WEB DEVELOPMENT

Aesthetics, the ease of use, appropriate content and a variety of factors combine to create a web site. Web developers work behind the scenes to create an immaculate web site: one that’s interesting, attracts more ‘hits’, retains customer attention and ensures top-of-the mind recall. Ease of navigation, consistency of overall layout, depth of content, originality, and quality of execution, are a few prime factors to be considered when developing a web site. What is web development? Web development comprises a set of functions that include building, designing, and supporting web sites. Some functions overlap, such as programming and database administration. Others, such as web design and content management, generally don’t, though those responsible for either function will still need to work closely together. Some career options available through the Internet are: Web architects Developers decide on the hardware that the site should use, the software necessary to make it function, the appropriate design and navigation to attract users and what will add value to the business, etc. To process all this information and en sure it reaches the right people at the right time in volves a great deal of programming skill. People who generate these programmes are called web developers. Web programming involves skills ranging from a knowledge of front-end tools like Java, VB Script, etc. and back-end ones, such as MS SQL, ACCESS 2000, etc. Features, such as newsletters, community chats and dis cussion groups that impart a degree of interactivity to the web site make it more attractive to the user. These features are added by web developers. Technical skills: You may be conversant in either Microsoft technologies, Java technologies but you will also need a thorough understanding of the other tools used for building web sites, such as ASP, JSP, Java, Dot Net, CGI, Perl and others. Meanwhile, you will work on backend programming and decide on the database and hardware infrastructure on which the web site will be based, besides designing the navigation tools and some front end features. In the end, the user interface of your web site should do full justice to the functional requirements of your client. User interface forms a bridge between the user and the technological back-end, which forms the backbone of all business sites. Web maintainers A webmaster is responsible for the overall look and feel of the web site. Once the site has been built and tested, this person makes sure that the content remains current and accessible. A webmaster refines the structure and content of the portal as necessary, and evaluates both direct user feedback and other usage statistics to make sure that the portal meets all the needs of the client. A webmaster must also be conversant with the latest software tools in order to be able to routinely upgrade the web site. The graphic designers A web site can be a huge chunk of text if there are no graphics in it. In order to stand out, a web site needs some aesthetic appeal. It also needs to be informative so that the viewer gains an accurate picture of your company as well as of the products and services that you offer. Mixing elements of presentation, design and colour are a few functions that you will be re sponsible for as a Graphics Designer. Obviously, knowledge of the latest graphics packages is essential, here as well. Web site co-ordinator They are like project managers work, who work across functions. This role requires communication, organisation and interpersonal skills. You will require an understanding of technology although you will not be required to do the work yourself. In fact you will work in tandem with the client/ organisation and co-ordinate between the front and back-end to come up with a site that reflects the aspirations of the client/ organisation, supports the business objectives and has an easy flow and navigation etc. Content developer Content developers are the main resource providers for the web. The heart of the world wide web lies in the subject matter posted on the Net. A content developer, writes, edits and collates information that appears on the web page. This information must be presented in an attractive, engaging manner in order to draw web browsers to the site. A flair for writing, an ability to ferret information, edit and explain it, are some of the essential qualities needed to become a successful content developer. The ability to string together grammatically correct sentence, think critically and build an instant rapport with the reader are critical skills for this function. Further, the ability to tell a story well is also important, as is a mastery of the form in which your work appears. Most jobs require both writing and editing skills. Qualifications Age is no barrier in IT. On completing matriculation or Intermediate, students can enrol themselves for two-three year courses that will help them acquire comprehensive IT skills. Typically, in a three-year course, students have the option to specialise in a particular field in the third year. Graduates can opt for one-two year specialised courses. Study options Although, these days, there are numerous institutes that offer training in IT, it is important to choose a reputed institute, which has all the state-of-the-art facilities. Their courseware would keep students in sync ¦ with the industry demands.