Build a website 4 different times and learn something at each step of the process:
- First site – HTML, CSS, TextMate, Firebug, and FireFTP
- Second – Dreamweaver, WordPress, MAMP and Sequel Pro
- Third – WordPress install on a test server, PHP and database what?!
- Finally – Live site! DNS and MX
Over the last 8 years I have collaborated on building over a dozen websites. Historically I’ve use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create a web project package. Recently I took a leap by building my own project and learning to use some new technology. My first idea was to watch tutorial videos on Lynda.com for an overview of the whole process. Later, while trying to figure out how to fix my broken pages, I referenced w3schools and stackoverflow Q&A. When my test site was up on the web I used validation tools make my HTML and CSS standards complaint. Finally, to fix the problems with my wordpress theme, I used help pages on wordpress.org. I’m sure that unexpected problems will show up and I will learn even more soon.
I also had to reach out for advice from several technically genius friends (Thank you!). Navigating the massive amount of information is easier when guided in the right direction. Designing a website is detail oriented work, requires lots of memorization, so the more you do it the better you get!
