Thursday, June 12th, 2008
With web development it’s easy to feel you need to know about everything.
On the front end it’s essential to understand markup semantics, accessibility issues, DOM scripting, CSS and the multitude of cross-browser bugs. Then you need a basic understanding of interaction design, how interfaces work and how to structure a site. Plus, a sprinkling of design savvy is handy too, knowing your line-height from your ligature will keep you in good graces of designers. Then, if you venture to back-end code you might need to use PHP and Apache one day, ASP.NET the next and Django on Friday. If you’re feeling optimistic you might want to take in search engine optimisation while you’re there.
It can all seem a bit daunting if you’re new to all this.
One of the most useful things I learned, fortunately early on, is that sometimes it’s best to hold information lightly, but hold your information sources tight. You don’t have to know every PHP function when the manual is online 24/7. Hunting a browser bug is easier if you have quirksmode, position is everything, the Sitepoint Reference and Firebug on hand, and with the web you do. Learning how to navigate MSDNs labyrinthine architecture is an artform all its own, of course, but the information is there if you can understand the mindset… Even if you can’t there are great conferences, helpful forums and local networks to point you in the right direction.
Knowing everything isn’t necessary. Knowing where to find what you need. That’s essential.
Posted in thoughts | Add the first comment on Don’t Learn Web Development : Learn Where to Look
Saturday, May 17th, 2008
It would be remiss of me not to point all web design and development folks from the UK at the Geek in the Park 2008 site. Held in Leamington Spa on Satruday 9th August, and organised by the Multipack (most of the work by Trev and Lloydyweb ).
The event, last run in 2006, is a two part affair. In the afternoon there’s a picnic and general social, bring tea, cake, sandwiches, jam and your family. The evening is a talk on professional web design and development topics. Last time, Bruce and Patrick talked about Pragmatic Accessibility. This year, well, I know who’s been contacted, but it’s not confirmed so I’m keeping stum.
Posted in thoughts | 4 Comments on Geek in the Park 2008 - The Return
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008
Ah, wait… Hold on a sec, the stabiliser’s gone. Damn valves!
*sounds of banging*
That’s better. Those PNG lads require a bit of wrangling. Had to solder some bits on behind, and re-route to a different parallel for those Internet Explorer 6 chaps (61.85.13 for those who understand such things). Can’t have them thinking things are broken, just because they insist on living in the last century!
*Sounds of dangerous creaking.*
Ahem! Where was I? Oh, yes, this is my new-look place on this here ether-web. It goes by the name of Neo-Victorian Glass, a theme somewhat steampunk, somewhat victoriana, somewhat something else… It may well be held together by sheer bloody-mindedness. Do let me know if you spot any gaps, eh?
Posted in site | Add the first comment on Is this thing on? Hello?
