| If you are just starting out you can develop great | | | | Javascript are to: |
| websites with just HTML and CSS, but if you want | | | | -interact with users |
| to add interactivity to your websites then you will | | | | -validating user input to forms |
| also need to add Javascript, PHP and a database like | | | | -fancy menus |
| MYSQL to your skillset. The following provides a brief | | | | PHP |
| overview of each skill required for web development: | | | | PHP is a scripting language that is used to create |
| HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) | | | | dynamic websites. The best way to explain this is via |
| HTML is the language of the web and hence you | | | | an example: |
| must understand it if you want to build your own | | | | One typical and very powerful use of PHP is to |
| websites. An investment in learning HTML is very | | | | personalize sales pages. For example lets say you |
| rewarding and it will allow you to understand much of | | | | have a squeeze page (explained in sales process |
| how the web works. This is also a must have skill if | | | | section) offering a free demo of your product. When |
| you want to do your own Search Engine Optimization | | | | the user enters their name and email address into the |
| (SEO). | | | | form on the squeeze page you can have a php |
| CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) | | | | script(program) that reads the persons name and |
| CSS or Cascading Style Sheets is the next skill you | | | | then uses it on any following pages that they see. |
| should master. CSS is quiet easy once you take the | | | | When done well this is very impressive to your |
| time to understand how it works. CSS makes | | | | website visitor. |
| changing the style used on your websites easy. in | | | | PHP is also a great tool to use to interact with a |
| addition a good knowledge of CSS will allow you to | | | | database on your website. A simple example would |
| minimize the number of graphics or photos you need | | | | be where you have a membership website that |
| on a website and it will still look good. | | | | requires members to log in every time they use the |
| Web Graphics | | | | website. The members username and password are |
| Your website needs to look good so you need to | | | | stored in the database and the login page uses a php |
| have a good understanding of web graphics. If you | | | | script to check that the username and password are |
| decide to produce your own make sure that you | | | | valid. |
| don't overdo the number of graphics on your | | | | MySQL |
| website and also be warned that its very tempting | | | | If your website needs a database them MySQL is a |
| to spend too much time making your graphics look | | | | good option. Its free and integrates well with PHP. |
| better than they really need to be. Keep it simple. | | | | WordPress uses both PHP and MySQL so if you are |
| In addition to the above 3 essential skills one or more | | | | a WordPress user any knowledge of PHP and MySQL |
| of the following will be needed for the more complex | | | | will come in useful - though for most uses you won't |
| sites: | | | | need any detailed knowledge. |
| Javascript | | | | I hope this is useful and helps you to decide what |
| Javascript allows you to add what are effectively | | | | skills you need to brush up on for your web or blog |
| mini programs to you web pages. Typical uses of | | | | development. |