/    Sign up×
Community /Pin to ProfileBookmark

Basic Questions (aka Help the Noob)

Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
Dec 06.2005

I’m trying to make the transition from basic HTML/WYSIWYG editors to an interactive (“real”) website with actual features, and I need some expert advice on which path to take. I have a great idea for a site, and only recently have I felt the pressure to develop it rather than wait for someone else to come along and beat me to the punch. It’s a simple design, just user accounts, and the ability for users to customize their pages. Nothing overly complex, and thus I’m looking for a simple way to implement a simple site. I have learned some C++, Java, and VB, and I routinely use Adobe Golive, but until recently I’ve avoided scary things like “SQL” and “PHP”.

I’m reluctant to hire a programmer, yet also reluctant to learn a new programming language. I can’t afford to hire a full time programmer to begin with and I’d like to be able to maintain the site myself. Is there a programming option that allows the developer to program the logic, allow me to design the interface, and then allow me to maintain it without the use of code? Does a non-code programming option exist?

The most fascinating option I saw in my search was “Ruby on Rails”. Is this the best option for a noob? Is Ruby an easy language to learn?

Also, things like AJAX sound pretty intimidating, since they are made up of multiple programs. I don’t want to have to learn a dozen dev programs just to make a simple site. Are there easy to use all-in-one suites out there?

There are so many options out there, I really need some guidance. Are there any great guides out there for making the transition to the world of web development?

to post a comment
Full-stack Developer

9 Comments(s) ↴

Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@thecornflakeDec 06.2005 — Hi,

I personally haven't heard of Ruby. I think you're better off learning a widely-used language, as there will be much more support, advice and documentation available.

If you're good with HTML then maybe think about moving into PHP and MySQL. I'm about to move into using these, and they don't seem too scary, although I've used many other languages and I'm happy with using relationsal databases.

If you don't know HTML too well then you should learn more of it, and also CSS. I generally find with HTML/CSS I can do most designs I want to do. The main reason for my starting PHP/MySQL is becasue a client has asked for something that needs a database-based design.

An all-in-one suite would be something like Dreamweaver, or even the whole Studio package, but this is an expensive option. I bought a cheap older version of Studio and then bought an upgrade from Macromedia and it worked out a lot cheaper. You're still looking at a few hundred £/$ though, and probably don't need it although the visual designer in Dreamweaver may help you learn HTML and CSS a bit quicker. I alreayd knew them when I got it, so maybe someone else can comment on this.
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@LiLcRaZyFuZzYDec 06.2005 — I personally haven't heard of Ruby. [/QUOTE]
[url=http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ruby&btnG=Google+Search]First page of a 'ruby' google search contains many links to the OO-programing language[/url]
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@SigmaEchoauthorDec 07.2005 — Thanks, I think I figured it out. I need to Learn CSS! I guess it can do everything I need, right? I was under the impression that if you do things like user accounts, you have to do PHP or SQL stuff, but I guess not?
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@LiLcRaZyFuZzYDec 07.2005 — Yes, indeed you do

[url=http://www.w3.org/TR/CSS21/]CSS[/url] is used to style and layout a page.

Nothing to do with 'user accounts'

for this, you would, as you said, a server-side language (e.g.: PHP) and a database (e.g.: MySQL)
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@SigmaEchoauthorDec 07.2005 — So I was right? What's the easiest way to learn PHP and MySQL?
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@LiLcRaZyFuZzYDec 07.2005 — hmm,

i'd go to http://php.net download the manual (in documentation) and read the getting started section, just as a little introduction. And to get familiar with the language's control structures, types, etc.. just read the second part ("Language reference").

I guess there are several good books out there about PHP (mostly PHP and MySQL)

For more specific stuff, there are a lots of tutorials and examples on the net, e.g. on Zend.

And for even more specific questions, there are us ? : simply post in the PHP forum (also for MySQL or other dB questions)
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@NewZealandDec 07.2005 — Practice, its the best way to learn everything!
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@SigmaEchoauthorDec 07.2005 — Thanks guys!
Copy linkTweet thisAlerts:
@LiLcRaZyFuZzYDec 07.2005 — You're welcome, and don't hesitate to post in the PHP forum! ?
×

Success!

Help @SigmaEcho spread the word by sharing this article on Twitter...

Tweet This
Sign in
Forgot password?
Sign in with TwitchSign in with GithubCreate Account
about: ({
version: 0.1.9 — BETA 5.19,
whats_new: community page,
up_next: more Davinci•003 tasks,
coming_soon: events calendar,
social: @webDeveloperHQ
});

legal: ({
terms: of use,
privacy: policy
});
changelog: (
version: 0.1.9,
notes: added community page

version: 0.1.8,
notes: added Davinci•003

version: 0.1.7,
notes: upvote answers to bounties

version: 0.1.6,
notes: article editor refresh
)...
recent_tips: (
tipper: @AriseFacilitySolutions09,
tipped: article
amount: 1000 SATS,

tipper: @Yussuf4331,
tipped: article
amount: 1000 SATS,

tipper: @darkwebsites540,
tipped: article
amount: 10 SATS,
)...