OCTOBER 2007

I thought I would take this opportunity to explain something about web site development. Many clients have asked me what the difference is between coding and programming a web site. I am hoping this month's topic will help out with that question.

Happy Fall!
Kim Adams, President, Tiger Studios, Inc.

Ask Tiger Studios

Q: How do I know what was used to create my web site?

A: Take a look at the URL's file extension in the location bar at the top of your Internet browser. If the URL looks like something like: www.somesite.com/index.html then the site is code with HTML (.html). If the URL looks like: www.somesite.com/index.asp it was programmed in ASP (.asp). www.somesite.com/index.cfm would be Cold Fusion (.cfm), and www.somesite.com/index.php would be PHP (.php).

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Web Site Development: Is It Coding or Programming?

You have 2 options in creating, or developing, a web site: coding or programming. Choosing the right option will depend on what kind of end product you need for your web site.

HTML Is Coding

Coding is anything that uses HTML. It is made up of simple tags, like <b> for bold or <p> for paragraph break, that will help display your web page in an Internet browser. HTML is perfect for simple straightforward web sites that have content to share with their users. In order to make changes to an HTML web site you will either need to know HTML, have a webmaster or be able to use a WYSIWYG like Dreamweaver or FrontPage.

Choose to code your site in HTML if:

Your site has simple and straightforward text and images
Your site will be using forms where the information is sent to an email address only
You don't need a database to supply content for your site
You have a webmaster or you know HTML to update the web site

ASP, Cold Fusion, PHP, etc. Is Programming

Programming is much more complex than HTML and involves using databases and calls or functions to the database to make the web site and its content display in an Internet browser. These types of web sites may need special web hosting to allow for the functionality to work. Content management systems can be set up to allow the owner of the web site to update their site without needing to know HTML or programming.

Choose to program your site if:

Your web site is large and needs a database to supply content
Your web site needs a shopping cart
You don't know HTML but want to be able to update the web site yourself

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Do you know someone who needs a web site or help with their current web site? Feel free to forward this newsletter or have them sign up for their own copy of our monthly newsletter on the Tiger Studios web site.

A Little About Tiger Studios
Kim Adams started Tiger Studios in 1999 as a one stop shop for all aspects of web site design, graphic design and web site development. We are here to help client's develop a professional, creative business image in both print and on the Internet. Because we treat each customer special, have quick turn around on projects, and create custom graphics and web site design each time, we have a high client retention rate.

To learn more about Tiger Studios and our services, check out our web site www.Tiger-Studios.com or contact Kim Adams at mail@Tiger-Studios.com for a free estimate of your next web site or graphic design project.