Steps in Web Programming/Designing

[jaswinder_rana]

Hi,
When you do web programming (PHP etc.) or designing, you must follow some steps to have everything properly.

What steps do YOU take (or what is your process)?

[Brandon]

When designing, I like to know what I WANT it to look like. I dont like designing without the slightest idea of what the end product will be like. Thats just me I guess.

[Chris Stansin]

I have to agree with Brandon.

I also like to think of what the site will accomplish...will it be sales or content?

Before doing anything, I do a bit of market research to find out if the site is going to be worth my time.

Once I've decided whether the site is worth it, I usually sketch out an outline of what exactly I want on the site. This really helps with creating the navigation menu and site structure.

I then take care of all of the boring stuff first, such as writing the privacy policy, terms and conditions, etc.

Then I install whatever scripts are needed and test them.

From that point, I work on graphics so I have a consistent "look" throughout the site. I use these graphics in the scripts and in templates for the static html pages.

I then do some keyword research, write the content, and then I input the content.

I think a lot of people start off without knowing exactly what the site is intended to do or what it will look like. Having an outline and "feel" to the site is an important step to take before uploading any pages. It will save you a lot of time in the long run.

Chris

[sjaguar13]

I do a lot more programming than designing. What I do is make a list of everything I need the program to do and then everything I would need in order to make the program do that. Then I create some UML-like diagrams of how the system should work. Then I just have to follow the stupid digrams. Software Engineering should be 80% designing and 20% coding...I learned that my senior year. It does seem to make things go easier because you mess up during the designing part when it's easier to fix. When it comes time to coding, you should know exactly what you need.

[arcadepunk]

I do more programming than designing as well. I usually type out everything I want done when doing it. I set a goal for myself to have this done by today and if I can, do more. I find that setting a goal for myself really helps.

[mabel01]

I agree with arcadepunk.. i also do the same as yours.