[cocode36]

Heres the deal.. I currently work for a letting agent who require a new website to be built. I know a little bit about web design, but not enough to build a website to the requirements. The site needs to be database-driven so that other staff members can update the site online through simple forms.

We currently have a website which is easy to use and very functionable, the actual design is ok but due to issues with the name we need to change it. My boss has basically told me that he will support and fund me learning and building the site and I have no timescale.

I don't know how to build a site like this and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to learn, if there are any good books to buy? recommended courses to go on? What sort of coding do I need to know how to do? Programs to get? etc..

I appreciate any advice that anyone can offer.

Thanks all.

[bluesage]

you have many possibilities to be able to design a database driven website to suit your needs.

1. Php / Mysql
2. ASP.NET / MS SQL Server (Microsoft only platform and server)
...there are more but in my opinion these two are the simplest ones to learn

There are also many open source CMS (content management systems) available on the web, that could be adapted or combined with the current website.

as for books, dont know what to propose, so will let others do that.

There are tons of php tutorials and scripts on the internet, which help to learn that language quickly.

[Maerk]

Question that leaps out to me is, do you work for him as a designer/have any design/web background, or are you an employee that he's dropped the task of updating his website onto?

Kind of a massive thing to be asked to learn to be a web designer/developer within an existing career... If it's something you're eager to do then cool I guess, otherwise... you guys should just look into hiring someone to help you, would probably be faster and might even be cheaper than you not doing your current role for so long?

Just my ten pence.

[gkwinspired]

I agree with Maerk!!!!

--
Greg

[skyrocket]

i agree with captain square fish also - you're better off getting some web designer/developers to come in and do a quote for you. this way you'll start to see what you're getting yourself into and also your boss will better appreciate the time & costs involved. if it's just a re-skin job to change the name/branding then it's possible you can do it but if it's a full rebuild (possibly involving database and a CMS?) then you could be taking the "express elevator to hell" (bonus point for whoever spots which movie that line is from)

[mpls-web-design]

Designing a database site is not an easy undertaking, unless you use some open source or off-the-shelf software packages which only need some modification. Database sites take longer to build and it may require a team effort. So, I agree that asking you to build a database site out of the blue is a bit too much.