newbie of dynamic Web page

[kimagurealex]

I normally work on C++, JAVA, C projects. Now, a family member ask me to help them to create a real estate agent webpage and I am researching what I need to do with it. We already have a Linux and PHP server so I guess PHP should be the script language I will be using along with java script and html(I know some basic html and have a book next to me now). I also know alittle of flash and photoshop (extra image with different tools, layers, transparent, action button etc).

Right now, I am having a hard time to put together of what I know together to start a webproject. Is there any step by step guide or any other useful information to help me out? Some ppl tell me use the photoshop/image ready to cut the image and create frames for the webpage. But I am not sure what it means and how does it to help the whole project? Moreover, what can I use php script for? Thanks

Alex
P.S: Thanks for the reading and helping. I gladly accept all the positive help and comments.

 

[igowerf]

Right now, I am having a hard time to put together of what I know together to start a webproject. Is there any step by step guide or any other useful information to help me out? Some ppl tell me use the photoshop/image ready to cut the image and create frames for the webpage. But I am not sure what it means and how does it to help the whole project?

That's always a good place to start. When I'm working with a client, I like to come up with the designs in Photoshop so I can quickly change colors and move sections around. I work with them to find a design that they like and once everything is figured out, I start coding. This way, we both have an idea of what the final product will consist of before I invest a lot of my own time.

Moreover, what can I use php script for?

You don't have to use PHP just because you can. PHP used to store and retrieve content dynamically and if you don't need that kind of functionality, then you don't need PHP. For example, PHP can be used to build a forum or a blogging system. You can find very well done, and powerful forum and blogging solutions already for free though.

 

[screw3d]

Another thing to consider - building websites is more than just putting together code to make it work. It's about organizing and presenting information, making it accessible and usable, giving a good first impression etc etc.

In other words, if your family member is doing anything serious with the website, I suggest getting a professional to do it, since you don't have a lot of experience with it.

 

[LanceM]

I agree with a bit of the above. Some of the best web designers I've ever met were technical writers (grants, proposals, etc.) that learned some XHTML, CSS, and Photoshop. Visual appeal is easy to come by... just look at any "gallery" site out there and get inspiration. But the actual information is the selling point.

 

[kimagurealex]

I totally agree with screw3d and LanceM. I talked to them about getting a professional web designer but they just can't justify the cost and reason the have a professional doing the webpage. Beside, they don't even consider a webpage is all that important to their business at all. Having a webpage is only because everyone else has one for the business.

and thank you so much of the great respond, igowerf!
Alex

 

[SelArom]

Originally posted by: LanceM
I agree with a bit of the above. Some of the best web designers I've ever met were technical writers (grants, proposals, etc.) that learned some XHTML, CSS, and Photoshop. Visual appeal is easy to come by... just look at any "gallery" site out there and get inspiration. But the actual information is the selling point.

ahh thank you for saying that, but man try telling that to the people down here where I live. They think EVERYTHING has to be done in flash with all kinds of sh@t flying across the page. I keep trying to tell them that it's more important that you actually have content to share but they're like no we want it to have all this flying sh@t all alover the place... sigh

fancy stuff is nice but you have to give people a reason to come back!

-SelArom

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: kimagurealex
I totally agree with screw3d and LanceM. I talked to them about getting a professional web designer but they just can't justify the cost and reason the have a professional doing the webpage. Beside, they don't even consider a webpage is all that important to their business at all. Having a webpage is only because everyone else has one for the business.

and thank you so much of the great respond, igowerf!
Alex

In that case, keep it simple. You can use plain HTML, or depending on their needs, implement a CMS for them so they can update the webpage themselves. It better to have a simple page that just works than a complicated one that frustrates everybody.