Where to go from HTML - PHP, ASP or JS?
Hi there,
I am failry new to the game of web developing although I have been a Embedded Software Developer for a number a years but not sure which languages/skills to learn next.
I know Dreamweaver and HTML fairly well now, using both to develop my website (debbiechalloner.com). I am a quick learner, when it comes to programming or any other software packages. I know photoshop very well as I went on a years' Graphic Design course, which gives me ideas of colours and layout to use as well
I would like to make my site more up to date in terms using the latests skills and more interactive in adding my photos more easily, without having to create upteen number of new webpages. It is mainly for the family and friends so do not need to be flash, but do want to start doing more design, especially for a job. I have done one other website too.
Any of you guys have recommendations or valuable experiences you could share.....
Debbie
Megan posted this at 19:30 — 21st July 2005.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
Welcome to TWF, Debbie! Whew, I'm glad to see some more female names around here these days
For your site's needs you could probably find pre-written scripts to do everything you need to do. I think there are a few threads going on right now about photo gallery options, for example.
What to learn next depends on what direction you want your career to go. If you want to concentrate more on design you'll need to get some portfolio pieces to show off the graphics skills you ahve. Of course, there is always more to improve on, and more to learn about typography, colour theory, design techniques etc. If you want to get more into programming PHP (and mySQL) would probably be the next step.
HTH,
Megan
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JeevesBond posted this at 21:23 — 21st July 2005.
He has: 3,956 posts
Joined: Jun 2002
Interesting... C I presume? If you're used to C then you'll like PHP - similar syntax. And you must already know that VB is evil
Welcome to TWF by the way! :wave:
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Neutron2k posted this at 13:43 — 22nd July 2005.
He has: 113 posts
Joined: Jul 2005
Just out of curiosity, why is VB 'Evil'
Ive been a programmer for many years, and altough I prefer C, and its OOP brother C++, I have my uses for VB.
I also prefer ASP over php. thats my own preference but I see no advantage gains in using PHP apart from server costs.
People only dub VB evil because it is Microsoft imho.
debchall posted this at 10:12 — 22nd July 2005.
She has: 6 posts
Joined: Jul 2005
Thanks for welcome so far....
PHP sounds like a good option then. But would I not need to know Javascript as well or not? Are forms easy to do with PHP or even Perl/CGI?
I'm probably more into the programming side in answer to megan but would like to keep an eye on the design side as well. I am hoping to revamp my website with some of the graphics and art work I have done too. Would flash be worth knowing or any other graphic related program?
Debbie
Megan posted this at 13:55 — 22nd July 2005.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
If you're interested in design and programming together Flash might be of interest to you. It's a really powerful program when you get into ActionScript. Most designers don't have enough programming expertise to make the most of Flash. I do think that flash is more of a niche technology - it's good for certain types of problems but not so great for overall web page functionality. i.e. you wouldn't want to do a whole site in flash, but parts of a site (such as product tours, for example) work well with flash.
I don't know what your graphic design program entailed, but Adobe Illustrator is another useful program if you want to concentrate on design. Vector drawing is vitally important for any kind of logo design or print work.
I will say that it's tough to do both sides well. Most of us tend to specialize in certain areas, knowing that it's impossible to do everything well.
Megan
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Renegade posted this at 10:36 — 22nd July 2005.
He has: 3,022 posts
Joined: Oct 2002
Hello Debbie and welcome to the forums
Yes, PHP is definitely a good next step to take.
I just looked at your site and noticed that you made it with MS word?! You also mentioned that you know how to use DreamWeaver?
Well, my suggestion would probably be to learn XHTML and CSS as I believe it is "the future."
You might also like to try a little bit of Javascript along with your PHP, focusing more on PHP of course
So, here's what I would suggest you learn:
XHTML and CSS followed by PHP and Javascript, focusing more on PHP
EGS posted this at 03:32 — 23rd July 2005.
They have: 161 posts
Joined: Jan 2005
PHP is the more common solution, and along the lines of being affordable considering that it's Open-Source.
PHP really packs a punch, however, if you are in dire need of power and using your server, I'd suggest using Microsoft's ASP solution. It's faster, and more-over less stressful on the server in most cases. 
Of course, that's only if you have the money. 
kazimmerman posted this at 22:41 — 25th July 2005.
He has: 698 posts
Joined: Jul 2005
From what I've read about you, I think PHP (and MySQL) is your best choice. It is surprisingly easy (even for me) and can do an extensive amount of work.
Especially what you mentioned about photo galleries:
Once you get started with PHP and MySQL, and pretty used to each of them, a photo gallery will be extremely easy to figure out. I personally think it's easier (and more fun) to code something like a photo gallery (or a blog, for that matter) on your own for two reasons. One, you know the ins and outs of it and where everything is. Two, it's unique from everything else!
Do what you want, but that's my two cents.
Kurtis
robindaz posted this at 08:19 — 26th July 2005.
She has: 8 posts
Joined: Jul 2005
Hi Debby,
I would definitely recommend PHP and MySQL.
Besides that, Javascript is indeed commonly used, you can search for scripts you need on the internet and then just modify them (it's a good way to learn).
Besides that, for both PHP and Javascript, there's a lot of help out there, so you can always post your questions and find your answers in a forum.
Good luck!
Kind regards, Bianca
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JeevesBond posted this at 11:37 — 26th July 2005.
He has: 3,956 posts
Joined: Jun 2002
Hehehe, well I work for a company that do embedded and most of the devs around here pour scorn liberally on VB. I know VB very well and dislike it, again just opinion.
As for ASP, that's evil because of COM and the overhead of having to load a COM library every time you want to do, well, anything. PHP is damn fast, PHP/MySQL is faster (in most instances) than ASP/MSQL.
Simply the most popular combination is Linux + Apache + PHP +MySQL. As this doesn't look to be changing any time soon it's better to learn PHP/MySQL as these skills will be more marketable for you personally. That coupled with the other points make it a no-brainer.
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