PHP is the most frequently used web designing script in the world and some of the renowned sites like the Facebook and Wikipedia use this basic scripting language. Even WordPress and Drupal which are two popular content management systems (CMS) has used to create their default designs. There is no doubt that PHP as a scripting language offers a host of advantages and webmasters across the world begins their web development journey with it.

PHP can be digested even by a neophyte who has little technical knowledge but if someone wants to do justice to the title of a web developer, he must consider how the core PHP functions enable one to create really dynamic websites. Here follow some guide on how one can make the most of PHP resources.

Go through the PHP manual: Just as you go through the manual of a drug before consuming it, your PHP development should also begin with that. It will give you a fair knowledge on how you can utilize the core PHP functions. For example, amateur developers create separate functions to hide eliminate the white space at both ends of the strings. But they do not use the ‘Trim’ function that comes with PHP. Similarly, people who are ignorant of PHP’s XML Parser functions develop different XML parser.

Learn the reasons of SQL injection attacks: The database input must be properly filtered and sanitized to avoid SQL injection. The PHP application database layer makes the app vulnerable to this code injection. Such attack can also arise from incorrect data input. This is one of the ways in which your web app can get compromised. And it can be a headache for the webmaster later on. Using ‘mysql_real_escape_string’ tool which sanitize every single string of the PHP script will be very helpful in reducing the chances of such vulnerability threat.

Create master settings file: Hairy placement of the database connection settings can make it difficult to incorporate changes later on. You should create a configuration file containing all the database connection settings and place this file in the PHP script. In tomes of changes you can by entering the master file only. Creation of such configuration files helps one particularly if he uses multiple scripts.

Avoid over-commenting: Code documentation by using comments is undoubtedly a good idea but using unnecessary comments for each line can affect the performance of a website. Those parts of the string which contain complex functioning should be commented. But using comments for simple codes is never a good idea.

Use Source Code Editing Tool: Code editing is the most important and most time-consuming factor of PHP development. A PHP developer must use some good Source Editor to save time. PHP comes with a few features such as syntax highlighting, build-in code navigation and debugging tools. Apart from utilizing these tools, you can also consider using phpDesigner, which is in fact a good Source Code Editor.

Use code snippets: Using code snippets is definitely a good practice because you will be able to have a short view of the code whenever necessary. Several apps are available that allow you to corral and sync your code snippet. Some examples of such snippet syncing apps are ‘Snippet’, Code Collector etc.

In order to make your PHP development more effective you can also MySQL Administration Tool such as phpMyAdmin.

Website users are pretty fond of the sites that do not play with their patience and turns up within few seconds of clicking on the title. Users are like busy bees who just cannot afford the time that a flashy and magnetic site takes to load. Though it is said that patience is a virtue, with website users the case is curiously contrary.

So if you have struggled into the vest of a webmaster, take it to your bone. A website design must not take more than seven or eight seconds to turn up. Fast responding website not only encourages the user to stay longer on it but it also contributes to your search engine ranking optimization. Google has recently announced that it will factorize the loading time of site in its ranking on the SERP and that must be a rousing call to all the website geeks.

It is true that other aspects of the algo stills retains more weightage in search engine ranking, paying good heed in to this Google update will help website mavens secure a vantage ground. Here follows some tips on how you can slash your site’s loading time.

Learn the current speed: If you are serious about improving your site’s loading time, you must know the current load speed of your site. Free tools are available that gives you faithful information related to your loading speed time and also how you can improve it. Web page Test and Firefox’s Page Speed are valuable tools with which you can know the performance of your site on different browsers.

Optimize images: Sites having images generally take longer time to load. But if you use an appropriate file format, you can get dramatic result by decreasing the image file size. While GIF is appropriate for logo-like images having few colors, photographs should be optimized by using JPEG format. And if your page features high quality graphics, then PNG should be your choice.

Reduce image dimension: But scaling down the size of the image will be a wiser decision. It is true that the attributes in the HTML allow one to set the measure of an image, but this privilege should not be used injudiciously. Rather you can use Photoshop or some other image editors to reduce the image size. It will positively impact the file size leading to decreased loading time.

Content Compression: Content of your site is another element that has huge impact on the website loading time. You should compress the content by using tools such as HTTP Compression which allows you to have a small file containing all your webpage data. You can reduce your loading time further by compressing your CSS and JavaScript files.

Place the StyleSheet at the low end of HTML: A web browser is unable to take more than two components for each hostname. Therefore it is advisable that you should place the script as below in the HTML page as possible. Having it on the top might bar the browser’s function and the page is likely to be slower in loading.

Don’t keep CSS and Java in HTML: Including the CSS and JavaScript on the HTML page means every time a page is requested, all these design files are downloaded. It thickens file size increasing the loading time. Placing the CSS and JavaScript in some external files will help you tackle this problem.

In order to make your site perform better, you can resort other measures such as minimizing the HTTP request.

Technologies have changed; so have visitors. People no more have time to read through a website for long. They need something that is simple, interactive and easy to navigate. This is where Web 2.0 comes as a designer’s best help.

With KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) being the hymn of modern age, Web 2.0 opens new creative gateways for a designer where he can attempt new style that helps reach out to customers effectively and efficiently.

1. Simplicity: Complicated websites are no more liked by visitors. They want something that is easily understandable and accessible. Web 2.0 design is the solution that allows designers with ample options to produce a focused, clean and simple layout that attracts visitor’s attention with its subtle soberness.
2. Fewer columns: It’s not long back when using 3-4 columns was the norm of website designing. But today, the custom has changed to give way to maximum 3 columns practice. It not only allows readers with easy readability but also makes the site appear clean and attractive.
3. Separate header: The header of a website is considered as one of the most important segments that help in business branding. This is the space where the company logo and its catchline are positioned that conveys company’s values, principles and offerings to its targeted audience effectively. With marketing being the ultimate focus of modern day website designing, web 2.0 designs with its separate header option is the best thing to avail.
4. Bold logo: Bold is beautiful. A clean and strong logo design with oozing attitude makes a great way to build impression. With web 2.0 design, make your website logo stand out as an iconic representation that reflects your company confidence of “This is who we are.”
5. Strong colors: Dull and boring looks are no more in style. It’s time for some spark as bright and strong hues make their way to website designing. Blend of strong color combination make the theme of modern age website design that is sure to attract the eye instantly.

What appears to be ‘a’ website is actually a conglomeration of multiple things or components. When you look for website design help or you plan to start a website you have to take care of all these components professionally. Otherwise you will end up building an incomplete thing.

Let’s go through the list of essential components of a website and see why they are essential.

Logo

There has to be a logo. A website without logo is like a nation without the national flag! Whether it is a business website or eCommerce website, get a logo designed for it. Make sure the logo conveys the business idea properly. Logo helps in branding and market positioning. Hence, you cannot run a successful online business without a logo.

If your business is already popular and you are just getting the website designed for it – put your business logo there. Otherwise your visitors won’t be able to relate the website to the original business.

Website Template

The template helps you understand the user interface – how the website would look like when it goes live. Once you are satisfied with the template ask the web designer to proceed. Evaluate the template from the visitor’s point of view – see if the design is friendly and convincing. Conversion rate and the success of the online business often depend on the template.

Website Development – The Codes

The functionality of the website depends on the coding, which means how you program it. If you are building a website that will dynamically fetch data from database and that has eCommerce features integrated you have to make sure the code is error free. Otherwise the visitors will be in a mess which will have an impact on the business for sure.

Multimedia Content

You can use Flash, audio, video and images on the websites. These items help you impress your visitors; at the same time allow you to showcase your products and underscore the USP clearly. If you are planning to use Flash header or demo, banners and audio clips etc. talk to your web designer and see how they can help you. Multimedia content has a direct impact on conversion rate. Proven truth!

Text based Content

Apart from helping you to convey your message to your target audience, text based content allow you to make your website visible in the search engines. Optimized website content can help you rank well in the search engines for specific search terms relevant to your business. Make sure you get the website content written by professional content writers while developing the website.

By putting all these things in place you can come up with a really exciting and profitable website for your business.