4 July, 2009
Through clever use of PHP, Smarty and standard HTML and CSS, we have been able to produce a basic, yet functional mock-up of the screenshots previewed in the last update. As it stands, the website depends on no javascript whatsoever to display content properly thanks to extensive use of PHP.
You may be thinking: why is this good? Javascript, though very powerful and useful, is not supported by everyone who comes to view the site. By utilising PHP, a code that is fully supported, we can reach out to many more people. At a later stage, we will add Javascript to enhance the page only, not to supply dependable functionality.
Now that Javascript had been taken off the scene and our PHP structure had been developed, it was time for us to fill in the blanks. By using the existing Rock Paper Scissors site we were able to collect all necessary test information to put onto the pages. Any of this information is able to be changed at any stage throughout the development process. Unfortunately we are yet to receive images to complete the basic website but nearly everything else is ready to go.
In order to increase the efficiency of the project, it has been decided that cross-compatibility checks are to be done prior to the launch of the site as opposed to during the development process. Given that the content or structure may be susceptible to change, it would be waste of development time and therefore money to conduct thorough cross-compatibility checks at every stage of development.
Update 3 will detail the production processes involved in producing a shopping cart. Due to the sheer size of the next update, it may be some time before it is posted, but stay tuned for more website updates.
Adam Dickinson
Lead Designer