Consultation is the very first step in the process of designing
an effective website. The needs of each client are different and
must be clearly assessed. Prior to any development, we will determine
specific goals and define the scope of the project. This will promote
efficient production and ensure a mutual understanding of what the
final product will entail. Upon full consultation and construction
of a project outline, development phases proceed in the following
steps:
Graphic/Layout Design
The Graphic/Layout Design Phase consists of creating a visual
representation of what the website will look like in a browser.
Industry standard design programs are used to create an original
and visually appealing layout. During this phase, the client will
supply any images or artwork that they would like to include in
the design, such as company logos, artwork, photos, etc.. A mockup
will be created that appropriately reflects the brand and style
of the company. This phase is not complete until the client is
completely satisfied with the visual model.
Front End Production
During the front-end production phase,
the visual mockup is converted into a functional website. Graphics
are optimized, HTML is written, navigation is applied, links become
active, and any client side scripting is implemented. This combination
of ingredients comprises what is generally known as the "front-end"
of a website. Completion of this phase occurs when the website
prototype is fully functional in industry standard browsers. For
websites that don't require database integration or dynamic content
generation, completing this stage means that the website is very
close to being finished. For more complex websites including E-Commerce,
or other programming intensive solutions, the next stage is Programming
and Database Integration, also known as the "server side"
or "back-end".
Back End Programming and Database
This stage involves the programming and database communication
that goes on behind the scenes. Many web pages ending in extensions
other than HTML such as ASP, PHP, CFM, and PL, indicate that the
document was first processed by a script or program running on
the server, prior to being delivered to the web browser. This
is the other half of web development, the heart of information
technology, where the magic of dynamic content generation and
database integration occurs. At this point in development, any
necessary databases are created, and the Active Server Pages are
coded. The final step involves finding a web host provider, upon
which the website can be delivered to the entire world.
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