Hi there,

 

I am quite new to web design and have been learning HTML and CSS which has gone well.

 

To test my knowledge I have been creating some websites for friends and family.

 

A couple of the websites I am designing would need the content amended on a regular basis which I dont really want to do frequently. The layout will remain as it is, it will literally be just the text or images that change.

 

The question I have is:

 

Is there a way they can update the text and/or images without going into the HTML file as it could be difficult to read for someone who doesnt understand it?

 

If there is another way to store the content, what would I use. I have read a bit on XML but dont think that will do what I need.

 

 

Your thoughts and any ideas would be great.

 

 

Thanks

Pete

 

 

Use a content management system such as Wordpress, Drupal or Joomla. Alternatively, you could code your own using PHP.

Just to add to what Alluzion has said you can see a list of recommended CMS at this thread http://www.webdesignerforum.co.uk/topic/2417-which-cms-is-perfect-for-you/

 

My favs are WordPress (can seem a little tricky for a beginner IMO) & MODx (again can be tricky I guess but the coding is a doddle IMO, just add placeholders where you want text really) or tons more out there so you can choose a one that is best suited to your needs

Thanks for the advice, I'll have a look into wordpress first.

 

I also want to learn about PHP so that could also be an option in the future. is it difficult to do in PHP?

PHP isn't an easy language, it's more difficult than HTML and CSS (I'm sure most people would agree) but it's also a lot different. It shares similar syntax to other scripting languages such as Javascript as well as programming languages such as C. Most modern PHP applications use OOP (Object Orientated Programming) but I have yet to find a good resource to learn this.

 

WordPress is definitely a good choice due to the vast amount of documentation surrounding it and both free and premium themes that you can break down and learn from.

I think WordPress is what I'll use at least until I learn PHP or other methods fully.

 

Thanks for the tips

I think you should learn more about some programming language like php and database. You should try wordpress, drupal or joomla. But it's better to learn php or asp_net from the beginning if you want to understand clearly what you are working

I never realised sql was involved with php. I use sql fairly regularly so hopefully im half way there!

 

Thanks all for the advice and comments

I never realised sql was involved with php. I use sql fairly regularly so hopefully im half way there!

 

Thanks all for the advice and comments

 

SQL is not really associated with PHP, it's just used for database manipulation. Although most systems will be using something like MySQL, It is possible to write PHP without a database, or even using a NoSQL database.

 

It's all a bit complicated but PHP is not easy. It's a language that takes years to perfect, hence why many front-end developers and designers will utilise systems like Wordpress and Drupal.

Edited April 11, 201313 yr by J.P