offers a wide variety of e-commerce holiday moments that brands can use to drive conversions, connect with their audience, and clear seasonal inventory.

In this post, we’ll walk through the most important e-commerce holidays in May and offer marketing ideas to help you make the most of each one.

Why May Is a Strategic Month for E-Commerce

Unlike Q4’s intense holiday rush, May presents a lighter yet more flexible sales calendar. It’s a great month to:

  • Launch early summer promotions
  • Target specific customer segments (moms, grads, teachers, etc.)
  • Build brand loyalty ahead of mid-year shopping events (like Father’s Day or Prime Day)
  • Run creative, themed campaigns without heavy competition

Key E-Commerce Holidays in May (2025)

🌌 May 4 – Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth Be With You”)

A fan-driven holiday, this day is perfect for pop culture references and themed products.

Ideas:

  • Star Wars-themed discounts (e.g., “Use the Force15 for 15% off”)
  • Limited edition merchandise or bundles
  • Sci-fi-inspired product descriptions or email headers

🎉 May 5 – Cinco de Mayo

Celebrated in the U.S. and Mexico, this holiday is full of energy, food, and cultural celebration.

Ideas:

  • Run colorful, festive campaigns with themed graphics
  • Promote products for parties, food, or fashion
  • Partner with Hispanic-owned brands or artists

🌷 May 12 – Mother’s Day (U.S.)

One of the biggest gifting holidays of the year.

Ideas:

  • Gift guides by budget or personality type
  • “Last-minute gift” digital download promos or e-gift cards
  • Free shipping countdowns and bundle offers

🌳 May 16 – National Love a Tree Day

Theme: Nature, Sustainability

💡 Campaign Ideas

  • Highlight eco-friendly product lines
  • Plant-a-tree with every order initiative
  • Share behind-the-scenes of your green practices
  • Collaborate with eco-influencers or conservation groups

May 20 – World Bee Day

A rising niche among eco-conscious consumers.

Ideas:

  • Promote sustainable, organic, or bee-friendly products
  • Donate a portion of sales to environmental charities
  • Run educational social content about your eco values

🍷 May 25 – National Wine Day

Theme: Lifestyle, Indulgence

💡 Campaign Ideas

  • Bundle wine accessories for gifting
  • “Sip & Save” one-day discount campaign
  • Collaborate with local vineyards or sommeliers for content
  • Feature lifestyle shots in email and social ads

🇺🇸 May 27 – Memorial Day (U.S.)

Marks the start of summer shopping. Ideal for sitewide sales and clearance.

Ideas:

  • “Start of Summer” mega-sale event
  • Bundle deals or BOGO (Buy One, Get One) offers
  • Flash sales with a patriotic or seasonal twist

😄 May 31 – National Smile Day

Theme: Wellness, Positivity

💡 Campaign Ideas

  • Spotlight testimonials or stories from happy customers
  • Send a “Smile-Worthy Deal” via email
  • Feature feel-good products like comfort wear, self-care kits
  • Invite customers to share something that makes them smile

Other May Holidays & Observances

  • Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9): Run discounts on office supplies, planners, or classroom tools.
  • Graduation Season (May–June): Create bundles or gifts for grads (tech, books, dorm essentials).
  • Small Business Week (Early May): Highlight your story, behind-the-scenes content, or offer incentives to support local commerce.
  • National Fitness Month: Offer discounts on health, wellness, or sports products.

Pro Tips for May Campaigns

  • Segment your audience. Personalize campaigns for moms, grads, outdoor lovers, or gift-givers.
  • Leverage email early. Mother’s Day and Memorial Day require prep—use early-bird teasers.
  • Add urgency. Countdown timers, limited-time badges, or exclusive offers work well.
  • Create shareable content. Contests or memes themed around holidays (like May 4th) can go viral.

🔥 Key E-commerce Holidays in May 2025

DateHolidayTheme IdeaCampaign Suggestion
May 4Star Wars DaySci-fi, Fandom, Collectibles“May the Sales Be With You” discounts
May 5Cinco de MayoCelebration, CultureMexican-themed products or recipe bundles
May 12Mother’s DayFamily, Gifting, Self-CareMother’s Day Gift Guide, bundles
May 16National Love a Tree DaySustainability, Eco-Friendly ProductsPromote green packaging or plant-based items
May 20National Rescue Dog DayPet Products, Adoption AwarenessPromote pet accessories or partner with shelters
May 25National Wine DayWine, Beverages, LifestyleWine subscription promotions or pairings
May 27Memorial Day (U.S.)Patriotism, Outdoors, TravelBig Memorial Day sales on summer essentials
May 31National Smile DayPositivity, WellnessCampaign around feel-good or health products

📅 Weekly Social Media Posting Ideas

WeekFocus ThemePost Ideas
May 1–5Star Wars + Cinco de MayoThemed product posts, quizzes, memes
May 6–12Mother’s DayCustomer stories, gift ideas, influencer shoutouts
May 13–19Eco & Pet FocusLove a Tree Day eco-campaign, pet photo contest
May 20–26Wine & Memorial DayWine pairings, backyard BBQ bundles, Memorial Day prep tips
May 27–31Smile CampaignFeel-good testimonials, customer appreciation posts

Final Thoughts

May might not have Black Friday-level buzz, but it’s rich with opportunity. From meaningful celebrations like Mother’s Day to pop culture events like Star Wars Day, May gives your e-commerce business the chance to sell smart, build brand loyalty, and have some fun with your audience.

Internship Report at a Leading Bank: Insights, Learning, and Key Takeaways

Discover the detailed internship experience at a top bank, including hands-on tasks, financial analysis, and key lessons learned. Read this comprehensive report to explore valuable insights into the banking sector and the skills gained during the internship.

Title Page

Internship Report
Name: [Your Name]
Position: Investment Banking Analyst Intern
Institution: BankName
Duration: [Start Date – End Date]
Date of Submission: [Date]

2. Executive Summary

During the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at BankName as an Investment Banking Analyst Intern in the [specific team, e.g., Mergers & Acquisitions] division. This report provides an in-depth account of my responsibilities, the skills I developed, the challenges I encountered, and the key takeaways from my experience. My role involved working closely with senior analysts to conduct market research, develop financial models, and assist in preparing client presentations. I gained valuable insights into the intricacies of investment banking, improved my analytical and technical skills, and learned the importance of teamwork and communication in a high-stakes environment.

This report aims to document my learning journey, highlighting how the internship has prepared me for future roles in finance and investment banking. It also provides recommendations for future participants to enhance the internship experience.

3. Introduction

BankName, founded in 1869, is one of the world’s leading investment banks, known for its involvement in mergers and acquisitions, securities underwriting, and asset management. The firm operates in a highly competitive environment, providing financial advisory services to a diverse range of clients, including corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals.

Interning at BankName is a highly sought-after opportunity, given the firm’s reputation for excellence, its challenging work environment, and the vast learning opportunities it provides. The internship program is designed to offer a hands-on experience that helps interns develop critical skills, gain exposure to the firm’s operations, and understand the complexities of global financial markets.

As an intern in the [specific division], I was excited to contribute to real-world projects and gain practical insights into the field of investment banking. My primary role was to support the team in conducting market research, building financial models, and preparing presentations for client meetings. Throughout the internship, I was able to apply theoretical knowledge from my academic background to practical scenarios, enhancing my understanding of the industry and its demands.

4. Objectives of the Internship

Personal Objectives:

  • To gain hands-on experience in investment banking and understand the day-to-day operations of a leading financial institution.
  • To enhance my financial analysis and modeling skills by working on real-world projects.
  • To learn from experienced professionals and build a network within the industry.
  • To develop a deeper understanding of the financial markets and the factors influencing investment decisions.

Company Objectives:

  • To provide interns with a realistic view of the financial industry and the responsibilities of an analyst.
  • To identify and nurture talent for potential future recruitment into the firm.
  • To leverage the fresh perspectives and analytical skills of interns to support ongoing projects and client engagements.

The internship at BankName was structured to meet these objectives by offering a mix of training sessions, hands-on work assignments, and regular feedback from mentors. The company’s commitment to intern development was evident in the support provided by my supervisors and the resources available for learning and growth.

5. Main Responsibilities and Tasks

My role as an intern in the Investment Banking division involved a variety of tasks that exposed me to different aspects of the business. Below are detailed descriptions of my main responsibilities:

Market Research and Analysis: One of my primary tasks was conducting market research to support ongoing projects. This involved analyzing industry trends, monitoring competitor activities, and assessing market conditions that could impact investment decisions. I utilized various financial databases, including Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters, to gather data on companies, industries, and market movements.

For instance, I was involved in researching the technology sector for a potential M&A deal. My research focused on identifying key market players, evaluating their financial performance, and assessing potential synergies with our client’s business. This task required attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize large amounts of data into concise, actionable insights.

Financial Modeling: Financial modeling was a core component of my internship, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge of finance in a practical setting. I assisted in building models that included Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, Comparable Company Analysis, and precedent transactions. These models were essential in determining the valuation of companies involved in potential deals.

Financial modeling

One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of my internship was working on a DCF model for a client in the healthcare sector. The model required inputs such as revenue projections, cost analysis, and discount rates to estimate the company’s intrinsic value. Through this exercise, I learned the importance of making accurate assumptions and understanding the variables that drive a company’s value. My supervisor provided guidance throughout the process, helping me refine my modeling skills and develop a more sophisticated approach to financial analysis.

Client Presentations and Pitch Books: Preparing materials for client presentations was another significant aspect of my role. I helped create pitch books, which are comprehensive documents that provide clients with strategic recommendations, market analysis, and financial projections. The preparation of these documents involved synthesizing data, creating charts and graphs, and writing narrative sections that explained the analysis.

I was tasked with preparing a section of a pitch book for a potential IPO. My contribution included analyzing the competitive landscape and drafting a market overview. This experience taught me the importance of clarity and precision in communication, as these materials are critical in persuading clients and supporting their decision-making processes.

Team Collaboration and Support: Throughout my internship, I worked closely with other analysts, associates, and senior bankers. Team collaboration was essential, especially during tight deadlines when multiple projects were running simultaneously. I learned to be proactive in seeking feedback, asking questions, and offering support to my colleagues.

One memorable experience was working on a cross-border M&A deal that involved coordinating with teams from different regions. The project required effective communication, as we had to manage time zone differences and ensure that all team members were aligned on key deliverables. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork, flexibility, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

6. Skills Developed

Skills developed

The internship at BankName provided an invaluable opportunity to develop a wide range of skills that are essential in the field of investment banking. Below are the key skills I developed during my time at the firm:

Analytical Skills: The nature of my work required a strong ability to analyze complex data sets and extract meaningful insights. Whether it was evaluating financial statements, conducting market research, or performing valuation analyses, I honed my analytical skills and learned to approach problems with a critical mindset. My ability to assess data and draw accurate conclusions improved significantly, enhancing my overall effectiveness as an analyst.

Technical Proficiency: My technical skills, particularly in financial modeling and data analysis, were significantly enhanced during the internship. I gained advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, learning how to build robust financial models that incorporated various valuation techniques. Additionally, I became familiar with Bloomberg Terminal, a powerful tool for market data and analysis, which allowed me to access real-time information and perform detailed financial research.

Communication Skills: Effective communication is a crucial skill in investment banking, where the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely is essential. Through preparing pitch books, drafting reports, and participating in meetings, I improved my written and verbal communication skills. I learned to tailor my messaging to different audiences, whether it was presenting data to clients or discussing technical details with my team.

Time Management and Multitasking: The fast-paced nature of the internship required me to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize my work effectively. I often juggled various responsibilities, from completing urgent research assignments to assisting in client presentations. This experience taught me to be organized, set realistic deadlines, and remain focused under pressure.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Working in a dynamic environment like BankName meant that challenges were a regular part of the job. I developed problem-solving skills by addressing unexpected issues, such as data discrepancies in financial models or tight turnaround times for client requests. My ability to adapt to changing circumstances improved, allowing me to remain calm and resourceful in demanding situations.

7. Challenges Faced

Time Pressure and Deadlines: One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing the high-pressure environment and tight deadlines that are characteristic of investment banking. Balancing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines was a constant test of my time management skills. To overcome this challenge, I developed a prioritization strategy that involved breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts and setting daily goals. I also learned to communicate effectively with my supervisors to ensure that expectations were aligned and that I could deliver high-quality work on time.

Technical Learning Curve: Adapting to the technical demands of the internship, particularly in financial modeling, was initially daunting. While I had a theoretical understanding of financial analysis from my academic background, applying these concepts in real-world scenarios required a deeper level of expertise. To address this challenge, I invested time in self-study, attended training sessions provided by the firm, and sought guidance from my mentors. This proactive approach helped me gradually build confidence in my technical abilities.

Complexity of Financial Markets: Navigating the complexity of financial markets and understanding the factors that influence investment decisions were challenging aspects of my internship. The fast-paced nature of the markets meant that conditions could change rapidly, impacting valuations and strategic recommendations. I overcame this challenge by staying informed through daily market updates, reading industry reports, and engaging in discussions with my colleagues. This continuous learning process helped me develop a more nuanced understanding of the market dynamics at play.

Team Dynamics and Communication: Working in a team environment with professionals from diverse backgrounds was both a rewarding and challenging experience. Effective communication was crucial, especially when collaborating on projects that required input from multiple team members. At times, differing perspectives and approaches led to conflicts or misunderstandings. I learned the importance of active listening, open communication, and seeking common ground to ensure that the team worked cohesively toward our shared goals.

8. Key Learnings and Takeaways

Understanding the Investment Banking Process: One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was gaining a comprehensive understanding of the investment banking process, from initial client engagement to deal execution. I learned about the different stages of mergers and acquisitions, the importance of due diligence, and the critical role that financial analysis plays in decision-making. This holistic view of the industry provided me with a solid foundation for my future career aspirations.

Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is crucial in investment banking, where even minor errors can have significant consequences. My internship reinforced the importance of accuracy and thoroughness in every task, whether it was inputting data into a financial model or reviewing the content of a client presentation. I developed a habit of double-checking my work and seeking feedback from colleagues to ensure that I consistently met the firm’s high standards.

The Value of Mentorship and Networking: Building relationships with colleagues and seeking mentorship were key elements of my internship experience. I benefited greatly from the guidance of my supervisors, who provided constructive feedback and shared their expertise. Networking with professionals from different teams also gave me valuable insights into various career paths within the firm. These interactions helped me understand the importance of cultivating a professional network that can support my growth and development.

Resilience and Adaptability: The dynamic nature of investment banking requires resilience and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. My internship taught me to embrace challenges as learning opportunities and to remain flexible in the face of uncertainty. Whether it was dealing with last-minute changes to a client presentation or adjusting to new information in a financial model, I learned to approach problems with a positive attitude and a solutions-oriented mindset.

9. Conclusion

My internship at BankName was a transformative experience that provided me with a deep understanding of the financial industry and the skills needed to succeed in investment banking. The opportunity to work on real-world projects, learn from experienced professionals, and contribute to high-stakes financial decisions was invaluable. The lessons I learned during my time at BankName have not only enhanced my technical and analytical skills but have also shaped my professional outlook and career aspirations.

I am grateful for the guidance and support I received from my colleagues, who were instrumental in my development as an intern. The internship has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in investment banking, and I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained in future roles.

10. Recommendations

Structured Feedback Sessions: To enhance the internship experience, I recommend implementing more structured feedback sessions throughout the program. Regular feedback would help interns understand their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make the most of their learning opportunities.

Expanded Technical Training: Offering additional technical training sessions, particularly on financial modeling and market analysis tools, would help interns build a stronger foundation and reduce the initial learning curve. Providing access to online resources and workshops could further support skill development.

Increased Cross-Team Collaboration: Encouraging more cross-team collaboration would give interns broader exposure to different areas of the firm and allow them to learn from a diverse range of professionals. This could be facilitated through rotational assignments or joint projects that involve multiple teams.

This report captures a comprehensive reflection of my internship experience at BankName, highlighting the skills, challenges, and insights gained throughout my journey.

May the Sales Be With You: Star Wars-Themed E-commerce Campaign Ideas

Every year on May the 4th, fans around the galaxy unite to celebrate the iconic Star Wars franchise. For e-commerce brands, it’s more than just a pop-culture holiday — it’s a golden opportunity to engage audiences, drive sales, and strengthen your brand identity through themed marketing.

Whether you sell apparel, digital products, gadgets, or even handmade crafts, a well-executed Star Wars Day campaign can turn casual browsers into loyal customers. Here’s how to channel the Force into your e-commerce strategy this May the 4th.

🛒 1. Create Limited-Time Galactic Offers

Launch exclusive May the 4th deals that feel as rare as a Kyber crystal. Whether it’s 20% off Star Wars-themed items or “Buy 1, Get 1 Lightsaber Free” (real or metaphorical), the key is to create urgency.

Ideas:

  • “May the 4th Be With Your Wallet” sale banner
  • Time-limited discount codes like FORCE20 or YODA15
  • Mystery box bundles of themed or best-selling products

🎨 2. Design a Star Wars-Themed Landing Page

Transform your site’s homepage into a galaxy far, far away — literally. A themed landing page builds excitement and reinforces your campaign. Use recognizable visuals like hyperspace, droids, or Jedi robes to delight fans.

Tools to use:

  • Canva or Figma for design
  • Page builders like Elementor, Webflow, or Shopify themes

Bonus Tip: Add Easter eggs like animated lightsabers or scrolling star fields for an extra wow factor.

📲 3. Run Galactic Social Media Contests

Harness the power of user-generated content by launching a Star Wars-themed contest or giveaway. This not only expands your reach but also fuels engagement across platforms.

Examples:

  • “Post your best cosplay and tag us to win!”
  • “Caption this Jedi meme for a gift card.”
  • “Which side are you on — Jedi or Sith? Vote and share!”

Use hashtags like #MayThe4th, #StarWarsDay, and your brand-specific tag to boost discoverability.

Read More: Gmail Email promotions with deals and product carousel

🧠 4. Use the Force (of AI)

Use AI tools to personalize product recommendations based on customer behavior during the campaign. This makes your May 4th shoppers feel like you’re reading their mind — Jedi-style.

Examples:

  • Smart recommendations using tools like Clerk.io or Rebuy
  • AI-generated product descriptions for themed items
  • Chatbots themed like droids (e.g., “Ask BB-8”)

💌 5. Send Jedi-Worthy Email Campaigns

Create email flows that capture the hype and urgency of May the 4th. Your subject lines should feel like transmissions from the Resistance:

  • “🚀 The Force Is Strong With These Deals”
  • “Your Jedi Discount Awaits…”
  • “Don’t Let These Offers Go to the Dark Side!”

Use countdown timers, dynamic content, and personalized product picks to drive clicks and conversions.

📦 6. Feature Star Wars-Compatible Products

Even if you don’t sell officially licensed merchandise, you can highlight products that fit the aesthetic. Think:

  • Space-themed tech gadgets
  • Glow-in-the-dark accessories
  • Minimalist prints or toys with sci-fi flair
  • Productivity tools marketed for “Jedi focus”

Use clever copy to make the connection fun and thematic.

🤝 7. Partner With Influencers in the Star Wars Niche

Work with creators who already have the audience you want. Whether they’re TikTok toy reviewers or Instagram cosplayers, partnering with influencers can lend authenticity and help your campaign go viral.

Provide affiliate links or trackable discount codes for a win-win setup.

💬 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Sell — Celebrate

Star Wars Day is about community, nostalgia, and creativity. Your campaign should feel like a celebration, not just a transaction. When you lean into the fandom, your audience will feel it, and that connection can build long-lasting customer loyalty.

So this May the 4th, aim higher than just another sale — launch an intergalactic e-commerce experience.

May the sales be with you. Always.

PayPal Leads the Agentic Commerce Revolution with Model Context Protocol (MCP)

PayPal is at the forefront of a significant shift in digital commerce: agentic commerce. This emerging field leverages AI agents to autonomously handle transactions, manage workflows, and enhance customer experiences. To empower developers and merchants in this new era, PayPal has embraced the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard designed to streamline the integration of AI with various services.

What is Agentic Commerce?

Agentic commerce utilizes AI agents to act on behalf of customers or businesses. These agents can manage a variety of tasks, including:

  • Processing payments
  • Tracking shipments
  • Managing invoices
  • Automating inventory management
  • Resolving disputes

The Role of the Model Context Protocol (MCP)

MCP, developed by Anthropic, provides a standardized way for AI agents to access data sources and third-party services like PayPal. This eliminates the need for complex, custom integrations, making it easier for developers to build AI-driven commerce experiences.

PayPal’s Implementation and Tools

PayPal has released several tools to facilitate agentic commerce, including:

  • PayPal Agent Toolkit: This toolkit offers modular, reusable components that allow developers to integrate PayPal’s functionalities into AI agent workflows. It provides access to APIs for payments, invoices, shipment tracking, and more.
  • Remote MCP Server: PayPal offers a remote MCP server, enabling developers to connect to PayPal’s services from any MCP client. This allows for seamless integration and continuity across different devices.

Benefits for Developers and Merchants

PayPal’s adoption of MCP and its agentic commerce tools offers numerous advantages:

  • Simplified Integration: Developers can easily incorporate PayPal’s capabilities into AI agents without extensive custom coding.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: AI agents can automate tasks, freeing up merchants to focus on growth and customer relationships.
  • Personalized Experiences: Merchants can create AI-powered shopping experiences tailored to individual customer needs.
  • Improved Security: PayPal’s established security measures and merchant verification processes ensure safe and trustworthy agent transactions.

Examples of Agentic Commerce in Action

  • An AI assistant automatically generates and sends invoices to clients based on simple natural language prompts.
  • A shopping companion uses AI to provide personalized product recommendations and manage the entire purchase process.
  • AI agents handle order management, payment processing, and shipment tracking for online businesses.

The user asks the MCP client to create an invoice with PayPal.

The user supplies the necessary information, as the MCP client indicates. Then the MCP client accesses the necessary data, creates the invoice using the MCP server, and then it sends the invoice, as shown in the following illustration. 

image

The following example shows a sample of the invoice the customer receives. 

image

The Future of Commerce is Agentic

PayPal’s commitment to agentic commerce and its adoption of MCP signals a major step towards a more intelligent and automated future for online business. By providing developers with the tools they need to build innovative AI-driven experiences, PayPal is helping to shape the next generation of digital commerce.

Visa Intelligent Commerce: Find and Buy with AI agents

Visa has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, Visa Intelligent Commerce, poised to redefine the online shopping experience by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) agents into the purchasing process. This platform empowers AI agents to autonomously search for products, make selections, and complete transactions on behalf of consumers, all within user-defined parameters.

What is Visa Intelligent Commerce?

Visa Intelligent Commerce is a platform designed to enable AI agents to handle end-to-end shopping tasks for consumers. Users can set specific preferences and spending limits, allowing AI agents to operate within these boundaries to find, select, and purchase items. This approach aims to streamline the shopping process, reduce cart abandonment, and enhance overall user convenience.​

Unlike traditional chatbots, these AI agents function autonomously, requiring minimal human intervention, and are capable of managing complex shopping tasks efficiently.​

“Soon people will have AI agents browse, select, purchase and manage on their behalf”

Key Features of Visa Intelligent Commerce

1. AI-Ready Cards

Visa introduces tokenized digital credentials, known as AI-ready cards, replacing traditional card details. These tokens ensure secure transactions by verifying that only authorized AI agents can initiate purchases on behalf of users. This tokenization enhances security and simplifies the payment process for developers and consumers alike.

2. Personalized Shopping Experience

With user consent, AI agents can access basic Visa spending and purchase insights to tailor shopping recommendations. This personalization ensures that AI agents align with individual user preferences, delivering a more customized shopping experience.​

3. Secure and Controlled Payments

Users maintain control over their spending by setting clear limits and conditions for AI agent transactions. Real-time commerce signals are shared with Visa, enabling effective transaction controls and dispute management, thereby ensuring a secure shopping environment.​

Read more: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) set up

Strategic Partnerships

To bring Visa Intelligent Commerce to fruition, Visa has collaborated with leading technology companies, including:​

  • Microsoft
  • OpenAI
  • IBM
  • Anthropic
  • Mistral AI
  • Perplexity
  • Samsung
  • Stripe

These partnerships aim to integrate AI capabilities with Visa’s payment infrastructure, ensuring a seamless and secure shopping experience for users worldwide.​

Implications for Consumers and Merchants

For consumers, Visa Intelligent Commerce offers a more efficient and personalized shopping experience, reducing the time and effort required to make purchases. For merchants, this platform can lead to increased conversion rates by minimizing friction in the purchasing process and catering to consumer preferences more effectively.​

Visa’s initiative also addresses the growing demand for secure and trustworthy AI-driven commerce solutions, positioning the company at the forefront of this emerging market.​

Looking Ahead

Visa Intelligent Commerce represents a significant step toward the future of AI-integrated shopping experiences. As the platform evolves, it is expected to enhance further the way consumers interact with online marketplaces, offering greater convenience, personalization, and security.​

For more information on Visa Intelligent Commerce, visit Visa’s official press release.

Top YouTube Channels for AI Learning in 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving faster than ever, and staying updated is critical whether you’re a student, developer, or business owner.
Luckily, you don’t have to enroll in expensive courses or read hundreds of academic papers. In 2025, YouTube will remain one of the best platforms for learning AI for free.

In this post, we highlight the Top YouTube Channels you should follow for mastering AI, machine learning (ML), deep learning, and data science this year.

1. Two Minute Papers

  • Focus: Latest AI research explained simply
  • Why Follow: Dr. Károly Zsolnai-Fehér breaks down complex AI and ML papers in easy-to-digest, animated videos.
  • Popular Topics: GPT models, reinforcement learning, computer vision breakthroughs
  • Best For: Staying updated on cutting-edge research without jargon

2. DeepLearningAI

  • Focus: AI education for all levels
  • Why Follow: Founded by Andrew Ng (Coursera co-founder), this channel offers interviews, tutorials, and insights from AI industry leaders.
  • Popular Topics: Generative AI, Prompt engineering, Neural networks
  • Best For: Structured learning paths and insider industry knowledge

3. CodeBullet

  • Focus: Fun, project-based AI learning
  • Why Follow: Watch as CodeBullet builds hilarious (and sometimes chaotic) AI bots to play games and solve tasks.
  • Popular Topics: Genetic algorithms, neural networks, self-playing bots
  • Best For: Visual learners who like seeing AI in action

4. The AI Advantage

  • Focus: Practical applications of AI
  • Why Follow: Tutorials and use cases showing how AI can be applied today, including tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and custom models.
  • Popular Topics: AI art generation, automation, AI tools for business
  • Best For: Entrepreneurs and creators wanting to use AI practically

5. Henry AI Labs

  • Focus: Deep dives into AI and machine learning papers
  • Why Follow: For those who want more depth, Henry AI Labs explains the math, architecture, and real-world implications of recent AI research.
  • Popular Topics: LLMs, transformer architectures, AI ethics
  • Best For: Intermediate to advanced learners

6. freeCodeCamp.org

  • Focus: Full-length AI courses
  • Why Follow: Offers massive (3+ hour) free courses on machine learning, deep learning, and Python programming for AI.
  • Popular Topics: Machine Learning Crash Course, TensorFlow tutorials
  • Best For: Beginners who want complete structured courses

7. Yannic Kilcher

  • Focus: Paper reviews and technical analysis
  • Why Follow: Yannic offers detailed technical reviews of the latest AI research papers with visual explanations and critical commentary.
  • Popular Topics: Diffusion models, reinforcement learning, scaling laws
  • Best For: Researchers and technical professionals

8. Simplilearn

  • Focus: Certification prep and practical skills
  • Why Follow: If you’re aiming for a formal AI career path, Simplilearn offers detailed tutorials aligned with certifications.
  • Popular Topics: AI career paths, ML algorithms, job-oriented skills
  • Best For: Professionals looking to transition into AI roles

9. ArXiv Insights

  • Focus: Summarizing academic AI papers
  • Why Follow: Quick reviews of papers published on ArXiv.org, which often feature groundbreaking AI research.
  • Popular Topics: New architectures, self-supervised learning, generative AI
  • Best For: Anyone serious about staying on top of new AI developments

10. Brandon Rohrer

  • Focus: Explaining AI concepts with stories
  • Why Follow: Brandon’s videos use simple analogies and storytelling to make hard AI topics accessible.
  • Popular Topics: Decision trees, deep learning basics, model interpretation
  • Best For: Absolute beginners and non-technical audiences

Final Thoughts

AI is one of the most in-demand skills in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced developer, following these YouTube channels will help you:

  • Stay current with the latest AI trends
  • Build real-world AI projects
  • Understand AI research without academic overload
  • Explore new career and business opportunities

🎯 Pro Tip:
Pick 2–3 channels that match your learning style — and dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to active AI learning. Consistency is key!

Digital Marketing for Online Stores: Data-Driven Strategies for 2025

The digital commerce landscape is evolving faster than ever. With global e-commerce projected to reach $6.9 trillion by 2025 (Statista), competition among online stores is fiercer, and smarter digital marketing strategies are critical to survival and growth. In this research-backed guide, we explore the latest digital marketing strategies that drive traffic, improve conversion rates, and maximize return on investment (ROI) for online retailers.

The Importance of Digital Marketing for E-commerce

Digital marketing is the primary engine behind customer acquisition and retention in e-commerce. According to a survey by Shopify, 87% of online shoppers begin their product searches on digital channels — search engines, social media, or online marketplaces. Thus, even the best products risk obscurity without a strong digital presence.

Core Digital Marketing Strategies for Online Stores

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Organic search still accounts for 53% of all website traffic (BrightEdge). An effective SEO strategy ensures that your products appear prominently when potential customers search for them.

Key Actions:

  • Conduct keyword research focusing on commercial intent terms (“buy running shoes online,” “best electric toothbrush 2025”).
  • Optimize site structure for crawlability and speed (Page load times under 2.5 seconds are ideal, per Google).
  • Develop high-quality content around product comparisons, reviews, and how-to guides.

Emerging Trends:

  • Voice search optimization
  • AI-driven SEO auditing

2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

PPC can provide immediate visibility and sales. Google Ads and Bing Ads remain dominant, but Amazon and social media platforms are gaining share.

Key Tactics:

  • Utilize Google Shopping campaigns.
  • Implement smart bidding strategies with AI algorithms.
  • Focus on retargeting campaigns to recapture abandoned cart users.

Interesting Stat: Businesses earn an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 spent on Google Ads (Google Economic Impact Report).

3. Social Media Marketing

Social platforms are not just for brand awareness — they’re powerful sales channels. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are increasingly integrating shopping functionalities.

Best Practices:

  • Create Shoppable Instagram posts.
  • Collaborate with micro and nano-influencers (influencers with <50,000 followers drive 60% higher engagement rates).
  • Use video content heavily; TikTok reported that 67% of users were inspired to shop even when they weren’t looking.

4. Content Marketing

Content builds trust, which leads to conversions. According to Demand Metric, content marketing generates three times more leads than outbound marketing at 62% less cost.

Effective Content Forms:

  • In-depth product reviews
  • Customer case studies
  • Interactive content (quizzes, polls)

Focus Areas for 2025:

  • AI-generated personalized content
  • Content repurposing across multiple platforms

5. Email Marketing

Email marketing continues to boast the highest ROI among digital marketing channels ($42 return for every $1 spent, according to DMA).

Tactics That Work:

  • Automated drip campaigns
  • Dynamic personalization based on browsing and purchase behavior
  • Loyalty programs integrated within email strategies

6. Affiliate and Influencer Marketing

Affiliate marketing spending is expected to exceed $13 billion globally by 2025 (Statista).

Winning Strategies:

  • Create tiered commission structures to incentivize top-performing affiliates.
  • Collaborate with niche influencers whose audiences align closely with your brand values.

Note: Influencer authenticity matters more than follower count. Genuine engagement rates outperform vanity metrics.

Advanced Tactics Gaining Momentum

  • AI and Machine Learning: Predictive analytics for customer behavior forecasting.
  • Augmented Reality (AR): Try-before-you-buy experiences reduce return rates (IKEA Place App case study).
  • Chatbots and Conversational Commerce: 74% of consumers prefer interacting with chatbots for simple queries (Salesforce).

Conclusion: Integrated Strategies Drive Future Success

Success in digital marketing for online stores in 2025 and beyond hinges on an integrated approach: blending SEO, PPC, social media, content, email, and affiliate marketing seamlessly. Prioritize customer experience, personalization, and data-driven decision-making to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.

Are you ready to future-proof your online store’s marketing strategy? Start by investing in research-driven, customer-centric tactics today.


What’s your biggest digital marketing challenge right now? Share in the comments or contact us for a personalized strategy session!

Best Payment Gateways for eCommerce & Dropshipping in 2025

In the booming world of e-commerce, offering seamless and secure payment options is critical to maximizing conversion rates and customer trust. According to a report by Statista, global digital payment transaction values are expected to exceed $14 trillion by 2025. Choosing the right payment gateway can be the difference between abandoned carts and skyrocketing sales. In this research-backed guide, we’ll break down the best payment gateways for online stores in 2025, comparing fees, features, and ideal use cases.

Dropshipping is the eCommerce industry’s buzzword these days. So, website builders for eCommerce are more and more popular every day. Cashless economies are gaining popularity. Many nations accept simple payment options. As a result, most Internet marketers are gearing up for a fresh start in dropshipping.

eCommerce and Dropshipping Payment Gateways: What Are They?

All of the store’s transactions are handled by an eCommerce payment gateway. The gateway simplifies and streamlines online payment processing. A payment gateway is more than just a transaction processor — it impacts user experience, security, and international accessibility. According to Baymard Institute, 18% of shoppers abandon their carts due to a “checkout process that’s too complicated,” highlighting the need for a smooth payment experience.

All you need to do is input your credit card information on the payment gateway tab and complete the transaction. After subtracting specific fees, the payment gateway will process the payment from your credit or debit card and transmit it to the dropshipper’s bank account. After that, the dropshipper can deposit the funds into their bank account.

Tips For Choosing The Right Payment Gateway

Here are some tips to make the right choice:

  • Choose a well-known payment gateway in the nation where your items will be sold.
  • Check to see if the online banking gateway has a reasonable transaction charge.
  • Check to see if it works with dropshipping stores. Most eCommerce gateways do not prefer Dropshippers because of increased return rates.
  • Whether you want to grow into the worldwide market, see if you can use that gateway.
  • Examine whether it provides clients with a pleasant purchasing experience.

Best Gateways In 2025

This is a list of the most popular payment channels among dropshippers.

PayPal

PayPal is by far the most popular payment method for online merchants. It is a payment gateway that is approved in over 190 countries. It accepts Mastercard, Visa, Citibank, and other major credit cards. A PayPal account is required to begin dropshipping. However, not all countries endorse it.

Fees:

  • 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction (U.S.)
  • Cross-border fees vary by country

Pros:

  • Global brand recognition
  • Easy setup with most e-commerce platforms
  • Buyer and seller protection

Cons:

  • Higher fees than some competitors
  • Account freezes can occur

Stripe

Stripe is a payment gateway founded in the United States and available in over 26 countries. All debit and credit cards are accepted. It is, however, primarily used in Ireland, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It also has WooCommerce integration. It’s much better if you offer it on Facebook Marketplace.

Fees:

  • 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (domestic)
  • Additional 1% for international cards

Pros:

  • Supports 135+ currencies
  • Subscription billing capabilities
  • Advanced fraud detection tools

Cons:

Developer-heavy setup for advanced customization

2Checkout (Now Verifone)

This other payment system that is available in over 80 countries is 2Checkout. It accepts all major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, and Diners Club. It is used in conjunction with other payment gateways in several third-world nations. Below is a list of the most popular payment gateway combinations. 2Checkout offers a flexible global payment solution with strong international support, ideal for SaaS businesses and digital goods.

Fees:

  • 3.5% + $0.35 per successful sale
  • Additional cross-border and currency conversion fees

Pros:

  • Supports over 200 countries
  • Multiple payment methods including PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard
  • Easy integration for subscriptions

Cons:

Some restrictions on certain industries

Higher fees compared to Stripe and PayPal

Authorize.net

Authorize.net is offered in over 30 countries right now. It is one of the most established and well-known online payment gateways. Multiple extensions are included for simple interaction with WooCommerce shops. For eCommerce and dropshipping shops, Authorize.net offers the lowest transaction cost at 2.90.

Fees:

  • $25 monthly gateway fee
  • 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (if using their merchant account)

Pros:

  • Supports recurring billing
  • Strong security features (Advanced Fraud Detection Suite)

Cons:

  • Monthly fees may deter small businesses
  • Interface is less modern than competitors

Skrill

Skrill is a payment gateway with over 42 countries of availability. It charges a 1.8 percent transfer fee at checkout. It also has an official WooCommerce-based dropshipping store integration plugin.

Fees:

  • 1.9% per transaction + fixed fee (varies by currency)
  • 3.99% currency conversion fee

Pros:

  • Good for cross-border payments
  • Fast account setup
  • Supports cryptocurrency transactions

Cons:

  • Withdrawal fees
  • Customer support could be improved

Wepay

WePay is a digital payment alternative for dropshippers that want to integrate a secure and quick payment gateway into their website. WePay is a customizable payment system, although just a few payment alternatives are accessible.

Fees:

  • 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Pros:

  • Deep banking integration with Chase
  • Good for SaaS platforms
  • Offers White-label solutions

Cons:

  • Less known compared to Stripe or PayPal
  • Limited international availability

Google Pay

For eCommerce business operators in the western area, Google Pay seems to be another excellent choice. Most people in the United States and Europe store their money in Google Wallet. They can effortlessly pay using Google Checkout because they purchase online.

This alternative is not only faster than some other dropshipping platforms, but it is also more dependable. Because the payment holder also serves as a bank account, Google Checkout deducts the lowest amount.

Fees:

  • Free for merchants (only processing fees charged by payment processor)

Pros:

  • Fast, easy checkout experience
  • High security with encryption and tokenization
  • Integrates with many e-commerce platforms

Cons:

  • Requires user to have a Google account
  • Dependent on device compatibility

Apple Pay

If you are looking for the most popular contactless payment system available, you might as well give Apple Pay a chance. You can utilize it for the dropshipping store, allowing customers to effortlessly pay with Apple Pay by just pressing a button. Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and many more are all accepted through the contactless payment gateway.

Fees:

  • Free for merchants (only processing fees charged by payment processor)

Pros:

  • Extremely secure via biometric authentication
  • Reduces checkout friction for iOS users
  • Supports both online and in-store payments

Cons:

  • Only available on Apple devices
  • Requires additional setup for web checkout

Payment Gateway Fee Comparison Chart

Payment GatewayDomestic Transaction FeeInternational FeeMonthly Fee
Stripe2.9% + $0.30+1%None
PayPal3.49% + $0.49VariesNone
Square2.9% + $0.30N/ANone
Authorize.Net2.9% + $0.30 + $25/monthVaries$25
Adyen~2.9% + $0.12VariesNone
Shopify Payments2.4% – 2.9% + $0.30VariesDepends on plan
Amazon Pay2.9% + $0.30VariesNone
2Checkout3.5% + $0.35Additional feesNone
Skrill1.9% + fixed fee3.99% FX feeNone
WePay2.9% + $0.30LimitedNone
Google PayVia processor feesVia processorNone
Apple PayVia processor feesVia processorNone

The Bottom Line

When selecting a payment gateway for your online store, consider:

  • Transaction fees and hidden costs
  • International support
  • Device compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
  • Ease of integration
  • Customer trust factors
  • Features like fraud protection, white-labeling, and subscription management

No one-size-fits-all solution exists. Startups may prefer Stripe or PayPal for fast setup. Global brands may lean toward Adyen or 2Checkout. Platforms focused on mobile users should seriously consider Google Pay and Apple Pay integration.

Invest time in picking the right gateway now, and you’ll reap the rewards in lower cart abandonment rates, higher conversion rates, and increased revenue throughout 2025.

A payment gateway is a necessary component of every online store. Finding the correct one, on the other hand, is a challenge. So, experiment with several payment gateways and pick the one that works best. To reduce the danger of losing relevant consumers to your eCommerce business, use successful eCommerce payment gateways like PayPal and 2Checkout if you’re just getting started.

From PHP to Python: Building a Web Scraper Using Windsurf IDE prompt

As a long-time PHP developer, I usually find myself knee-deep in Opencart, Drupal, Laravel, or WordPress hooks. But today, I had a different kind of challenge: scraping product reviews from a website and saving them into a CSV file.

Initially, I thought about doing this in PHP, but after a quick search and some community advice, I found that Python offers a much more elegant and beginner-friendly approach for web scraping. Even better, I discovered Windsurf, an AI-powered IDE that made the entire process feel smooth and intuitive.

Why Not PHP?

While it’s technically possible to build a scraper in PHP using tools like cURL DOMDocument. It lacks the simplicity and rich ecosystem of Python’s scraping libraries. And let’s be honest—debugging those cURL headers or dealing with malformed HTML in PHP is no picnic.

Why Python is Great for Web Scraping

Python offers:

  • Libraries like requests and BeautifulSoup that simplify HTTP requests and HTML parsing.
  • Easy CSV handling with the built-in csv module.
  • Tons of community support and tutorials.

What is Windsurf?

Windsurf is an AI-powered IDE that not only provides coding suggestions but also assists in building entire workflows and understanding your intent. It was a perfect companion for someone like me transitioning from PHP to Python.

Building the Web Scraper in Python through Prompt in Windsurf

I downloaded the Windsurf, installed it, and my first command is below:

Create a python project which do the webscarping from all of the products listed on https://www.examplestore.com/category/products and from the product details page like https://www.examplestore.com/category/products/product1 extract all ratings and add that to the CSV. Add the product title, reviewer name, stars, and the contents.

With the above command, windsurf started its work

Windsurf prompt

It created three files like below and wrote the necessary code:

Web Scraper

Readme.md

## Setup
1. Install dependencies:
```bash
pip install -r requirements.txt
```
2. Run the scraper:
```bash
python scraper.py
```
The script will create a CSV file with the current timestamp in the filename (e.g., `tpt_reviews_2025-04-24_18-06-31.csv`) containing all the scraped reviews with the following columns:
- Product Title
- Reviewer Name
- Stars
- Review Content

requirements.txt

requests==2.31.0
beautifulsoup4==4.12.2
selenium==4.15.2
webdriver_manager==4.0.1
geckodriver-autoinstaller==0.1.0
pandas==2.1.3

scraper.py

Below is the final code created

import time
from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
from selenium.webdriver.support.ui import WebDriverWait
from selenium.webdriver.support import expected_conditions as EC
from selenium.common.exceptions import TimeoutException, WebDriverException
from selenium.webdriver.firefox.service import Service
from selenium.webdriver.firefox.options import Options
from bs4 import BeautifulSoup
import pandas as pd
from datetime import datetime
import csv
import os
import platform
import logging
import geckodriver_autoinstaller
import random
import json

# Set up logging
logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)

class TPTScraper:
    def __init__(self):
        logger.info("Initializing TPTScraper...")
        try:
            # Install geckodriver if not present
            logger.info("Installing/Updating geckodriver...")
            geckodriver_autoinstaller.install()
            
            # Setup Firefox options with preferences
            firefox_options = Options()
            if platform.system() != "Darwin":  # Don't run headless on Mac
                firefox_options.add_argument("--headless")
            firefox_options.add_argument("--window-size=1920,1080")
            firefox_options.add_argument("--disable-blink-features=AutomationControlled")
            firefox_options.add_argument("--disable-dev-shm-usage")  # Overcome limited resource problems
            firefox_options.add_argument("--no-sandbox")  # Required for stability
            firefox_options.add_argument("--disable-gpu")  # Required for stability
            
            # Set preferences
            firefox_options.set_preference("dom.webdriver.enabled", False)
            firefox_options.set_preference('useAutomationExtension', False)
            firefox_options.set_preference("general.useragent.override", "Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10_15_7) AppleWebKit/605.1.15 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/16.5 Safari/605.1.15")
            firefox_options.set_preference("network.http.referer.spoofSource", True)
            firefox_options.set_preference("browser.cache.disk.enable", False)
            firefox_options.set_preference("browser.cache.memory.enable", False)
            firefox_options.set_preference("browser.cache.offline.enable", False)
            firefox_options.set_preference("network.cookie.cookieBehavior", 0)
            firefox_options.set_preference("browser.sessionstore.resume_from_crash", False)
            firefox_options.set_preference("browser.tabs.remote.autostart", False)
            
            logger.info("Starting Firefox WebDriver...")
            self.driver = webdriver.Firefox(options=firefox_options)
            self.driver.execute_script("Object.defineProperty(navigator, 'webdriver', {get: () => undefined})")
            
            # Add random mouse movements and scrolling
            self.driver.execute_script("""
                var mouseMove = function() {
                    var event = new MouseEvent('mousemove', {
                        'view': window,
                        'bubbles': true,
                        'cancelable': true,
                        'clientX': Math.random() * window.innerWidth,
                        'clientY': Math.random() * window.innerHeight
                    });
                    document.dispatchEvent(event);
                };
                setInterval(mouseMove, 1000);
            """)
            
            self.store_url = "https://www.examplestore.com/category/products"
            
            # Set up CSV file
            self.csv_filename = f'tpt_reviews_{datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d_%H-%M-%S")}.csv'
            logger.info(f"CSV file will be saved as: {self.csv_filename}")
            self.setup_csv()
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error initializing Firefox WebDriver: {e}")
            raise

    def random_sleep(self, min_seconds=2, max_seconds=5):
        """Sleep for a random amount of time."""
        time.sleep(random.uniform(min_seconds, max_seconds))

    def human_like_scroll(self):
        """Scroll the page in a human-like manner."""
        total_height = self.driver.execute_script("return document.body.scrollHeight")
        viewport_height = self.driver.execute_script("return window.innerHeight")
        current_position = 0
        
        while current_position < total_height:
            scroll_step = random.randint(100, 400)  # Random scroll amount
            current_position = min(current_position + scroll_step, total_height)
            self.driver.execute_script(f"window.scrollTo(0, {current_position})")
            self.random_sleep(0.5, 1.5)  # Random pause between scrolls

    def retry_with_backoff(self, func, retries=3, backoff_in_seconds=1):
        """Retry a function with exponential backoff."""
        x = 0
        while True:
            try:
                return func()
            except Exception as e:
                if x == retries:
                    raise
                sleep = (backoff_in_seconds * 2 ** x + 
                        random.uniform(0, 1))
                logger.warning(f"Retrying in {sleep} seconds... Error: {e}")
                time.sleep(sleep)
                x += 1

    def setup_csv(self):
        """Create CSV file with headers."""
        logger.info("Setting up CSV file...")
        headers = ['Product Title', 'Product URL', 'Reviewer Name', 'Stars', 'Review Content', 'Review Date']
        with open(self.csv_filename, 'w', newline='', encoding='utf-8') as f:
            writer = csv.writer(f)
            writer.writerow(headers)
        logger.info("CSV file created successfully")

    def wait_for_element(self, by, value, timeout=30):
        """Wait for an element to be present and visible."""
        return WebDriverWait(self.driver, timeout).until(
            EC.presence_of_element_located((by, value))
        )

    def get_product_links(self):
        """Get all product links from the store."""
        logger.info(f"Starting to collect product links from all pages")
        product_links = []
        
        # Loop through pages 1 to 50
        for page in range(1, 3):
            try:
                page_url = f"{self.store_url}?page={page}"
                logger.info(f"Processing page {page}: {page_url}")
                
                # Navigate to the page
                self.driver.get(page_url)
                self.random_sleep(3, 5)  # Initial wait for page load
                
                # Wait for products to load with retry
                def wait_for_products():
                    self.wait_for_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".ProductRowLayoutCard")
                    return True
                
                self.retry_with_backoff(wait_for_products)
                self.random_sleep(2, 4)  # Random sleep between actions
                
                # Scroll the page naturally
                self.human_like_scroll()
                
                # Get current page's products
                soup = BeautifulSoup(self.driver.page_source, 'html.parser')
                products = soup.find_all('div', class_='ProductRowLayoutCard')
                logger.info(f"Found {len(products)} products on page {page}")
                
                # If no products found on this page, we've reached the end
                if not products:
                    logger.info(f"No products found on page {page}, stopping pagination")
                    break
                
                for product in products:
                    link = product.find('a')
                    if link and 'href' in link.attrs:
                        full_link = f"https://www.examplestore.com{link['href']}"
                        if full_link not in product_links:  # Avoid duplicates
                            product_links.append(full_link)
                
                # Add some randomization to avoid detection
                self.random_sleep(2, 4)
                
            except TimeoutException:
                logger.error(f"Timeout while processing page {page}")
                continue
            except Exception as e:
                logger.error(f"Error processing page {page}: {str(e)}")
                continue
        
        logger.info(f"Found total of {len(product_links)} unique product links")
        return product_links

    def get_product_reviews(self, product_url):
        """Get all reviews for a product."""
        try:
            logger.info(f"Getting reviews for: {product_url}")
            self.driver.get(product_url)
            self.random_sleep(3, 5)

            # Wait for and get the product title
            try:
                title = self.wait_for_element(By.TAG_NAME, "h1").text
                logger.info(f"Processing reviews for product: {title}")
            except TimeoutException:
                logger.error("Could not find product title")
                title = "Unknown Product"

            # Click "Load More" button until all reviews are loaded
            while True:
                try:
                    # Check if the load more button exists and is visible
                    load_more = WebDriverWait(self.driver, 10).until(
                        EC.presence_of_element_located((By.CLASS_NAME, "EvaluationsContainer__loadMore-button"))
                    )
                    
                    # Check if button is visible and clickable
                    if load_more.is_displayed() and load_more.is_enabled():
                        # Scroll the button into view
                        self.driver.execute_script("arguments[0].scrollIntoView({behavior: 'smooth', block: 'center'});", load_more)
                        self.random_sleep(1, 2)
                        
                        # Try clicking with regular click first, fallback to JavaScript click
                        try:
                            load_more.click()
                        except:
                            self.driver.execute_script("arguments[0].click();", load_more)
                        
                        # Wait for new reviews to load
                        self.random_sleep(2, 3)
                        
                        # Add some random mouse movements
                        self.driver.execute_script("""
                            document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent('mousemove', {
                                'view': window,
                                'bubbles': true,
                                'cancelable': true,
                                'clientX': Math.random() * window.innerWidth,
                                'clientY': Math.random() * window.innerHeight
                            }));
                        """)
                    else:
                        logger.info("Load more button is not clickable")
                        break
                except TimeoutException:
                    logger.info("No more 'Load More' button found - all reviews loaded")
                    break
                except Exception as e:
                    logger.error(f"Error clicking load more button: {str(e)}")
                    break

            # Now get all the loaded reviews
            soup = BeautifulSoup(self.driver.page_source, 'html.parser')
            reviews = soup.find_all('div', class_='EvaluationsList-module__item--cpleN')
            
            logger.info(f"Found {len(reviews)} total reviews for {title}")
            
            for review in reviews:
                try:
                    reviewer_name = review.find('div', class_='Text-module__inline--zQe6C').text.strip() if review.find('div', class_='Text-module__inline--zQe6C') else "Anonymous"
                    stars = review.find('div', class_='RatingsLabel-module__ratingsLabel--lMWgy').text.strip() if review.find('div', class_='RatingsLabel-module__ratingsLabel--lMWgy') else ""
                    review_text = review.find('div', class_='EvaluationDisplay-module__content--NHSIA').text.strip() if review.find('div', class_='EvaluationDisplay-module__content--NHSIA') else ""
                    review_date = review.find('div', class_='Text-module__colorSecondary--jnRRH').text.strip() if review.find('div', class_='Text-module__colorSecondary--jnRRH') else ""
                    
                    # Write the review to CSV
                    with open(self.csv_filename, 'a', newline='', encoding='utf-8') as f:
                        writer = csv.writer(f)
                        writer.writerow([
                            title,
                            product_url,
                            reviewer_name,
                            stars,
                            review_text,
                            review_date
                        ])
                        
                except Exception as e:
                    logger.error(f"Error processing review: {str(e)}")
                    continue
                    
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error processing product {product_url}: {str(e)}")

    def save_to_csv(self, reviews):
        """Save reviews to CSV file."""
        if not reviews:
            logger.info("No reviews to save")
            return
            
        logger.info(f"Saving {len(reviews)} reviews to CSV")
        try:
            with open(self.csv_filename, 'a', newline='', encoding='utf-8') as f:
                writer = csv.writer(f)
                for review in reviews:
                    writer.writerow([
                        review['Product Title'],
                        review['Product URL'],
                        review['Reviewer Name'],
                        review['Stars'],
                        review['Review Content'],
                        review['Review Date']
                    ])
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error saving to CSV: {e}")

    def run(self):
        """Main method to run the scraper."""
        try:
            logger.info("Starting scraper...")
            product_links = self.get_product_links()
            logger.info(f"Found {len(product_links)} products")
            
            for i, product_url in enumerate(product_links, 1):
                logger.info(f"Processing product {i}/{len(product_links)}")
                reviews = self.get_product_reviews(product_url)
                if reviews:
                    self.save_to_csv(reviews)
                self.random_sleep(2, 4)  # Be nice to the server
                
            logger.info(f"\nScraping completed! Data saved to: {self.csv_filename}")
                
        finally:
            logger.info("Closing Firefox WebDriver")
            self.driver.quit()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    scraper = TPTScraper()
    scraper.run()

The project uses:

  • Selenium with Chrome WebDriver for dynamic page scraping
  • BeautifulSoup for HTML parsing
  • Google Sheets API for saving the data
  • Proper error handling and rate limiting

To use this scraper, you’ll need to install the required dependencies, and windsurf gave me the following command:

pip install -r requirements.txt

When I ran the above commands, it gave me “zsh: command not found: pip”. Instead of solving it myself, I sent the prompt to WindSurf the same error, and it gave me solutions like below:

It seems Python is not installed on your system or not properly added to your PATH. Let's check if Python is installed using the which command

Then, it found that python3 is installed and updated the commands to the following:

pip3 install -r requirements.txt

After that, it prompted us to run the scraper using python3:

python3 scraper.py

Output

This script pulls the product review title, content, and rating from a website and stores them neatly in a tpt_reviews***.csv file. I ran the scraper command multiple times, and maybe the website detected me as a bot and asked WindSurf if there was a solution. Then, it updates the code and tells me below:

I made several improvements to better handle the website’s bot detection:

  1. Added a Firefox profile with specific settings to make automation less detectable
  2. Disabled headless mode on Mac (since it’s more detectable)
  3. Added human-like scrolling behavior
  4. Added random mouse movements
  5. Increased wait times between actions
  6. Added more sophisticated retry mechanisms
  7. Added proper scrolling to elements before clicking
  8. Improved error handling

Then, I can run the updated scraper many times. As said, it was not perfect in one go, but with constant improvement, and by continuing to give prompts to the WindSurf. Like the product detail page was showing only 5 reviews, so I told Windsurf first to load all the reviews by clicking the “Load More Reviews” button, and on completion, only starting getting the reviews, with all these kinds of improvements, finally, I can scrape the data that is needed. What a world we live in—where you don’t even need to write a single line of code, and the functionality you need is practically built for you!

Key Learnings

  • Python made web scraping feel almost effortless.
  • Windsurf’s AI-powered context helps save me from constant Googling.
  • Moving from PHP to Python for scripting tasks opens up new productivity doors.
  • In Windsurf, give the best prompt with details and see the best result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a PHP developer and have been avoiding Python, this might be the perfect time to dip your toes. Web scraping is a great starter project, and with tools like Windsurf, you’ll feel right at home—even if it’s your first Python script.

Have you tried Windsurf or built your own scrapers? Share your experience in the comments!

Core Processes in Data-Driven Software Development

Every industry rests upon a treasure trove of data, and the software development realm is no exception. Leveraging the power of expanding data allows software development firms to make informed decisions, improve development processes, and elevate the user experience.

Transitioning from conventional development practices to a data-centric approach enables the development team to create and design software founded on quantitative insights. The advantage lies in collecting and analysing data in real-time, which is then incorporated into the software development workflow. As new data becomes available, the development processes are refined accordingly.

This blog will emphasise the significance of data-driven decision-making, the types of data produced, and strategies to implement data-informed choices within software development. Let’s explore further!

What makes data-driven decision-making a priority in software development?

Changing from an assumption-based development model to a data-centric development strategy offers numerous benefits for development companies, including:

–        Assurance of data precision.

Real-time analytics facilitate quicker, more precise decisions that render development agile. This improves aspects like functionality development and resource distribution.

–        Reliability stems from high quality.

Collecting clean and consistent data on software functionality, user feedback, and bugs enables the establishment of data governance practices and the resolution of issues.

– KPIS assist with prioritisation.

Discovering KPIS and metrics that help focus on user engagement, conversion rates, and average sessions ensures that resources and time are allocated effectively throughout the development process.

–        Risk is minimised through data-driven testing.

Conducting A/B testing of various software features and user responses allows for identifying potential risks more comprehensively. Subsequently, insights-driven actions are taken to ensure the software’s success.

–        Shorten the time-to-market for software.

Availability of precise data, data-centred decisions, and clarity in KPIS enable the team to develop efficient software and make quick adjustments to expedite project delivery.

What kinds of data are generated throughout the software development process?

Numerous types of data are produced during the software development lifecycle, and accurately applying real-time insights with intelligent tools leads to a data-driven development approach that enhances software practices. These types include:

–        User-related data.

Throughout software development, feedback from users is gathered via surveys, customer support interactions, and feedback forms (using tools like Survicate, Hotjar, and Intercom) to identify areas for improvement. Various analytics tools, including Heap Analytics, Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, and Amplitude, provide in-depth insights from user interactions, aiding software enhancement.

–        Performance-related data.

Key performance metrics such as software response time, server uptime, memory usage, and CPU consumption significantly affect software performance. Tools like Sentric, Crashlytics, and New Relic monitor system performance to pinpoint critical issues, while load testing data reveals software reliability under varying traffic conditions to optimise performance.

–        Code quality evaluation metrics.

Determining the percentage of code assessed through manual and automated testing is crucial to identify which areas require testing to avoid bugs. Analysing inefficient coding practices and security vulnerabilities provides insight into which code is secure and maintainable.

–        Project management data.

Monitoring project timelines against deadlines is vital for timely launches. Trello visually organises tasks and feedback, simplifying project progress tracking. The Jira tool enables rapid identification of issues and facilitates prompt resolutions.

–        External data regarding competition.

Understanding market trends and user expectations allows the development team to adjust software functionalities as needed. Competitive analysis uncovers opportunities for businesses to secure a competitive edge.

How can insightful decisions be integrated into software development?

In the era of data-driven development, adopting a strategic approach empowers businesses to maximise the benefits of software data. A step-by-step framework is necessary to achieve favourable outcomes using data intelligence.

– Clearly define your objectives.  

Clarifying business goals like user engagement, retention, high conversion rates, and other targets reveals the essential data that needs to be gathered. Setting these goals allows for the collection and analysis of relevant data sets, leading to informed decision-making.  

– Determine your approach.  

Once you have established which data types—such as user, performance, or testing data—need to be collected, it is crucial to outline how this data will be obtained through in-app events, surveys, or sensors. It’s also important to specify where this data will be stored (in tools or a unified data warehouse) for easy access.  

– Foster a data-driven culture.  

For years, development teams have relied on instinct. Transitioning to a data-driven culture is vital. Moving away from guesswork, every developer, designer, tester, and project manager should base their decisions on data for optimal results. Additionally, testing assumptions and confirming them with insights is a beneficial practice.  

– Prioritise rapid iterations.  

Quick iteration through continuous A/B testing and multivariate testing of user and performance data facilitates immediate software modifications. Adapting software based on real-time data-driven testing outcomes ensures that the software meets user needs, aligns with market trends, and keeps pace with technological advancements.  

– Make data privacy a priority.  

In today’s data-centric world, it’s crucial to communicate with users regarding data usage. Therefore, the strategy for data collection and usage must adhere to regulations like GDPR, CCPA, etc. This ensures that user data is protected and ethical considerations are integrated into the data strategy, which in turn fosters user trust.  

– Continuous optimisation is essential.  

Utilising data throughout the software development process enhances the entire development lifecycle. Moreover, after development, ongoing monitoring and optimisation driven by data are vital to identify and address potential issues in advance.  

Data-led software development—transforming all aspects  

Industries such as e-commerce, social media, healthcare, and gaming are increasingly adopting data-driven methodologies to inform decisions, optimise resource allocation, anticipate valuable insights, and allow for faster iterations in software development. Leading organisations are adopting a data-oriented approach with a variety of technologies and tools to create software that meets their standards.  

Utilise real-time insights (data-driven insights) to make software adaptive and provide personalised experiences—this is essential in the ever-changing environment. Embrace and partake in the data revolution!

Best AI Coding Tools for Developers in 2025: Boost Productivity with Smart Programming Assistants

In the fast-paced world of software development, artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury—it’s a game-changer. As we enter 2025, a new generation of AI coding tools is empowering developers to write better code faster. From smart autocompletion to AI-assisted debugging and testing, these tools are transforming workflows and supercharging productivity. In this post, we’ll explore the best AI coding tools for developers in 2025 and show you how to pick the right ones for your projects.

AI code editor

AI-first IDEs are streamlining the development process by embedding intelligence into every keystroke.

Cursor

A next-gen IDE with built-in GPT assistance, cursor highlights your intent and assists with code edits, bug fixes, and testing.

Windsurf

This experimental IDE handles full project scopes, making decisions and organizing files autonomously based on the goals you define.

Replit Ghostwriter

A full development suite in your browser. Ghostwriter assists with autocompletion, error fixing, and launching live previews instantly.

Codeium

Codeium offers fast autocomplete in over 70 languages and integrates with 40+ IDEs, making it one of the most accessible AI coding tools.

AI-Powered Development Assistants

These tools act like pair programmers with superpowers — suggesting syntax, writing functions, and helping you debug faster.

GitHub Copilot

One of the most recognized AI code assistants, GitHub Copilot, offers real-time code suggestions based on your comments and existing code. It integrates seamlessly with Visual Studio Code and JetBrains IDEs.

ChatGPT

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a versatile tool for code generation, refactoring, and learning new technologies. With GPT-4 Turbo, developers can now handle complex code reviews, generate regex, and even write full-stack applications.

Claude

Claude from Anthropic is praised for its thoughtful reasoning and context awareness, making it ideal for solving tricky bugs or understanding large codebases.

Amazon CodeWhisperer

Optimized for AWS environments, CodeWhisperer delivers smart, secure code suggestions directly in IDEs like VS Code and IntelliJ.

StarCoder

An open-source code generation model from Hugging Face and ServiceNow that excels at generating Python and JavaScript code.

AlphaCode

Built by DeepMind, AlphaCode pushes the boundaries of competitive programming, solving complex challenges with creativity and accuracy.

Read more: AI uses in eCommerce business

Enhancing Team Productivity

These AI solutions are geared toward improving collaboration, project maintenance, and productivity across teams.

Cody by Sourcegraph

Trained on enterprise-level codebases, Cody accelerates onboarding, supports bug fixing, and helps developers explore repositories faster.

Pieces

A personal AI workspace for developers. Pieces organizes code snippets, suggests improvements, and integrates with tools like VS Code, Slack, and Chrome.

Visual Copilot by Builder.io

Instantly transforms Figma designs into clean front-end code using popular frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular.

Mutable.ai

Transforms natural language into production-ready code and refactors legacy systems into modern architectures.

Code Quality, Security, & Completion

The following tools make sure your code is secure, clean, and optimized.

Snyk

Real-time security scanning for open-source libraries, containers, and proprietary code. Now enhanced with AI-assisted remediation.

Tabnine

A long-standing AI autocomplete tool that learns from your team’s code to improve suggestions over time.

Codacy

Uses machine learning to automate code reviews and ensure your team maintains high coding standards.

DeepSource

Continuous quality analysis tool that flags anti-patterns, security risks, and performance bottlenecks using AI.

SonarQube + AI Plugins

While SonarQube is already popular for code quality, new AI plugins now help developers auto-resolve repetitive issues.

Final Thoughts

AI is no longer a futuristic add-on — it’s an essential part of the modern development workflow. Whether you’re building APIs, designing UIs, or auditing security, there’s an AI tool ready to help you work smarter.

Fatal error: Uncaught TypeError: flock): Argument #1 (Sstream) must be of type resource. Automatically delete cache files older than 15 days in cPanel cron job

Today, we faced one unique challenge: one of the client websites was down, and the error message showed it could not write the cache folder.

Fatal error: Uncaught TypeError: flock): Argument #1 (Sstream) must be of type resource

Fatal error: Uncaught TypeError: flock): Argument #1 (Sstream) must be of type resource, bool given in /.../system/library/cache/file.php:51 Stack trace: #0
/.../system/library/cache/file.php(51): flock(false, 2) #1 /.../system/library/cache.php(53): Cache\File-›set('store', Array) #2
/.../admin/model/setting/store.php(47): Cache->set('store',Array) #3 /.../storage/modification/system/engine/loader.php(248): ModelSettingStore->getStores) #4 .../system/engine/proxy.php(47): Loader->{closure} (Array, Array) #5 /.../admin/controller/common/header.php(79): Proxy->_ _call(getStores', Array) #6 /.../storage/modification/system/engine/action.php(79): ControllerCommonHeader->index(Array) #7 /.../storage/modification/system/engine/loader.php(48): Action-
>execute(Object(Registry), Array) #8 /.../admin/controller/common/dashboard.php(89): Loader->controller('common/header') #9 .../storage/modification/system/engine/action.php(79)ControllerCommonDashboard->index#10/.../admin/controller/startup/router.php(26):Action-
>execute(Object(Registry), Array) #11 /.../storage/modification/system/engine/action. php(79): ControllerStartupRouter->index() #12 /.../system/engine/router.php(67): Action-
›execute(Object(Registry)) #13 /.../system/engine/router.php(56): Router->execute(Object(Action)) #14 /.../system/framework.php(172): Router->dispatch(Object(Action), Object(Action)) #15 /.../system/startup.php(104): require_once(/.') #16 /.../admin/index.php(22): start('admin') #17 {main} thrown in /.../system/library/cache/file.php on line 51

Checking line 51 at file.php, we find the following code:

public function set($key, $value) {
	$this->delete($key);
	$file = DIR_CACHE . 'cache.' . preg_replace('/[^A-Z0-9\._-]/i', '', $key) . '.' . (time() + $this->expire);
	$handle = fopen($file, 'w');
	flock($handle, LOCK_EX);
	fwrite($handle, json_encode($value));
	fflush($handle);
	flock($handle, LOCK_UN);
	fclose($handle);
}

Instantly, we thought of removing the files and folders in the cache folder. First, we checked how many files were there in the cache folder and found out that there

find /home3/webocreation/23storage | wc -l

The directory /home3/webocreation/23storage/ was currently using approximately 5,353,389 inodes. It appears that the majority of those files were located within the cache/template folder. So, first, we delete the cache/template folder content through a command as we have terminal access, but you can do it through FTP.

rm -rf /home3/webocreation/23storage/cache/template/*

Warning: This command permanently deletes all files and sub-directories in the cache folder. Double-check the path before running it.

After deleting the files inside the cache/template folder, the website is back again. The disk usage was 250GB; after deletion, it showed 120 GB. This raised a concern that we need to clean up the cache folder periodically and automatically.

Automatically delete cache files older than 15 days in cPanel cron job

To automatically remove files older than 15 days from your OpenCart system/storage/cache folder using a cron job in cPanel, follow these steps:

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up the Cron Job

1. Log into cPanel

  • Access your hosting account and open the cPanel dashboard.

2. Open Cron Jobs

  • In the Advanced section, click on Cron Jobs.

3. Add New Cron Job

  • Choose a schedule.
Cron Job Cpanel Opencart

4. Command to Enter

Replace /home/username/public_html/system/storage/cache/ with the full path to your OpenCart cache folder. Then, enter this command:

find /home3/webocreation/23/storage/cache/ -mindepth 1 -mtime +15 -exec rm -rf {} \;

Explanation:

  • find: Linux command to search for files.
  • -type f: Search for files only.
  • -mtime +15: Files older than 15 days.
  • -delete: Deletes the matching files.

✅ Final Example

Cronjob lists

🔒 Important Notes:

  • This deletes only files, not folders.
  • If you want to delete empty folders, add -type d -empty -delete as a second command.
  • Always test the path and back up important data before using automated deletion.

Let me know if you want to also:

  • Clean logs
  • Remove image cache (image/cache)
  • Exclude specific files or folders

Happy caching! 🚀

Docker set up for Opencart for local development

Setting up a local PHP development environment with Docker for OpenCart involves creating a Docker Compose configuration file to define the services needed for running OpenCart, such as PHP, MySQL, Redis, Apache, etc. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you set up your development environment:

Install Docker and Docker Compose

Make sure you have Docker and Docker Compose installed on your system. You can download and install them from the official Docker website: https://www.docker.com/get-started

Clone the Opencart Github

Install Git: Before you can clone the OpenCart repository, you need to have Git installed on your system. Git is a version control system that allows you to track changes to files and collaborate with others on software development projects. You can download and install Git from the official website: https://git-scm.com/.

Clone the OpenCart Repository Once Git is installed, open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory where you want to clone the OpenCart repository. Then, run the following command:

git clone https://github.com/opencart/opencart.git

This command will clone the entire OpenCart repository from GitHub to your local machine.

Set Up a Local Development Environment

To set up a local development environment for OpenCart, you’ll need a web server (e.g., Apache or Nginx), PHP, and MySQL. You can either install these components manually or use a pre-configured solution like Docker. If you’re using Docker, you can create a docker-compose.yml. This file defines the services needed for running OpenCart, including PHP, MySQL, and Apache.

When you clone from the Opencart Github, everything is already set up for you. You will see docker-compose.yml, Dockerfile, and tools folder

Opencart Docker

Now, run docker-compose up is the command used to start the Docker containers defined in your docker-compose.yml file. This command starts with the services specified in the file, which typically include web servers, databases, and any other necessary components for your application.

docker-compose up 

The first time will take some time to pull all the Docker images like Postgres, Redis, Memcached, MySQL, Opencart, admirer etc.

Docker compose up

Once all docker images are pulled, in the end, you will see the Store link and Admin link below:

Opencart URL Store

You can visit http://localhost, and you will see the Opencart Store. For admin login, go to http://localhost/admin and use admin as username and admin as password.

If you check the Docker Desktop, then you will see the following container:

Opencart Docker Container

You will see the following Docker Images pulled:

Opencart Docker Images

Now, you can work in the upload folder code and see changes as you develop in the localhost URL.

Access the Opencart database in Docker

To access the Opencart database, visit http://localhost:8080 and enter root as the username and password as the password.

Opencart docker database PHPmyadmin

Once you log in, you will see an interface similar to PHPmyadmin. Select the opencart database, and you can see all the database tables

Docker PHPmyadmin

Access Linux environment with Docker command

Sometimes, you may need to access the Linux environment created in Docker, and for that, find out what the image name is: Docker >> Images.

Docker Image Opencart

As per above and the Dockerfile, it is opencart-opencart, so to access the Linux instances, you can use a command like below:

docker exec -it opencart-opencart-1 /bin/bash

Now you can use any command that you use in Linux

Dockerfile for Opencart

FROM php:8.2.11-apache

ARG DOWNLOAD_URL
ARG FOLDER


ENV DIR_OPENCART='/var/www/html/'
ENV DIR_STORAGE='/storage/'
ENV DIR_CACHE=${DIR_STORAGE}'cache/'
ENV DIR_DOWNLOAD=${DIR_STORAGE}'download/'
ENV DIR_LOGS=${DIR_STORAGE}'logs/'
ENV DIR_SESSION=${DIR_STORAGE}'session/'
ENV DIR_UPLOAD=${DIR_STORAGE}'upload/'
ENV DIR_IMAGE=${DIR_OPENCART}'image/'


RUN apt-get clean && apt-get update && apt-get install unzip

RUN apt-get install -y \
  libfreetype6-dev \
  libjpeg62-turbo-dev \
  libpng-dev \
  libzip-dev \
  && docker-php-ext-configure gd --with-freetype --with-jpeg\
  && docker-php-ext-install -j$(nproc) gd \
  && docker-php-ext-install zip && && docker-php-ext-enable zip\
  && docker-php-ext-enable mysqli

RUN apt-get install -y vim

RUN mkdir /storage && mkdir /opencart

RUN if [ -z "$DOWNLOAD_URL" ]; then \
  curl -Lo /tmp/opencart.zip $(sh -c 'curl -s https://api.github.com/repos/opencart/opencart/releases/latest | grep "browser_download_url" | cut -d : -f 2,3 | tr -d \"'); \
  else \
  curl -Lo /tmp/opencart.zip ${DOWNLOAD_URL}; \
  fi

RUN unzip /tmp/opencart.zip -d  /tmp/opencart;

RUN mv /tmp/opencart/$(if [ -n "$FOLDER" ]; then echo $FOLDER; else  unzip -l /tmp/opencart.zip | awk '{print $4}' | grep -E 'opencart-[a-z0-9.]+/upload/$'; fi)* ${DIR_OPENCART};

RUN rm -rf /tmp/opencart.zip && rm -rf /tmp/opencart && rm -rf ${DIR_OPENCART}install;

RUN mv ${DIR_OPENCART}system/storage/* /storage
COPY configs ${DIR_OPENCART}
COPY php.ini ${PHP_INI_DIR}

RUN a2enmod rewrite

RUN chown -R www-data:www-data ${DIR_STORAGE}
RUN chmod -R 555 ${DIR_OPENCART}
RUN chmod -R 666 ${DIR_STORAGE}
RUN chmod 555 ${DIR_STORAGE}
RUN chmod -R 555 ${DIR_STORAGE}vendor
RUN chmod 755 ${DIR_LOGS}
RUN chmod -R 644 ${DIR_LOGS}*

RUN chown -R www-data:www-data ${DIR_IMAGE}
RUN chmod -R 744 ${DIR_IMAGE}
RUN chmod -R 755 ${DIR_CACHE}

RUN chmod -R 666 ${DIR_DOWNLOAD}
RUN chmod -R 666 ${DIR_SESSION}
RUN chmod -R 666 ${DIR_UPLOAD}

CMD ["apache2-foreground"]

Docker Compose Configuration File for Opencart

version: '3'
services:
  opencart:
    build: tools
    user: 1000:1000
    ports:
      - "80:80"
    volumes:
      - ./upload:/var/www/html
    depends_on:
      - mysql
    command: >
      bash -c "if [ ! -f /var/www/html/install.lock ]; then
                 wait-for-it mysql:3306 -t 60 &&
                 cp config-dist.php config.php
                 cp admin/config-dist.php admin/config.php
                 php /var/www/html/install/cli_install.php install --username admin --password admin --email email@example.com --http_server http://localhost/ --db_driver mysqli --db_hostname mysql --db_username root --db_password opencart --db_database opencart --db_port 3306 --db_prefix oc_;
                 touch /var/www/html/install.lock;
               fi &&
               apache2-foreground"

  mysql:
    image: mysql:5.7
    ports:
      - "3306:3306"
    environment:
      - MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=opencart
      - MYSQL_DATABASE=opencart

  adminer:
    image: adminer:latest
    environment:
      ADMINER_DEFAULT_SERVER: mysql
    depends_on:
      - mysql
    ports:
      - "8080:8080"

  redis:
    image: redis:latest

  memcached:
    image: memcached:latest

  postgres:
    image: postgres:latest
    environment:
      - POSTGRES_USER=postgres
      - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=opencart
      - POSTGRES_DB=opencart

Error: Cannot connect to the Docker daemon at unix:///Users//.docker/run/docker.sock. Is the docker daemon running?

You just need to run the Docker as questioned.

That’s it! You now have a local PHP development environment with Docker for OpenCart. You can develop and test your OpenCart extensions or customizations locally before deploying them to a production environment.

Unlocking Network Management: A Comprehensive Guide to MIB Browsers

As networks grow in scale and complexity, network management becomes a critical task for IT professionals. Managing and monitoring network devices efficiently is vital for ensuring seamless communication and preventing downtime. MIB browsers play a significant role in simplifying this intricate process by providing a user-friendly interface for interacting with devices on the network. Through the decoding of Management Information Bases (MIBs), these browsers offer insights into the performance and configuration of network components. Below, we explore the inner workings of MIB browsers and their utility in contemporary network management realms.

Understanding the Role of MIB Browsers in Network Management

img

An MIB browser is a crucial tool for IT professionals, helping them access and interpret data from network devices using the SNMP framework. It organizes data into a structured format, allowing network managers to monitor performance metrics, detect issues early, and configure settings remotely. By querying specific MIB objects, administrators can track traffic flow, error rates, and overall device health, ensuring smooth network operations.

Beyond monitoring, an MIB browser is essential for setting performance thresholds and customizing alerts for abnormal device behavior. These alerts enable quick intervention, reducing downtime and improving network reliability. As networks grow, MIB browsers scale effortlessly, maintaining efficiency while managing more devices and handling larger data sets.

Navigating the Basics of SNMP and MIB Integration

The MIB browser is a visual interface that simplifies the integration of SNMP and MIB. SNMP is an internet-standard protocol used for collecting and organizing information about managed devices on IP networks, forming the backbone of network management. MIB, or Management Information Base, is a database used to manage entities in a communication network.

It includes accessible objects, their structure, and hierarchy, which SNMP-enabled devices can query or set. When integrated into an SNMP-based management system, MIBs create an organized framework for network information, facilitating easy querying and updating. MIBs can handle everything from basic device identification to detailed performance statistics.

Essential Features to Consider When Choosing a MIB Browser

When choosing an MIB browser for network management, consider several key features. The interface should be intuitive, with good search capabilities for locating specific MIBs. The browser should support a wide range of MIBs, making it useful in heterogeneous network environments. Real-time monitoring and graphing capabilities are essential for visualizing data trends.

Advanced functionality, such as trap receivers for handling SNMP traps, is crucial for proactive network management. The ability to write and modify values to MIB objects can turn passive monitoring into active management tasks. Free resources like a mib browser can help users assess software options without initial costs, determining if a particular MIB browser fits their network’s unique needs and management style.

Step-by-Step Guide to Utilizing a MIB Browser for Network Troubleshooting

img

Network troubleshooting involves familiarizing oneself with the user interface of an MIB browser. The first step is to input the device’s details, such as its IP address and SNMP credentials. Once connected, an MIB browser loads and browses relevant MIB files, allowing users to traverse the MIB tree for real-time data.

IT professionals can adjust device configurations without physical access, addressing anomalies or performance issues before they escalate into major disruptions. MIB browsers also offer automation features for recurring issues or continuous monitoring tasks, scheduling routine checks and actions based on specific conditions or threshold breaches. Implementing these features can streamline network management workflows and improve network operations reliability.

Comparing Popular MIB Browsers: Functionality and User Experiences

Evaluating and contrasting popular MIB browsers is crucial for making an informed decision. User-friendly design, versatility, performance, reliability, and community support are key factors. A robust MIB browser can handle high loads and complex network architectures without compromising response times or accuracy. User feedback and community support are also important, as they can assist with troubleshooting issues and learning sophisticated features.

Pricing and cost structure are also important, as businesses must balance the feature set against the investment required. Some MIB browsers offer attractive price-performance ratios or enterprise licensing agreements while considering the total cost of ownership, including purchase price, deployment, training, and maintenance.

Overall, MIB browsers stand as an indispensable tool in the network management arsenal, contributing to the efficiency, responsiveness, and long-term sustainability of network operations. The thoughtful selection and implementation of a MIB browser can delineate between an average and an exceptional network management experience.