Programming | Designer’s League

Getting Started as a Designer

When you first set out to be a web designer, you are going to run into one simple problem before you ever work on soliciting a client. You probably won’t start out knowing anything about how to code up a website. If this is the case, you are going to have a lot of learning to do. After you learn to code, there will also be more to it on a non-technical front.

First off, you need to learn how to code up a website. This has a lot of components to it, and every website you code is going to be a little bit neater than the last one was. Practice your code relentlessly, and in time you will get much better at it. As time goes on, your understanding of the logic involved in web design will improve dramatically. At first, even the most basic html code will be confusing. Over time, however, more sophisticated types of languages are going to become more easy to decipher for you.

However, the technical aspects are only one component of the process of being a web designer. You also need to learn the art of marketing your services. If ever there were two types of processes more different from one another, they were coding up web pages and marketing to human beings. Simply put, you have to understand why people buy, and figure out how to get them to buy from you. Solve a problem for them, and you will move a long way toward knowing how to do this. Just never fall into the trap of thinking your work sells itself.

Filed Under: Programming, Web Design Tagged With: HTML, Web design, Website

Programming that Powers the Internet

If you are reading this article on the Internet, you’re making an indirect use of the technology components we are going to discuss here. Clearly, the importance of the Web-based technologies required for creating and publishing content on the Internet does not need an explanation. However, it raises few obvious questions, such as what programming languages are required to build a Web page or a Web application. This article briefly discusses the programming and markup languages required to create and publish a Web page.

RecipeBook_XML_Example from their website and ...

Image via Wikipedia

Markup Language for the Internet

HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the language that is required for authoring and publishing a Web page. In other words, whatever you see on a Web browser is written in the HTML language. If you want to write your own Web pages from scratch, learning HTML coding is an essential step.

Programming Languages for Web Development

Whereas HTML enables you to write static Web pages, you also need to learn a Web-enabled programming language to be able to build a dynamic website or a Web application. For instance, few of the most popular programming languages for the Web are, Java, PHP, CGI-Perl, Ruby, ASP, ASP.NET etc. Among all these languages, PHP has earned an enormous popularity for relatively rapid development of dynamic websites, mainly due to its simplicity.

In addition to the programming languages, you also need components like database, various tools and utilities, version control software etc. to complete your programming task. Also, you should have an FTP client in order to transfer your developed website onto a Web server for hosting your website.

Filed Under: Programming Tagged With: HTML, Programming language, Web page

The Electronics Need: Business

It was once a demand for ink, the exchange of paper and carefully crafted memorandums. The times have shifted, however, and what remains is a call for digital convenience. Business has become a virtual thing — and individuals can no longer be content with simple pages. They must instead seek technology.

Choosing the correct equipment requires far more than a trek to the electronics store, however. It instead demands an understanding of what a company needs — cost efficiency, sustainability and user ease.

Determine what is required. Examine daily routines (such as data entry, inventorying and customer service conversations) and choose electronics that will best support them. Look for pieces that have multiple functions — like a printer that features scanning and faxing capabilities — to save space and dollars.

Consider beyond the traditional computers. Choose software that will accelerate the business process: items that offer spreadsheets, billing directories and human resource information. Note video technology (such as web-cameras and microphones) to offer a more direct connection with consumers. Understand the value of interfacing as well. This includes micro-blogging software, which will make interacting with employees a faster thing.

Never ignore the need for security. Select items from the electronics store that will ensure the safety of a company. Encryption codes, digital signature compilers and anti-virus software are essential. Use these to protect all information (including client names, employee records and payment practices).

The purpose of technology is to offer relief for all individuals — and businesses are no exceptions to this. They must simply embrace virtuality and examine how it can best support them.

Filed Under: Programming Tagged With: Digital signature

Should You Pay to Have Your Website Designed?

When you design a website it can become anything you want it to be, from simple to complex, and the question of expense can range from next to nothing to a lot. As you think about designing your new website, you may be pondering the question of whether to pay a professional to design your website or to do it yourself. Depending on your needs and budget, either option could be appropriate.

Your budget is perhaps a good place to start. If you don’t have money to invest in this venture, regardless of the topic of the website, you won’t be able to finance the design of your website. Take into account the cost of running a website, such as hosting space and the theme, and get a good sense of what you can spend.

The purpose of your website should also be taken into account. After all, if you are creating an informational resource so that you can blog every now and then, it won’t be worth the money. If you are planning a business venture or something that could benefit from a top-notch design, such as a multimedia-enhanced site using software like Ares and xvid codec for your photography work for instance, then this is something to think about.

You will also need to compare your options. Depending on the foreseeable cost of a website, you have to gauge how much better that design will be than, say, something you put together from a premium blogging theme. If you don’t want to dedicate a lot of money right now, your money might be better served for advertising. You can always wait until later as well.

Designing a website can be an interesting adventure and can give you the sense of doing something yourself. However, a professional’s touch that will save you time and give you a polished result is something to think about. Either way, do some research and get going on your big idea.

Filed Under: Programming, Programming Languages Tagged With: Design, Web design, Website

Getting Started with FTP Sites

File transfer protocol (FTP) sites give website developers an easy, secure way to manage the content of their pages. Before you can start using an FTP site, though, you will need to understand the basics of FTP and software like FileZilla. This will help you manage your content and accomplish your goals without frustration.

FTP Clients

The easiest way to use an FTP site is with an FTP client. An FTP client is simply a piece of software that lets you upload and download files. Technically, you don’t need a client to transfer files. They make the work much easier, though, because you can quickly see which files you have saved to your computer and which you have on your website. This allows you to trade files easily without worrying that you have made mistakes.

Sharing Files with Others

An FTP site can also allow you to share files with other people through the Internet. In order to give them access to your files, you will need to a static IP address and FTP server software. If you already have a website, then you will want to get an FTP address that matches the Web URL. The default static IP addresses are not very comprehensible to humans. They are just strings of digits and dots. Getting a domain name, however, makes it much easier for people to remember and find your FTP site.

There are plenty of FTP server programs like File Zilla available online. Most of them have free trial versions that will let you test the software before you purchase it. Try several pieces of software before making a financial commitment. Just because one works fine doesn’t mean that another won’t work great.

Setting a Password

Before giving internet users access to your FTP, you will need to create a password that proves they have permission. Choosing a random password rather than one that means something to you helps prevent people from accessing your files without permission.

File transfer protocol (FTP) sites give website developers an easy, secure way to manage the content of their pages. Before you can start using an FTP site, though, you will need to understand the basics of FTP. This will help you manage your content and accomplish your goals without frustration.

FTP Clients

Sharing Files with Others

There are plenty of FTP server programs available online. Most of them have free trial versions that will let you test the software before you purchase it. Try several pieces of software before making a financial commitment. Just because one works fine doesn’t mean that another won’t work great.

Setting a Password

Filed Under: Computers, Programming Tagged With: File Transfer Protocol, FileZilla, IP address

Learning HTML

You are a regular on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace; and now you’ve decided to up your online presence with your very own website. And now you’ve decided to take that next step and do it yourself by learning HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). Good for you! HTML is the backbone of almost all websites. However, while learning this programming language may start out easy, actually mastering it is a bit more difficult.

However, with a few good resources, you can start creating great websites almost immediately.

First, take into consideration the potential that HTML has. Much like building a home, HTML lets you start at the foundation and build up, with complete creative control. If you use site-building templates, you may not have as much control as you’d like. It may be difficult to change fonts, color, image size, and so on.

Research HTML resources. Go online and delve into some tutorials. You’ll also find a wealth of sites that provide instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you become familiar with HTML. You can also ask friends or family who may have HTML experience to help you. Just make sure they understand that you are a novice and that they should avoid technical terms and jargon.

Start practicing. We all know that with practice comes expertise in any skill set. As your skills improve, you’ll find HTML coding becomes easier and you can be even more creative. You’ll start to understand the ins and outs of how the code works. Make sure you begin using a text editor rather than a WYSIWG package. This will allow you to actually write and understand the code, rather than allow the application to translate it for you.

Make sure you test your work on as many browsers as you can. There’s nothing more frustrating to an end user than a site that won’t work on his or her browser.

Filed Under: Internet, Programming Tagged With: Facebook, HTML, MySpace

How to Learn HTML

: Image via Wikipedia

Many people wonder how they can create and build their own website. The Internet is full of pre-made templates that people use for their blogs and personal or professional website. Even though the templates do the coding for you, many people want to make a few adjustments to add their own personal touches. In order to do this, you’ll need to know HTML.

HTML might sound scary, but it really isn’t. It’s pretty basic and it won’t take long for you to get the hang of it. If you’re a little confused or intimidated by HTML, there are several books available at your local library that can offer some extra help.

There are also websites you can check out for additional HTML help. You’d be surprised at the amount of online tutorials you can find on HTML. Utilize these tutorials, because they’re available online for you to use them.

To get the hang of things, create a website that you can use to get practice. Decide on a subject you know a lot about. You want to focus more on the HTML and building your website as opposed to what content you want to put on it. The creating process is the best way to get practice working with HTML. Get creative! This is your chance to have some fun while learning HTML.

If you’re really happy with how your practice website turned out, let it go live for everyone to see! Be proud of the work you just did.

Learning HTML might seem a bit on the scary side, but it really isn’t that intimidating to learn. It’s just a ton of basic coding put onto a webpage to create an amazing website. Watching some online tutorials and reading books on HTML is a great way to learn HTML so you can create your own personal website.

Filed Under: Internet, Programming Tagged With: HTML, Tutorial, Website

Beginners Coding with HTML

: Image by iStylr via Flickr

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the most popular language used in creating web pages. When desiring to build your own website, understanding HTML is paramount. It is not difficult to learn, and there are myriad resources available online to help you learn or to deal with any confusing issues.

HTML consists of elements that are enclosed within angled brackets, these are called tags. There is normally a start tag as well as a closing tag. A web browser is designed to read these tags and turn them into either visual or audio pages. Web browsers do not display the tags but rather use them to interpret what data to display as well as how to display it.

One of the most attractive features about HTML is its simplicity of use. You can learn a few codes quickly and immediately see results. You can build on a basic knowledge of HTML to turn a simple website into one that is more complicated or detailed.

HTML Editors are tools that allow you to use software that translates whatever you write or design into code. The code can then be uploaded to your site without you ever having to understand any of the code terms and tags. This software is called WYSIWG, or What You See Is What You Get. These editors show you immediately on the screen what your website will look like once the code has been compiled.

There are a variety of free HTML editors available online, but those who will be building multiple sites or want their sites to have advanced features, may consider purchasing a software package that will code these sophisticated features for them.

HTML editors are a quick and easy way to learn to use HTML. You can compare the code with the page to see exactly what each tag does and before long you’ll be coding HTML with the best.

Filed Under: Internet, Programming Tagged With: HTML, HTML editor, HTML element

Keeping up with Technology can be a Full Time Job

With an explosion in technology, it seems like there is something new or something better every time you turn on the television or look at the internet. Cellphones are a prime example of how far technology has changed in just a few short years. It wasn’t long ago, that cellphones were a rarity, now everyone from 11 to 90 has one. Just a few short years ago, cellphones were simply a mobile device for making phone calls. Now they are a music player, a camera, an internet search engine; almost a computer in your pocket.

With pictures and video becoming more of an everyday occurrence for the common user, adaptations in this technology are changing rapidly. It wasn’t long ago that a camcorder weighed several pounds and came with a suitcase like bag to ‘haul’ it around. Revolutions in that technology now sport a pocket camcorder, a device so small it can fit in your pocket.

With this technology coming in such a fast-paced manner, it’s not surprising that some are taking steps to monitor their effects. Ever see someone driving down the road at breakneck speed while texting or looking away from their driving responsibilities? The Obama administration is looking into the possibility of disabling cell phones in cars. The hope is that the jammers would cut down on distracted drivers and deaths related to cellphone deaths. Can’t come soon enough!

That new computer you bought for Christmas will probably be outdated in about six months, with newer and faster components on the market by year’s end to tempt shoppers once again.

The explosion in technology has sifted into social media like Facebook and YouTube, where teenagers download pictures, videos and music from their phones and post on the sites for everyone to see. Keeping up with what’s new and what’s the latest gadget can seem overwhelming to even those who consider themselves technologically savvy.

Filed Under: Programming, Programming Languages Tagged With: Facebook, Mobile phone, YouTube

Learning Internet Codes And Web Page Design

Learning Internet codes and web design usually falls under a few categories such as HTML, CSS, WYSIWYG and PHP. These four components are a necessity when designing a web site because they are the essential ingredients in order to design and publish a web site.

The first one being focused on is CSS. This is the computer programming language that gives your site its look. This can include colors, the style, where the borders are and everything that makes it look a certain way. Similar to how makeup on a face looks, CSS is the same thing in effect but for your website. You may not have to learn all about CSS programming but you will most certainly use the same functions in any website you create.

HTML is the language that describes a website or web page. It is sometimes confused with a program but it’s not; it’s the markup language. Its purpose is to allow browsers (Firefox, Internet Explorer and more) to display the page properly.

PHP is a scripting language that can be embedded into HTML and what this does is create dynamic web pages. You might also want to learn how to ensure you can use multimedia players like xvid and Ares Galaxy on your website.

The last and most easy of these categories is WYSIWYG and that stands for “what you see is what you get.” This type of category does not fall into the Internet coding world because you are not doing any coding at all. This is excellent for beginners to use but not really considered a professional’s choice of web design creation. For that, one needs to be able to utilize the other three: PHP, CSS and HTML.

Learning the three types of coding can be done by taking classes or even going online to learn through tutorials. They are the very foundation that make a dynamic and eye catching website that customers will love.

Filed Under: Programming, Programming Languages Tagged With: Cascading Style Sheets, Internet Explorer, Web design