Starting with web development - tips and software requirements

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Xon

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Hi all,

I am looking into doing some web development for the first time (All I know at the moment is a bit of HTML, CSS and PHP, SQL and Javascript shouldn't be too difficult to pick up).
At first I wanted to write a post to find out if anyone knows where to buy Photoshop CS2 for under a thousand, but then thought it would also be interesting to ask for people's insights regarding how one should embark on a quest to develop your first website.

At the moment I am developing my first website with PHP and MySQL, but please feel free to discuss any technology used for web development.

All tips are welcome (also, if anyone knows of any good place to buy Photoshop for under R1000.00 even if it's an old version, please let me know)

Looking forward to your response.
 
You don't need to spend money to buy expensive graphics packages. Since you have made a start with php and mysql, I assume you have this setup on Linux? Just google CSS and php for some tutorials

E.g http://www.tizag.com/
 
zippy said:
You don't need to spend money to buy expensive graphics packages. Since you have made a start with php and mysql, I assume you have this setup on Linux? Just google CSS and php for some tutorials

E.g http://www.tizag.com/
Click to expand...

WAMP Stack (windows mysql/php)
gimp for graphics
 
Thank you for all of your replies so far,

I am developing the website in windows (using WAMP Server and Netbeans), I have also thought about using Gimp (I assume it's one of the packages most similar to photoshop?), what, preferably free, Windows alternative would you guys recommend for photoshop?
 
Gimp ?:P You arent going to find anything better than gimp thats free.
 
Ianvn said:
Have you had a look at Inkscape?
Click to expand...

Inkscape is for vector graphics, he's not going to get too much use out of it for webdesign... Logos is a different story

I'd say gimp too there are loads of gimp tutorials around as well to replicate photoshop effects
 
You looking into web development or web design? My definition of the former definitely doesn't require Photoshop, however the latter might. Alternatively, is your looking for this software unrelated to the actual web development in question?
 
stevenv said:
You looking into web development or web design? My definition of the former definitely doesn't require Photoshop, however the latter might. Alternatively, is your looking for this software unrelated to the actual web development in question?
Click to expand...

I was gonna say the same thing but the way he worded the op he obviously hasn't choosen sides yet! He's just starting out and wants to build a website period

Yes the term "web development" is considered the back-end of a website, server-side scripting bla bla but have you ever met a developer who's knows nothing about web design or never used an image manipulation program to create elements for pages even though UI is "web design" in reality they're intertwined... He's not applying for a job yet... Even then some people's job's require them to be competent at both
 
I agree they do intertwine
Sadly thou most php positions ask for a bsc or something similar and two years experience
design positions ask for a relevant tertiary degree and experience.

Agencies looking for webdesigners want portfolios ( you can have the intelligence or personality of dental floss for all they care)
And I imagine development positions want to see functionality and could care less how its presented
I would recommended someone starting out to try identify their gifts, are you a righty or lefty? and focus on your strong point
Developers use templates and css frameworks
designers use photoshop and learn html css ... meh
 
Graphics on a WAMP stack - take a look at Paint.Net for the simpler stuff, GIMP for the advanced stuff. Inkscape for anything that requires vectors (I've actually designed an entire website in Inkscape, and exported to PNG - it's possible, and very maintenance friendly!).

If you are working in PHP and just getting started, try Aptana (above), Netbeans or Eclipse (both are heavy programs, in my opinion), or Microsoft WebMatrix. I've moved from Aptana to WebMatrix myeslf, and the latter is very smooth. A few alternatives that I have on my hard drive for testing/review are:

Code Lobster (PHP edition) - this one has IntelliSense, and is portable to boot
Dev-PHP - not too keen on this by first impressions.

Good luck. My only advice to you is to keep on learning. Don't ever stop once you are in - this industry moves too fast for that. ;)
 
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Hi to all

Once again thank you all for your assistance it is helping me clear up quite a few things!

It's true that my questions have more to do with web design, I am more of a "development" type of person, although I like creating the front-end as well as the back-end of the website, the group of people I am targeting will most likely be more willing to stare at a flashing epilepsy-inducing screen than at a website capable of generating the cure for the common cold displayed in courier-new.

Gimp seems like the best alternative to Photoshop although I like the idea of using Inkscape aswell. Netbeans I find more user-friendly and a bit faster than Eclipse at this moment. I haven't heard of Microsoft WebMatrix (It sounds tempting as I am already developing applications with Microsoft's compilers/software and guess while I am a bit more familiar with their software packages it might be worth a try), thanks for the pointer Raithlin :-)

As I am surprised by the amount of responses so far and no-one has pointed me to other threads yet, I thought it would be nice to hear everyone's opinions on the following questions (If you feel the need to point me to another thread that asked the same question already, please feel free to do so, although I like to interactively respond to everyone's replies here):

  • At the moment I am using Hetzner (www.hetzner.co.za) for their hosting services, what hosts are recommended and if there are people already hosting with Hetzner are you fully satisfied with their services so far?
  • I suspect I will need to start developing with ASP.NET in the near future as well, what is the main differences between ASP.NET and C# and what technologies should one become familiar with when developing websites with it (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server, C# etc.)
  • I have only done a little bit of researching on Ajax and if I understand correctly one can use it to communicate with the web server without having to reload the page (which sounds very useful, although not without it's frustrations), is it difficult to use and would anyone recommend me to start learning to use the technology so early in my web-development/design "career" or does other technologies take precedence in this regard, also what books are recommended on the topic.
  • The previous point also made me wonder what book-sellers are recommended (can also be phrased as what book sellers are the cheapest, as they do not tend to be so easy on one's pocket).
  • I have thought about getting a friend to do the interface of the website (effectively he will design the front-end while I design the back end), how would one go about splitting the profits when partnering up with someone.
  • Considering a scenario where I (for example) want to browse my computer through a custom website adapted to suit my or a clients needs (e.g when an folder with audio files and pictures are found appropriate utilities should be provided to view/play the file. One should also be able to manipulate the files, i.e. move delete etc), what technologies should I start learning about to achieve this and how would you go about doing this?
  • What do you need to know to create custom controls (if it is the correct term here) to create your own edit boxes, report controls etc.

Please don't feel the need to answer all of the points above, I am more than satisfied even if just one point gets answered per reply.

Thanks in advance!
 
Off topic, just wanna say that I am very impressed by the OP's desire to learn. I wish more people were like him. Keep it up! I think you going to do very well. (Sorry for the off-topic again)
 
Xon said:
[*]I suspect I will need to start developing with ASP.NET in the near future as well, what is the main differences between ASP.NET and C# and what technologies should one become familiar with when developing websites with it (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server, C# etc.)

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

ASP is web scripting language, while C# is a java/c++ clone i.e a fully fledged languaged for different applications.
 
I'm hosting with Hetzner and have no issues.

Business related:

Go have a look at Google Engage if you going the small business way. Google basicly supports small business owners to help other small businesses to get on the Web.

http://www.google.co.za/adwords/engage

Your question:
I have thought about getting a friend to do the interface of the website (effectively he will design the front-end while I design the back end), how would one go about splitting the profits when partnering up with someone.

Have a look at www.mysmallbusiness.co.za. There are a lot of pointers to running a business and contracts and so on.

If you need someone for the front-end let me know. I'm more the front-end type designer than the backend.
 
Last edited:
Xon said:
  • At the moment I am using Hetzner (www.hetzner.co.za) for their hosting services, what hosts are recommended and if there are people already hosting with Hetzner are you fully satisfied with their services so far?
  • I suspect I will need to start developing with ASP.NET in the near future as well, what is the main differences between ASP.NET and C# and what technologies should one become familiar with when developing websites with it (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server, C# etc.)
  • I have only done a little bit of researching on Ajax and if I understand correctly one can use it to communicate with the web server without having to reload the page (which sounds very useful, although not without it's frustrations), is it difficult to use and would anyone recommend me to start learning to use the technology so early in my web-development/design "career" or does other technologies take precedence in this regard, also what books are recommended on the topic.
  • The previous point also made me wonder what book-sellers are recommended (can also be phrased as what book sellers are the cheapest, as they do not tend to be so easy on one's pocket).
  • I have thought about getting a friend to do the interface of the website (effectively he will design the front-end while I design the back end), how would one go about splitting the profits when partnering up with someone.
  • Considering a scenario where I (for example) want to browse my computer through a custom website adapted to suit my or a clients needs (e.g when an folder with audio files and pictures are found appropriate utilities should be provided to view/play the file. One should also be able to manipulate the files, i.e. move delete etc), what technologies should I start learning about to achieve this and how would you go about doing this?
  • What do you need to know to create custom controls (if it is the correct term here) to create your own edit boxes, report controls etc.
Click to expand...
  • AJAX - learn jQuery. Their AJAX encapsulation is excellent, and will speed up your development. In fact, learn jQuery anyway - especially if you are interested in using MVC.
  • I have found the "Head First" series by O'Reilly to be easy to read, and full of good karma and stuff. :p Seriously, O'Reilly are chock-full of good books.
  • Your partner and you must come to your own agreement. Split the profits up on an hourly basis, or choose a percentage beforehand.
  • Creating custom controls - Learn C#, HTML and JavaScript if you want to use it. Google is your recipe book here. ;)
samaras said:
ASP is web scripting language, while C# is a java/c++ clone i.e a fully fledged languaged for different applications.
Click to expand...
While samaras is technically correct (ASP is a scripting language, in any respect), this answer has no bearing on your question. :erm: ASP.Net is .Net's web platform, as opposed to Windows.Forms/WPF for rich client development. It is a set of libraries that you can use with any .Net language (C#, VB.Net, Delphi.Net, SmallTalk.Net, COBOL.Net) to produce web applications. You would want to get to know your chosen route, either Web Forms or ASP.Net MVC. Web Forms is good enough for basic applications, but if you are going to use AJAX for most of your post-backs you may want to look into MVC.

[RANT]
C# is NOT a Java clone. If anything, it is an evolution of Delphi, having been created by the Delphi creator. It may be similar in syntax to C++ and Java, but when coupled with the extensive set of libraries available in the .Net platform, becomes a powerful tool in its own right.

To say that C# is a Java clone because it is similar in syntax is to say that Java itself is a clone of C++ - and even I know that isn't the case.
[/RANT]
 
Last edited:
Raithlin said:
[RANT]
C# is NOT a Java clone. If anything, it is an evolution of Delphi, having been created by the Delphi creator. It may be similar in syntax to C++ and Java, but when coupled with the extensive set of libraries available in the .Net platform, becomes a powerful tool in its own right.

To say that C# is a Java clone because it is similar in syntax is to say that Java itself is a clone of C++ - and even I know that isn't the case.
[/RANT]
Click to expand...

Delphi is Pascal with Forms/Widgets. The simiralities between Java & C# are very similar compared to C++ and Java.
I am reading up on C#, for the first 8 chapters they looked almost the same(except C# has added a few keywords and renamed the other ones).

I haven't read up on WinForms(i.e different to say Swing) and such. Oh and they have Delagates.

Try reading a Java book and C++ book. Trust me u will see a massive difference.

Ps. C# is better than Java now.
 
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