Development Terms

A vital part of any website is the creation of the code to display the pages in the correct way. We take care to make the best and most efficient use of the technology available to us. By combining some of the elements below we can provide your website with a comprehensive set of functions that will make your potential clients internet experience all the more enjoyable. The following page lists many of the systems available to us and our clients through the World Wide Web.

What is HTML

HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language and is a set of instructions that tell your browser what content to display and how it should be presented. This language helped to kick-start the internet revolution and has undergone an large number of refinements ending with the creation of the HTML 4.01 standard.

What is XHTML

XHTML stands for EXtensible Hyper Text Markup Language, it is a strict and more organised version of HTML and is aimed to replace the older HTML standard. By using XHTML and CSS, content is separated from layout allowing the page to be reformatted according to the medium on which it is displayed. XHTML is an attempt to move web content authoring towards the use of XML as its method of formatting information.

What is XML

EXtensible Markup Language is the very latest in web standards and develops the idea of a strict organisational structure for building web content. Unlike HTML and XHTML, XML does not necessarily rely of set data types, instead allowing the web author complete control over data types and content. Currently few users will realise that they have come into contact with XML based information on the internet but, as browser and software support increases it will grow in popularity and become the norm. We have already designed a number of sites that take advantage of this emerging methodology and have the experience to integrate XML based data forms into any website design.

What is CSS

Cascading Style Sheets are the current standard way in which to control the visual layout and display of a website's content.

In a similar way to HTML and XHTML, CSS uses a standard set of commands to describe the attributes of elements within a page (e.g., an image has a grey border or the text should be centre justified) by combining a number of these commands it is possible to control the vast majority of a sites' 'look and feel' from a single, centralised document.

By using CSS in the way it was intended to be used, it makes the process of modifying an existing design or changing a new design during the design process a great deal less problematic. As an additional benefit using CSS opens up new possibilities in accessibility terms, allowing pages to be displayed in any number of different ways according to the user's screen size, system type and ability.

There are some exceptions and issues with using this method but here at Cnx Web Solutions we have the knowledge to overcome any problems that arise and see that the advantages to using this method far outweigh any apparent disadvantages.

What is a CMS

Our Content Management System enables the client to build pages, input and edit page content and format it accordingly. Sitting behind the main website as a back-end, the client is able to log into the system and has complete control over page content without the need to code the pages directly. The CMS writes its content into the areas of the site specified during the design process so there is no need to worry about breaking the pages or spoiling the design.

What is Java?

A product of Sun Microsystems that has been available for a number of years. The technology has applications far beyond simple Applets for use in web pages to fully functioning cross-platform operating systems for computer systems and now mobile phones.

What is IPIX?

A Java based, 360°, interactive photography technology provided by Global Vista Interactive Imaging. Ideal for dramatic internal and external images of properties with the additional benefit of complete user control over direction of view and zoom. The applet requires a small download before initialisation but once completed will not require further downloads apart from the images themselves.

What is Flash?

An Adobe technology able to provide complex animation and interactive functionality to any website. All forms of media can be included in a flash presentation from simple graphics through Video and on to complicated database driven content.

We suggest that although the capabilities of this software are extensive you should not be fooled by dazzling visuals. It is often overlooked that presentations and websites built entirely of Flash 'movies' are difficult for the current selection of search engines to index. Sparing use of this technology is far more effective in the long term and will not result in loss of search engine rank.

What is JavaScript?

Often confused with Java, Javascript is as its name implies a scripting language based loosely on the Java programming language. Unlike Java, Javascript is contained within the HTML code itself and can be considered a 'safe' language in that it does not have the capability to access any systems or hardware on the user's computer.

The role of Javascript within a page can take many forms, from simple pop-up windows and rollover images (often used for buttons) to more complicated event handling and animation of webpage elements.

First introduced in Netscape navigator 2.0 and subsequently Microsoft's JScript the language has become widespread and will work on all but the most outdated and specialised web browsers.

What does Database Driven mean?

Using Database Driven content within a website can open up a whole host of usefull features to both the client and your potential customers. In simple terms information to be displayed is entered by the user and then stored in a tabular format that can be organised in any number of different ways. We can then write back-end code that is able to access the information and display it in the relevant context. Database driven content is not limited to just numerical data, but can also include text, images and any other web based content.

What is a PSP?

Payment Service Providers allow you to take and process credit/debit card details securely on your website. Most of the major banks provide a PSP service.