Teaching myself web development/design

**Squandered Halfpints** · 07-01-2008 02:38 PM

I've decided to start trying to teach myself the mechanics of developing/designing a webiste. I currently have NO programmming knowledge, and I'm going to start with the basics and take it step by step. I have a friend who works as a software engineer who is going to help me along the way. For now, she told me to get some of the basic software, and referred me to sites like webmonkey.com.

Has anybody here tried doing this, is it at all possible? Those of you that possess these types of skills - what do you know and how did you learn. I know these are some very general questions, I'm just trying to get an idea of what I'm getting myself into.

**JLeezer** · 07-01-2008 03:43 PM

If that is what interests you most (except entrepreneurship) then you should definitely start learning as much as you can about it. If you are looking to learn it so that you can build a website for your business (even if your business is the website) then there are a lot of other ways for you to build one without the time it will take to become proficient at any programming language, web-based or otherwise.

**Squandered Halfpints** · 07-01-2008 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by JLeezer

If you are looking to learn it so that you can build a website for your business (even if your business is the website) then there are a lot of other ways for you to build one without the time it will take to become proficient at any programming language, web-based or otherwise.

This is exactly why I'd like to learn it. I'd just feel some comfort in knowing exactly what I'm paying someone to do. I'd like to know where it would be ok to hire "cheap" labor, and those whos service would justify paying a premium. There might even be some small time consuming things I could handle myself.

I made this decision when I was talking to my friend about the website I wanted to create. When she said things like "oh, that graphic has "rounded corners" thats a lot of work" and "oh, thats you want. well it would be easy to do, it would just take a lot of time." And I also don't want to have the problem that I hear many people who don't design it themselves, "I've went through 5-6 different programmers, and its still not what I want." There has to be some way to avoid this, and I figure the best way would be learning some of the mechanics so you can talk to the designer in their "language."

**topsearchresult** · 07-02-2008 09:40 AM

I have my Bachelor of Business but am self taught in website design and search engine optimization. What I did was I started off as doing some computer work as a hobby. I learned EVERYTHING from the internet. Google what you want to learn. Usually you can get video tutorials which really helped me. Be patient, it will take some time to learn.

I've used Drupal and Wordpress to do some stuff but have also done some straight HTML work. It's definitely possible to teach yourself.

Since I've started this "hobby", I have changed duties at my regular job from basic accounting to online marketing duties and I'm building up my resume. I have also done one website for a company which has brought in some cash. So maybe someday I'll be able to do this full time.

Good luck,

PM me if you need any help.

**JLeezer** · 07-02-2008 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Squandered Halfpints

...And I also don't want to have the problem that I hear many people who don't design it themselves, "I've went through 5-6 different programmers, and its still not what I want." There has to be some way to avoid this, and I figure the best way would be learning some of the mechanics so you can talk to the designer in their "language."

This is typically a result of the person hiring the programmer having not clearly and precisely defined EXACTLY what they want the site to do, look like, react, etc. We have 7 developers on payroll at the company I am currently with that will program something exactly how they think it should be done based on a spec, yet it turns out very differently from how the spec writer anticipated. This is due to a lack of details in the spec. Unless the person on the design or business end is very, very specific about every conceivable detail, a programmer will create something that isn't as it was anticipated but still absolutely correct according to the spec.

Quite honestly, I would be inclined to spend more time learning about producing high quality, complete specs and leave the development up to the developers. You may benefit from reading a bit on the basics of the SDLC (software development life cycle), but probably not from hard-core programming books. Once you have your spec completed, you can easily take it to several developers to walk through it with them and have them confirm their understanding and provide time and cost estimates on a detailed level.

**vivida** · 07-02-2008 10:39 AM

Designing a website is a pretty in depth process, especially if you want to design it in Flash or add database capabilities. More than that however, you need a professional look and feel.... only someone with creative talent could design it, regardless of what skills or software you know. Sometimes it's best to leave such an important aspect of your business to a professional. Visit my website, VIVIDA - creative agency and if you like what you see, send me an email and maybe we can work together.

Best regards,

**georgebizpro** · 07-02-2008 03:22 PM

It's getting a lot easier with so many templates available. I would recommend, if you want a dynamic site, hiring someone, but if you need something basic, DIY web design is do-able as long as you take your time and learn. Check out some local classes at a community college also.

**Squandered Halfpints** · 07-02-2008 11:38 PM

Wow... Now I really don't know where to start.

Topsearchresult - I'll also be receiving me B.S. in business at the end of this year, and I know learning the basics of HTML will be an awesome resume builder, especially in today's growing ecommerce world. And when I see all kinds of young kids who are totally proficient in programming, it makes me think I'll be left in the dust. You make it sound like its very possible to teach yourself the basics, which is all I want - for now.

JLeezer - I never even thought of focusing my time on developing specs. My friend sent me an example of a spec in a pdf that she built to be the actual page. All the content in it was pretty much over my head, it was just a page with some very basic content. If I'm going to create some specs. for the site I have drawn on paper, it looks like its gonna take a great deal of time & effort, but it may be worth it. I also asked her about "SDLC," and she had never heard of it. She was at work so she asked all the other SE's around her, and none of them heard of it either. I guess I'll have to search the web a little more to find out exactly what it is, and if it will help me.

vivida & georgebizpro - This website I'd like to create won't be basic at all, far from it. And I know I'll have to hire some professionals to get it going. However... as for the design, I think I may only hire a designer to create my "paper drawings" into specs., that could be easily defined by the developer - if I didn't want to deal with learning this myself. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the "professional" look is mainly subjective. My design is going to be the main thing that differentiates myself from others that are almost similar. I believe what I've drawn out looks very professional and appealing - now, all I have to do is somehow turn it in to binary