Forum Moderators: phranque
Ok, I have alot of great ideas for websites that I want to get up and running, but now I need the skills. But what skills should I have in my bag of tricks?
I want to get to the point where I can build any idea that comes into my head. Initially, by using existing CMS and programmes, but eventually being able to create my own templates etc.
I know I need to learn HTML, PHP, & SQL databases as a start. Any other suggestions?
as you go along you will realise the skills you need and what you can get away without knowing.
you will also come to understand in what ways using a cms will help you and in what ways it will not help you.
not only that but the process of building will cause your current ideas to mutate and develop in your head and more good ideas will come to you.
And quite rightly so.
Thanks:)
for instance, with my own style of development and the sites i've built i've never wanted functionality that required javascript - (i've always managed to do those things another way) hence i've never learnt it and saved myself much time.
however many here would say that javascript and ajax are essential, and they probably are for those people.
css - i know enough to build the kind of templates i use, many people here know a lot more than me for sure, but i've found a couple of quality reference books fill the holes when i need to know something.
and so on.
PHP and MySQL for databse storage and interaction
Flash for effects (if the funds are available)
Photoshop / Illustrator for making artwork
Ajax and JScript for additional fun.
[edited by: draggar at 6:29 pm (utc) on Dec. 10, 2007]
but i also think there is so much quality software out there, for instance Dreamweaver, learn it inside out and you will be able to do amazing things with it, you will also learn its limitations and when you need to hand code or change the code it produces.
... lastly, i think the SQL is the key to everything in an advanced website, cutting and dicing your data is the hardest part, yet SQL is the easiest language of all to learn - but using it effectively is the skill and only comes with practice.
The outstanding problem you will come upon with a WYSIWYG editor is that if you don't have a foundation for understanding the code it generates, when you encounter a problem that can't be managed by the design interface, such as some sticky situations with cross-browser compatibility, you may very well be lost, like a non-mechanic lifting the hood of his or her car . . . and scratching his or her head . . . .
Yes, I want to start building an interactive site with content that is significantly user generated - is the term user still PC? - with users submitting stories, jokes, anecdotes etc; being able to read and comment on each others' posts, and I also want a separate blog running on the site.
So, I better head out and stock up on the coffee in preparation for the many late nights coming my way:)
Instead your efforts will be most effective in learning to use Drupal (http://drupal.org) or Wordpress (http://wordpress.org).
Folks looking to get their sites off the ground, should learn how to administer Drupal/Wordpress, and create themes/templates for them. With over 2000 plugins for Drupal, almost any interactivity/features you're looking for has already been contributed.
Have downloaded wordpress onto one of my URL's to learn about it.
Good luck
