Programming Fundamentals

Programming Fundamentals

Web Site Design Steps

Whether you are designing database system for a growing shipping company, or developing any type of software product for a client, the steps in the design process are surprisingly similar. While there are a multitude of variations of how to accomplish the task of creating a web site for a retailer that has various online store functions, there are six primary steps that are seen in all variations. This sequence of steps is commonly known as the Waterfall Model.

Identify the Requirements

During this initial phase, the programmer will meet with the client to determine the scope of the website project. An in depth discussion will take place to ensure that all aspects of what the client requests are established, and to determine whether or not the client wants and needs for the project are feasible. This is also known as creating a “requirements” document. This ensures that the finished production will be what the client desired, as opposed to the client receiving a product that does not fulfill all of the business’ needs.

Design the Website

Once the specifics of what the client requests have been determined, the programmer is able to plan out the website’s design. During this step the programmer will decide upon the sequence in which events must occur to create the desired outcome on the website (The Programming Process, n.d.). Some of the most commonly used tools at this stage are diagrams or charts. There are two in particular that work well for the development of a website: a flowchart (also known as a flow diagram) and a class diagram.

A flowchart is a great tool to illustrate each step in the development process. It is essentially mapping out the web site design to be able to see where improvements can be made, and where problems may arise. Using a flowchart also can expedite the development process because each step of the process is already mapped out in a visual representation.

A use case...