Web Development Resources

There are a few tools that I can honestly say have impacted me the most when it comes to designing and programming websites. Here they are.

Macromedia

Macromedia is a company I have been buying products from since early 1999. From Dreamweaver 2 through their new version MX, I will always recommend upgrading as they only put out a new release when there are major improvements.

Although I haven't had enough time to play with Flash and ColdFusion, the work I have seen done with those products is amazing. Yet a word of warning for the up and coming designer / programmer who feels that the tool is the solution. Stop using up all the bandwidth out there. I don't care that your cat can spin in 3D.

PHP & MySQL

Although these are two separate systems, they work so well together that I like putting them together. PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor and is used by placing code within html that runs through a parser when a page is requested. Allows for dynamic pages and interacts with MySQL like they are best friends.

MySQL is a database that is highly configured for the internet. Very speedy and quite small, it meets almost all needs.

Did I mention both are free? Although for support there are many companies that offer businesses good packages for piece of mind and to make managers feel secure.

Create Online

After almost 3 years of buying every issue individually at $20 CAN a piece, I became a subscriber to this magazine from across the Pond in the UK. Just because it is published over there it doesn't mean it's not worth picking up. Its in full color and every issue I learn something new.

It started out as the Web Designer's Bible and is now calling itself a New Media magazine. The CD's are a waste of plastic in my view but they do work well as coasters.

I am only missing 2 issues of this mag and find myself going back to issues that I haven't cracked in a year to find an article that answered a question I have.

Unfortunately, Create Online is now discontinued.

E-Design Magazine

I am very interested in seeing how this magazine does on the shelf. It is well layed out and in full color is quite a pleasure to read. Although the web is only one technonlogy covered in this mag, its articles on interface design and usablilty have come in handy and its only on the second issue.

I highly recommend picking up this high end magazine. I am now a subscriber and find it to be a great read and an excellent resource.