WEB development is the process of creating applications and websites. It includes steps such as designing and layout pages, programming the client and server parts, as well as configuring the server.
The main stages of website development:
Design: collection and analysis of requirements, preparation of technical specifications and development of interfaces.
Concept: creating a creative website concept.
Design: development of the design of an Internet resource.
Layouts: create layouts of site pages.
FLASH elements and multimedia: Adding animation and multimedia.
Layout: creating templates and page layout.
Software: development of functional tools or integration with a content management system (CMS).
Optimization: placement and optimization of text materials on the site.
Testing: checking the site's performance and making adjustments if necessary.
Launch: site placement on the Internet.
Maintenance: support and improvement of the portal or its software part.
Depending on the specific task, some of these steps may be used or linked to each other.
An important component of web development is the terms of reference (TOR). Usually, the project manager draws up a technical specification based on a brief filled out by the customer, which specifies the requirements for the structure and visualization of the site, as well as corrections and improvements, if there is a previous version of the site. After the client approves the brief, the manager creates a technical specification, taking into account the possibilities of design and software tools. However, each site project is unique and depends on many factors, such as the size, functionality and purpose of the resource being created. But regardless of this, there are common steps that are present at every stage of planning a future project.
Website design is the first step in creating an online resource. It is usually developed using graphic editors. The web designer creates several design options, guided by the terms of reference (TOR). The main page of the site is developed separately, and then a design is created for other standard pages, such as news, articles, "About us" and a catalog.
The design is a graphic file containing various images in the form of layers. At the same time, the specialist takes into account the limitations of the HTML standard so that the created design can be implemented using standard HTML tools. The exception is Flash design.
The number of sketches and their order are discussed in advance with the project managers, who control the fulfillment of deadlines. In large companies, an art director responsible for the quality of graphics may be involved in this process. The customer approves the final design at this stage, as well as at the previous one.
Then the design approved by the client is passed to the layout designer, who divides the graphic image into separate images and creates an HTML page from them. As a result, standard pages are obtained, which can later be used as HTML templates.
After that, the HTML files are transferred to the web programmer. Website software development can be performed from scratch or based on a content management system (CMS), such as a "CMS engine". When using a CMS, the site is already a ready-made system with replaceable blocks. The developer, working with the CMS, replaces the standard template with a new one, based on the initial web design and taking into account the wishes of the client.
In the process of developing the site's software, deadlines are also set for the completion of work. If the site is created using a CMS, then the specialist should be called a "CMS specialist". He is responsible for replacing the standard template with an individually designed one that corresponds to the initial design and the customer's wishes.
Web development includes all the above-mentioned steps that help to create a functional and attractive website.
Testing: the last stage of website development
When developing a website, the testing process includes various checks. For example, we check how a page looks on a website with different font sizes and browser windows, as well as in the absence of a Flash player. An important part is also user testing or usability, where we check the usability of the site for end users.
If we find errors or problems on the site during testing, we send them to the contractor for correction. The project manager controls the deadlines and ensures that all problems will be solved. Also, at the testing stage, the designer can be involved in the process to monitor and monitor the quality of graphics.
Website placement on the Internet
After the development is completed, the website files are placed on the provider's server and the necessary parameters are configured. However, at this stage, the site is not yet available to a wide audience.
Filling the site with content and publishing it
Then we fill the site with content such as texts, images, download files, and more. Sometimes the texts themselves are developed by a team of copywriters, sometimes the client can provide content or hire an author from the outside. The issue of content is usually resolved at the stage of drafting the terms of reference (TOR).
SEO optimization: internal and external
Internal site optimization includes changes made directly to the site itself. First, we form a semantic core by choosing keywords that will attract the attention of users and help overcome competition. These keywords are then embedded on the site, and all links, texts, and meta tags are adapted for quick detection by search engines.
External SEO optimization is related to the creation of a structure of external links to a website for its promotion. SEO optimization is a long and time-consuming process, and the cost of this service may exceed the cost of developing the site itself.
Final delivery of the project
The customer gets acquainted with the entire finished project. If he is completely satisfied with the result, the relevant documents are signed, for example, an act of completed work. The client is also provided with training in the necessary skills for the administration of a new website.
Note:
When developing web design, we take into account that the site should look attractive in various browsers such as Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox and Opera.
Earlier, the version of Internet Explorer 6 had its own peculiarities in the interpretation of HTML standards and created problems for web designers. Many have suggested to abandon support for IE6, but due to its presence on many computers running Windows XP, developers have to test their products on this browser as well.
