Web Development

Web development is the programming of web applications. This is a  very broad area and covers anything from simple contact forms to full e-commerce, shopping sites.

The applications that Blend create are developed using PHP, MySQL databases and client-side solutions using JavaScript and Flash ActionScript language.

Although it is sometimes necessary for an application to be built from scratch, wherever possible Blend will use 3rd party open source software to minimise the cost to the client. Open source means the applications can be customised to meet specific requirements.

PHP, MySql and JavaScript – Tools of the trade

Today's websites must be viewable across many different platforms. The current crop of mobile phones all have the ability to view pages on the world wide web and how the information on a web page is displayed on a small mobile device is dependant on how the site is built. More importantly it is the law that websites are accessible. This means your site should use semantic mark up where content (XHTML) is separated from design (CSS) so that the site can be viewed by screen readers. By controlling the styling of your site through CSS it is possible for visitors to your site to resize the text using their browser's settings.

CMS – Content Management Systems

Content Management Systems are a very popular addition to websites, particularly sites with a large volume of information or sites that require regular updates. They are applications that allow users to login to a site and make changes to the content of existing pages as well as creating new pages. The content of the pages is usually stored in a database.

Often the system will include a WYSIWYG editor that allows the administration to format the content. This includes adding images.

The content management system will allow different users to administrate the site. Often each user will have their own privilege settings, limiting the access to the pages they can edit.

E-Commerce

Websites that take money through the site are known as e-commerce sites. They can be as simple as selling one product for a fixed price or can be a fully functioning shopping site with a vast catalogue of products.

To take payments online a payment gateway must be in place. PayPal is a popular choice for new ventures as it is free and easy to set up although a small percentage will taken on each purchase made through PayPal.

Other payment gateways, such as WorldPay, charge an annual fee for a merchant account. Many merchant accounts, particluarly those through banks, involve a detailed process to set up the account.