super_si

Ive being asked to extend to the site ive already done, and incorporate an online shop were people can buy stuff?

I’m very new to this, and web design in general at the moment. IF I want to use it, I figure out how it works, etc like ive being doing already with j'scrip, HTML and Flash.


My question is, how hard would it be to set up?

Also price or any package and space on the server etc + would I need to be using SQL or anything?php?asp?

Any information much appreciated

Si

AdrianFRST

Useablity is of paramount importance. I'd say if you're at all unsure then don't even attempt it.

Your best bet is to get a pre written package. There are some good links here: http://www.aspfaq.com/show.asp?id=2225

I'm writing my own, because there is nothing out there with the features and flexability I require. Not a task to be taken lightly!

super_si

Id rather get some package that has the bulk, then integrate it with the site.

Need to learn somewhere + not my money

NeilT

Si,

Whats your site URL?

Mail me offline and I'll send you over the package details of what we use

Neil

super_si

Yeah ok thanks mate ill do it now


er... there is no email address!

Si

[Edited by super_si - 11/26/2002 4:31:05 PM]

NeilT

oh yeah, neilsthompson@yahoo.co.uk

super_si

YHM

snowcrash

or http://www.phpcart.co.uk

super_si

Am i going to have to learn server/client side php and asp??

might need to read a booooooooooook


Si

Dream Weaver

AdrianFRST - join the club mate - been developing one for a while now, nightmare

Whats your email addy? I have an unrelated ASP question for ya

super_si

ive being waiting for your input dw

kryten

actinic is excellent for an 'off the shelf' package (especially at just over 300 quid).

can be easily customised. It even integrates with Dreamweaver (the macromedia one!) if you're prepared to shell out for the developer version.

depends on _how_ customised it needs to be really!

Dream Weaver

Si - difficult one really - if you are being paid good money for the job, then hand coding is the way to go. All my db stuff is done by hand in ASP as I prefer to know what everything is doing, and how it all works.

But if you are doing it for nowt, then try using something like Get Trolleyed. Visit their website and you can play with a demo version. Not my cup of tea as I said, but should be OK for you.

If you do hand code, PHP is probably the easiest option - I prefer ASP but thats just my choice. If you do hand code, make sure you lay everything outon paper first. i.e. so you know all the processes required, all the tables, SQL etc. i.e. a basic site will need a products table, customer table, price table, etc etc

super_si

ive never used SQL, php or asp..... any good books

BoxerFlat4

Interesting thread, I'm in the planning stage of writing my own custom shop front for my website - planning on using PHP + XML, MySQL database's and templates.

As mentioned, get as much on paper first, before coding begins. And define what it is your trying to achieve, without a map how will you know if your going the right way ! More important than software, these days.

super_si

Easy to say if youve got knowledge of the nesscessary tools and languages needed!

Dream Weaver

As Boxer says - the most important thing these days in designing db sites/apps is a pencil and piece of paper - ironic

chiark

If you've never programmed PHP or ASP or done much with SQL then I'd say look at packages.

Get usability and navigation right, make it easy for people to work through the site from browse to checkout... Design it properly first and everything will happen a lot easier

GaryK

Si,

See I said you would *need* SQL regardless of language and platform!

Gary

ChrisB

In which case, buy off the shelf!

super_si

Think im going to have to.

Ideal opertunity to learn SQL i think

Si