Web Design Programming Services
I always get a kick when I hear someone state that they need someone to
program in HTML or that they are a HTML programmer. HTML is not a programming
language. HTML is a markup language, used to create documents for display on the
world wide web. In general, no programming is required to create static web
pages.
HTML Forms
Some degree of programming is necessary to create dynamic web pages, web
pages that change the way they look based on how the user interacts with the web
page. The most prevalent example of a dynamic web page is known as a form and a
form is used to gather specific information. Usually, a form is used by your
customer
to request additional information about a product or service. The "Contact Us"
page on this website is an example of an HTML form.
Java Script
Java Script and it's Microsoft clone VBScript are the most common ways to add
dynamic attributes to your web pages. The advantage is that basic error checking
on the information supplied to your HTML form occurs without the need to
reconnect to your website, streamlining the process for your customers and
reducing the load on your web server.
Common uses include ensuring that some
required information is submitted by your customers such as their email address
or phone number and checking to make sure that the data provided makes some
sense. For example, someone entering their name with all numerals is unlikely to
merit serious attention by you for more information.
Java Script may also be used to alter the way a webpage is displayed. For
example, premium content for your website may be displayed based on cookies, the
time of day, and the position of the cursor. The possibilities are endless.
CGI
The Common Gateway Interface is perhaps the most common way to introduce
dynamic web pages to your website. Most web form processing is accomplished using
this interface. You will need some CGI programming if you want the forms on your
website to populate a database, format and send multiple email messages, or
engage in E-Commerce.
CGI programming is also a cost effective solution to the problem of adding weather forecasts from NOAA or reports from other public domain resources to
your website.
If your quest for information requires more than one form, then using CGI
programming offers the most flexible alternative because it does not depend on
having a particular type of web server or configuration. This helps keep the
additional fixed cost expenses to a minimum.
CGI programming has many competitors. Microsoft's ASP is very popular and for
demanding applications Microsoft's Net applications are well regarded. Unix and
Linux solutions tend to be better at ensuring security, but require a little
more computer savvy than do the Microsoft solutions. In either case, deployment
of such systems can easily exceed $100K per year, which prices them out of the
reach of many small businesses.
Acrobat PDF Forms
Do your services entail having your customer sign a contract, for example, to
rent or lease vacation property? Are you burdened with transferring information
gathered from your website to a piece of paper? You may be able to streamline
this process by creating your documents with Acrobat and adding a little bit of
programming to automatically fill in the required information. This form can
then be viewed by your customers online, printed and mailed or faxed back to
you. Not only will save hours in your back office, but you will decrease the
time it takes to get contracts back in your office.
Gossamer has automated the auto-completion of hundreds of PDF forms. Give us
a call to discuss your needs and receive a quote on the work required.
Other Programming Services
With over 20 years of experience with a variety of programming languages and
databases, Gossamer can help you fill your needs for programming services. We
have extensive experience with UNIX/C/C++ applications and with database design
using MySQL, Microsoft Access ODBC and Oracle. Give us a call today to discuss your
requirements.
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