Should a website owner look under the hood?
Yes, a website owner should take the time to check their website is built correctly. From a business point of view, it makes perfect sense to ensure your website is marked up correctly, styled using the correct methods, is secure and that it will work across many different devices.
XHTML
Your website is built (marked up) using a markup language called HTML or XHTML. A web browser like Internet Explorer reads the markup and displays it as a web page. As a website owner you are not expected to know this language but you should ensure your developer has used this language correctly when building your website.
A well marked-up document will be well structured and meaningful. It should not contain any presentational mark-up. It must conform to industry standards.
Meaningful markup (often called semantic markup) is easier for humans to understand but also programs and devices. These means a well marked up website will reach a wider audience, search engines will index the pages faster and the website will be easier and cheaper to maintain in the future.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) should be used to apply the design to your well marked up XHTML pages. It is important to ensure your site’s look and feel will display as intended on the many different devices used today to browse the Internet.
Check with the developer to ensure they intend on testing the site in different browsers and on different platforms. Like XHTML, validating it with an online validator can help ensure your CSS code is well formed. Your developer should be able to demonstrate this to you.
Server Side Scripting
A server side scripting language lives and runs on the server hosting your website. It is used to enhance the user’s experience and the website’s functionality. Format.ie uses PHP for all its server side scripting.
Regardless of the scripting language used, a website owner should take the time to check their website is not at risk from badly written server side scripting.
Ask your developer to explain what the code is doing and what precautions and checks are in place.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a scripting language, which lives and runs in your web browser. It is used to enhance a website and the users experience. Image rollovers are a well-known effect often created using JavaScript.
If your website uses JavaScript ask the developer if the site will still function if the end user (your customer) does not have JavaScript enabled or available on their device.
JavaScript should be used to enhance the users experience on your website, however, the website should not rely on JavaScript to function or display as intended.
If you have any questions regarding any aspect of your website, please call Format.ie today on 071 9131991.
