Website development

Server-side scripting

This means creating scripts which run on the web server and produce pages that interact with the user, as in e-commerce, log-ins, search pages and on-line forums. This code can be complex and usually involves the use of databases at the web server.

I have worked with two popular web server/database systems for SMEs - a Microsoft one (Access database, Active Server Pages scripting, Internet Information Server) and an open source one (MySQL database, PHP scripting, Apache server) - and the latter is now my preferred system. Some of my web applications have involved using medium-size databases with millions of records.

It may not even be necessary to create the code for the application you have in mind. There are a tremendous number of ready-made, free web applications out there, particularly for open-source systems, and it could cost far less than you might think to have, say, a full content management system on your site. For more information, see the Content Management page.

Client-side scripting

Here the code (usually Flash or Javascript) runs on the browser and is used to enhance the visual presentation of the site. Here are a few examples:

• Do you need to present a lot of photos of all shapes and sizes? Try a lightbox.
• Do your customers visit your location? Show them a Google Map with directions.
• Bothered with spammers sending automatic messages via your contact form? Add CAPTCHA verification.