What is Web Programming?
Web Programming is the art of creating an application that is executed through a web browser or on a web server. Online shopping, bill/invoice payment, and database driven content management tools are all examples of what can be accomplished with Web programming. Utilizing web programming tools, companies are creating dynamic, robust Web sites allowing them to differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering a better online experience.

How does it help my business?
Utilizing Web programming to enhance your site allows you to move from a static, brochure type of website to a dynamic interactive website. Brochure websites provide your customers with some basic information, usually in text format, about who you are and how to contact you. Dynamic websites allow you to differentiate yourself by providing value added services to your customers through the internet. These can include online shopping or order processing, account management and interactive content such as streaming media or online catalogs. With the right web application, you can expand the scope of your business by turning your site into a new sales channel for your business.

How do I get started? - Planning your web site
The key to a successful web application is planning. Before starting your project, consider the following:

• What is the purpose of the application you are trying to create. Is it to be an online marketplace, an information warehouse built on a database, or are you looking to add streaming media functionality to your site. Different sites require different expertise.
• What are the specific actions that you would like visitors to your site to take. This might include the ability to make purchases, request and download information or retrieve content from a searchable database.

Consider the type of programming language you would like to use. There are a number of programming languages to choose from depending on your needs. In many cases, you will use several types of programming languages on a given site to provide your customers the type of interaction they are looking for. Some of the languages and technologies used to develop cutting edge web applications include:

• Java
• JavaScript
• Perl
• Active Server Pages (ASP)
• PHP
• .NETTM
• XML
• Common Gateway Interface (CGI)

How to get your web site built using Elance
1. Start by clicking the Post Your Project button under the Web Programming category. Enter a project name and include the following information:

• Details of what you would like the application to do
• Programming languages to be used. If you are not sure, have the service provider suggest the most appropriate language for what you want to accomplish.
• Database you would like to use
• Operating system to use
• Describe any tech support requirements you will require after the project is completed
• Your level of experience with web programming
• Hosting arrangements

2. Once you start receiving bids, perform the following steps:

• Ensure the service provider left a customized bid
• Examine their qualifications
• Review their portfolio
• Review the feedback they have received from other buyers

3. After you have chosen a provider, you and the provider will need to perform the following steps to complete the project.

• Define the scope of the project and agree on the final deliverable. Be clear as to what your expectations are for the final deliverable. This will ensure that their is no confusion between you and the service provider.
• Define progress milestones and tie those milestones to your payments.
  Review the progress of your project with your chosen service provider at each milestone.
• Test the application.
• Close out the project and leave feedback for the service provider.

Key Terminology

Applet: A small application executed through a Web browser, typically written in Java.
 
Active Server Pages (ASP): A Web page that uses the ActiveX scripting technology to create dynamic sites.
 
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): A standard that gives designers more control of how text and links are displayed in a Web browser.
 
Common Gateway Interface (CGI): A specification for transferring information between a World Wide Web server and a CGI program. CGI programs are the most common way for Web servers to interact dynamically with users.
 
Extensible Markup Language (XML): XML is designed especially for Web documents. It enables the definition, transmission, validation, and interpretation of data between applications and organizations.
 
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and what actions Web servers and browsers should take in response to various commands.
 
Java: Java is a general purpose programming language with a number of features that make the language well suited for use on the World Wide Web.
 
JavaScript: A scripting language developed to enable Web authors to design interactive sites.
 
Open Source: A certification standard issued by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) that indicates the source code of a computer program is made available free of charge to the general public.
 
Perl: Perl is a programming language especially designed for processing text and is the most popular language for writing CGI scripts.
 
PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor. A script language embedded within a Web page along with HTML used to interpret and perform various operations.
 
Structured Query Language (SQL): SQL is a standardized query language for requesting information from a database.
 
SSL Encryption: Secure Socket Layer - Commonly used for managing the security of message transmission.
 
Web Server: A computer that delivers (serves) Web pages. Any computer can be turned into a Web server by installing server software and connecting the machine to the Internet.