Chapter 10 Web Development
This chapter discusses the skills needed for successful large-scale project development and introduces you to common web development methods. It is important to realize that each project is unique; each has its own needs and requirements. Choosing the right people to work on a web project team can make it or break it. Visit the resources on this page to learn more about the process of web site development.
Resources & Chapter Links
HTML & CSS Validation
Web Host Resources
Automated Testing Tools
Domain Name Registration
Accessibility Testing
Usability Testing
Technology Jobs
An Almost Free Web Host (great for students!)
The textbook author has used Brinkster for years to host numerous web sites. They have been reliable and are reasonably priced. Students can host their first web sites for about the cost of a Starbucks Venti. More information on Brinkster.
More Tips on Choosing a Web Host
The text contains a handy checklist to help you compare web host features and pricing. However, at this point your research has just begun. Seach an independent message board, such as WebHosting Talk, or Web Hosting Ratings to see what people are saying about your potential host. You may find some scathing comments about your potential hosts — try to determine if there is a pattern (perhaps the host upgraded servers and had a bad week). However, if there seem to be continuous complaints — let the buyer beware.
You also may want to use a search engine, such as Google to look for information about your potential hosts. In addition, consider visiting Netcraft's http://uptime.netcraft.com/ and fill in the web host's URL for "Whats that site running?". This will list the operating system and web server software being used in addition to a graphical view (if available) of the time since last reboot for each of the computers serving the site. Although even reliable web hosts can experience technical glitches, frequent reboots (such as the report on Global Internet Solutions, are a sign of potential hosting problems.
Finally, remember that often the cheapest isn't the best — a word of mouth recommendation is probably the best way to find a reliable web host). Be careful if the domain name is "free" often the web host registers this for you and you have no control over it. This can be a disaster if you need to change web hosts at some point.
Web Development Process
Sometimes it's helpful to read another point of view on this topic, the web development firm Macronimous.com describes their web development process and provides a flowchart of the workflow.
Web Analytics
Many web hosts provide free web log reporting for clients. Other free or low-cost options for obtaining information about your web site visitors are listed below.
Review Activities
Review game activities are available for this chapter.
Check your knowledge of chapter terms and concepts.
Chapter Updates
- No Updates for this Chapter
Questions or Comments?
The author would like to hear from you! Send an e-mail to webdevfoundations@gmail.com