A Working Description

I have been in this industry for quite a few years. I have found that as standards grow, and change the job changes every 3 years. Soon we will all be using the CSS3 and HTML 5, to build sites. Where as a year ago I was still working on creating IE 6 compatible sites. I have been working for the last years to help create definitions for employees, and clients. We need a set of definition to layout what is required from each person on a team. Below are some thoughts on these topics.

Programer Descriptions

To talk specifically about the generalities in life we need to have a means to identify the description. Basically we can break items down to Designers and Programmers. But where does design end and programming begin. For example, is CSS design or programming? CSS creation is basically a language to define design elements. So it is both. Or flahs is it a designer technology or a programing technology. Here is how we have place those technologies in the past.

Front End Developer

A front end developer I have used to describe designers. They are responsible for creating a graphical mockup, and converting that to CSS / HTML. It needs to be screen reader compatible, and Search bot friendly, items such as Alt tags, and descriptive unordered lists.

Usually then we break down for front end programers, to be on one of two tracks. First is as a Flash developer, and the second is a JavaScript programmer. Ideally we need people who can at least look up properties in API’s and make it work. But often times those seem to be far an few in between.

Back End Developer

On the other hand we have back end developers. They are fluent in at least 1 web language, and can work with others as needed. A back end programmer usually knows at least on of these languages cold: Java, .Net, Php, Ruby, Cold Fusion My-Sql, etc.

How much do we need to know?

First what do you need to know. Any more everyone need to know at least basic html, and CSS. Second because of the quickly changing market, everyone needs to spend at least an hour a day in learning. Or else you will becoming out dated quickly, which I see all the time. Third you need to maintain a fluid attitude towards learning technology. Instead of the mentality of this is how we have done it, to let’s look into it. Which I rarely see. No matter how much you know, it isn’t enough.

Where to Start?

Once you have a mastery of HTML, CSS, you need to spend time learning a specific technology, such as flash and action scripting or PHP, or Jquery…. Start with the basics and be prepared to spend the rest of your life learning something new every day.

Where am I?

I have developed 100’s of php applications, but I wanted to learn Ruby. I figure it will take a good 9 -12 months to master the language, and working of that language. However, I am not a graphic designer, I always outsource that to a graphic designer. I am not a flash developer, I put that with a graphic designer. But just about everything else I have to have a working knowledge with.

What are the various web technologies in the wild.

This is not a complete list it is only a small sample, but it is a good start. For any web developer you need to be ready to learn new technologies.

First the basics

  • HTML
  • XML
  • CSS 2 - But soon 3

Browser Driven technologies JavaScript

  • Jquery
  • MooTools
  • Prototype / Scriptaculous

Flash

  • Basic Movie driven
  • Action Scripting 2.0
  • Action Scripting 3.0

Server Driven

Database Driven

  • MySql
  • sqlite3
  • MS sql
  • etc

PHP

  • Cake - framework
  • Code Ignitor - framework
  • Hand designed
  • Joomla - CMS
  • Modx - CMS
  • X-cart - Store
  • the list can go forever

Ruby - a full OO language

  • Rails
  • Sinatra
  • 1000’s of other frameworks

.Net - and 1000’s of related programs

Java - again 1000’s of related programs (usually enterprise level)

Cold Fusion - I just heard a project in Cold fusion so they are still alive