I have wrestled with what AI means for our industry during this time. There’s potential to make our jobs easier. However, there are also questions about where these large language models (LLM) get their data and how accurate they are. Not to mention the eerie feeling of replacing humans.

Is the glass half empty or half full? Perhaps we won’t know for a few more years. New tools and technical evolutions are sure to come.

One thing I can say is that AI has changed my workflow. And it’s about more than saving time. Tools like ChatGPT and GitHub’s Copilot have also changed how I approach development projects.

Here’s a look at how AI has impacted me so far. I hope you see a thing or two that resonates.

A Solution to Coding Challenges

I’ll admit it: I’m not the world’s best coder. My experience with PHP and JavaScript is riddled with fits and starts. I tend to make some progress – only to run into a debugging nightmare. It’s those little things that get in the way, you know?

AI tools have, for better or worse, saved me from scouring Google for solutions. I can paste the offending code snippet into ChatGPT, and it will explain where I went wrong. It will even provide a corrected version.

Issues such as syntax errors aren’t easy to spot with the naked eye. Code editors can point them out but don’t often provide easy-to-understand suggestions. AI acts like an extremely patient friend who holds your hand during these tough times.

I feel guilty for contributing to the decline of traffic to Stack Overflow and similar communities. On the other hand, finding quick answers has lowered my stress levels.

This feature is invaluable for freelancers who work solo. It’s like having a colleague on hand, 24/7. And even when the answers aren’t 100% accurate, they usually lead you in the right direction.

A More Holistic Approach to Development

Time is always of the essence when doing custom development work. Budgets are limited, and deadlines are short. Sometimes, this leads to a result that isn’t as good as it could be.

There’s also a tie-in with limited coding skills. It’s hard to build a top-notch feature when you spend most of your time debugging. I find myself rushing to get things done rather than polishing them.

AI has made a huge impact in this area. Its ability to quickly write code and solve problems allows me to approach projects differently. I can take a holistic view that encompasses how things should look and work.

The experience has been freeing. My focus has changed to implementing and then improving my code. There’s room to add details that make for a better user experience. I also have more time for quality control.

If anything, AI has brought some clarity to my usually-scattered mind. Working step-by-step through a project is easier than ever.

A Newfound Confidence in What’s Possible

Custom development has always scared me. I often doubted something was possible until I made it work. Funny as it sounds, having AI’s help at my disposal has improved my confidence. I no longer cringe as much when a client asks for something I haven’t done before.

That doesn’t mean the build process will be worry-free. There will still be bumps in the road and unexpected challenges. However, combining AI with my existing knowledge empowers me to determine the best way forward.

I think this is another side effect of working solo. Each task feels like climbing a mountain when doing it alone. Having access to the right resources helps to ease the burden.

To be clear, I don’t equate AI with a human developer. People are much better at things like planning and critical thinking.

Machines can’t yet compete in that realm. They provide an extra depth of knowledge and boost productivity, though. That makes a big difference when you’re used to doing it all yourself.

It makes me feel like I can take on projects I might have turned down before.

AI Provides a Helping Hand When I Need It

Believe it or not, I don’t use AI every day. Most of my web design and development work originates from my imperfect brain. As does 100% of my writing. I’m happy to keep it that way.

However, I have experienced numerous occasions where an extra bit of help is appreciated. That led to a lot of frustration in the past. Having neither the time nor money to hire an expert for small tasks caused a lot of headaches.

That’s where AI has been most useful. Writing a WordPress function or manipulating the DOM with JavaScript can be accomplished with minimal effort. They’re no longer sticking points that hold me back.

In the end, that’s what tools are supposed to do. We use them to do more in less time. The tools may change, but the concept remains the same. Maybe AI is just the latest in a long line of them.

The post How AI Changed My Web Development Workflow appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

If you’re a web designer, the odds are that client requests for event registration capabilities have increased in recent years. Organizations were already abandoning traditional methods – and a global pandemic only served to accelerate the trend.

And there is a plethora of options for implementation. From niche WordPress plugins to third-party event services, plenty of providers have populated this space. There’s something for every need and budget.

Still, not every method will fit your needs. That’s why it’s important to map out the entire process—from user registration and data handling to what happens after the event.

So, before taking online event registrations, read our tips for choosing the right tool.

The Type and Frequency of Your Events

One thing you’ll find when working with clients is that no two are alike. This is particularly so when talking about events. Each organization has unique preferences and policies.

Therefore, you’ll want to ask plenty of questions. Find out what events look like for them. For example, try to determine:

• The number of events held per year.
• Type of events (virtual or in-person).
• How many attendees are expected for each event.
• Where events take place (physical venues or online meeting platforms).
• What costs registrants will pay.

The type and frequency of events play a vital role. Consider a client who hosts a single yearly conference. Their needs may be quite different from those of someone who runs monthly meetups.

Clients with multiple events could benefit from a registration system tied to a calendar. This would allow users to browse events in chronological order. Displaying upcoming events can become an integral, easy-to-implement part of the site’s home page.

In-person and virtual events tend to have some key differences as well. Using a remote meeting platform such as Zoom means distributing a link to registrants. But wouldn’t it be nice to use a registration system that ties in directly with the platform? That would add a layer of convenience for users and site administrators.

Events taking place in person should include as much venue information as possible. The facility’s address, phone number, and website URL come to mind. Bonus points for systems that include a map and link to driving directions or other modes of transport.

Think About User Data Collection

It’s a safe bet that most event registration systems will collect basic contact information (name, email address). And data such as mailing addresses and phone numbers will be required for compatibility with online payment gateways.

But data needs can go well beyond those essentials. Depending upon the organization, any of the following may be necessary:

• Membership ID.
• Food preferences.
• Accessibility needs.
• T-shirt size.
• Company/organization name.
• Conference session choices.
• Opt-in to receive emails or print materials.
• Photo or other document uploads.

And those examples just scratch the surface of what’s possible. There are no hard limits on what types of data can be collected.

Thus, you’ll want to ensure that the event registration app can accommodate these needs. Some tools provide a selection of form fields that can be customized. The ability to set required fields also comes in handy.

It’s also important how you access the collected data. Ideally, there will be a web-based UI for viewing registrations. Options for exporting and sharing that data in various formats add even more flexibility.

Lastly, think about how registration data might tie in with services you’re already using. For example, the email opt-in could connect with a provider such as Mailchimp. This bit of automation will make maintenance that much easier.

Communicating before and after the Event

Staying in touch with registrants before and after an event is crucial. It provides the latest information and helpful reminders, and it encourages user feedback throughout the process.

Again, any functionality that ties into your existing communication tools can simplify this task. At the very least, an option for targeting the registrants of a specific event will suffice.

It’s also worth noting that communication goes beyond sending an email. Your website can also serve as an important hub. It can host event info and allow registrants to change their reservations.

Not every event app is suited for this type of use. However, you might employ a shopping cart or membership plugin to fill in the gaps.

That’s one advantage of using WordPress or a similar content management system (CMS). It’s easy to add related functionality that enhances event registration. Users are empowered to do more, while site owners have more options to manage events and registrants.

Choose the Right Online Event Registration Platform

When accepting online event registrations, the goal is to implement a process that is easy and intuitive for users. On the flip side, it also needs to conform to clients’ needs. It should offer flexibility when collecting data and administering registrations.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle in achieving this is choosing the right platform. With so many options, it can be difficult to narrow them down.

However, it all starts with understanding the project’s needs. Once you know the type and frequency of events, along with the data and communication requirements, you’ll have a clearer picture of how things should work. From there, you’ll be able to determine which platform makes the most sense.

And the experience you’ll gain is valuable. It will greatly help as you work on similar projects in the future.

The post Tips for Taking Event Registrations on Your Website appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Growth takes time, however. Short of releasing an instantly popular (and lucrative) product, you’ll have to put in a lot of work to level up. That means taking on smaller projects and lower pay until you become an established designer.

Part of the challenge is in choosing the right tools and technologies. Some offer a more future-friendly path than others. Pick the wrong one, and you may find yourself starting over from square one.

If you’re looking to build a career that is both successful and sustainable, we’re here to help! Here are some tips to help you hit the ground running.

Learn How Things Work Behind the Scenes

The no-code era of web design has arrived – to a point. DIY website builders and even WordPress have jumped on the bandwagon. The idea is to get websites launched faster and with less hassle.

Those are positive steps. But the downside is that you may miss out on the finer details of web design and development. If a feature doesn’t look or work the way you expect, it helps to have some idea of what’s happening beneath that WYSIWYG interface.

To get the most out of these tools, learn how to code. Dig into CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and other relevant languages. This will provide you with the foundation you need to build fully-custom websites.

You don’t have to learn it all at once. It’s perfectly reasonable to pick up knowledge as you go. As you gain experience, you’ll also have a better idea of how to troubleshoot and make these advanced tools work for you.

There is a great temptation to work within the limitation of no-code site builders. But by doing so, you’ll also limit yourself.

Find Projects That Challenge You

The variety of project types available to web designers runs the gamut. Everything from single-page calls to action to enterprise behemoths is out there.

As a beginner, it’s worth experiencing as many of them as possible. Whether you’re a project lead or a worker bee isn’t the most important factor. The value is in going through the build and design processes.

The most valuable projects are often the ones that provide the most significant challenges. They test your knowledge and inspire you to learn something new.

That could be something big like a programming language. But it can also lead to discovering little tweaks that improve your workflow. These are skills that you can take with you – helping you become a true expert in your craft.

Realistically speaking, we all have bills to pay. Sometimes that means taking on projects that aren’t very challenging. That’s fine in the short term. But if you want to move up, look for projects that will push you forward.

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

The longer you’re a part of the web design industry, the more likely it is that you’ll experience some failures. And while it might not be much fun, it’s an important part of growing as a professional.

Some projects simply don’t work out. Or a tool you invested in could go belly-up. A prospective client may dangle a project in front of you – only to waste your time in the end.

On the bright side, each of these scenarios is a learning experience. Looking back on them can help prepare you for the future. And they may save you from making a similar mistake, or trusting the wrong person, the next time around.

We all want to celebrate our successes. But it may take some trial and error to get there. With that, don’t let the fear of failure stop you from pursuing the career you want.

This doesn’t give you a free license to be reckless. However, it can be liberating to understand that there will be ups and downs along the way.

No One Starts at the Top

We’ll go out on a limb and guess that you’re both smart and talented! That’s a great combination and one that can take you far in any career you choose.

But it’s also worth remembering that none of us start at the top. It’s especially the case in web design, where finding a consistent level of success can take years. That’s not meant to discourage you – just think of it as a friendly reminder.

The single biggest thing you can do to level up is demonstrate a willingness to learn. Familiarize yourself with code and the technical aspects of your work. Attach yourself to projects that will challenge you to expand your horizons.

Sure, there will be setbacks. But they’re also a great source of knowledge. Use them to your advantage as you move through your career.

Starting in web design is both exhilarating and difficult. But it’s quite possible to get to where you want to go.

The post How New Web Designers Can Level Up appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

In the grander scheme of things, running WordPress locally offers a virtually limitless playground. It’s a completely free and private way to learn and use the content management system (CMS). You don’t need to worry about web hosting policies or restrictions, nor the potential for breaking a live site. This might just be the most stress-free way to experiment.

With that in mind, here are five great ways to use your local install.

1. Create a Staging Site

One of the most common reasons to run WordPress locally is to test a copy of an existing website. This provides a safe environment for troubleshooting, testing software updates or playing with some custom code you’ve written.

Pulling down a site and running it on your own machine is often preferable to simply making another copy online. For one, your web hosting account’s resources for storage and bandwidth aren’t affected – which is important for larger sites. Plus, you can more easily avoid accidental file or database overwrites that can leave you in a bind.

As a bonus, if you’re familiar with (or looking to learn) Git, this can be a great opportunity to test updates and the push them to your production site.

2. Learn to Code

When it comes to mastering the art of code, everyone needs to start somewhere. And WordPress provides a terrific gateway to learning PHP, CSS and JavaScript. These languages are all crucial components to themes, plugins and WordPress core itself (see the Codex for more).

Utilizing a local install lets you practice and refine your skills in a safe environment. Create a WordPress site and try building some custom post queries or even dig into how custom blocks work for the Gutenberg editor. This is a great way to expand your horizons.

3. Accelerate Theme/Plugin Development

Once you have a good grasp of coding fundamentals, a local copy of WordPress can help you level up your workflow.

The process of tweaking themes or plugins via a remote server can be a huge pain. You make changes, FTP them up to the server, then test. And the process needs to be repeated over and over again. There can be a whole lot of navigating through various folders and clearing cache as well. Tired yet?

A local environment is the perfect place to develop your next theme or plugin. Write your code, save it and refresh your browser. It saves time and also serves as a handy environment for debugging.

4. Build an Internal Productivity App

Sure, there are a ton of third-party productivity apps out there. But where’s the fun in that? With a local installation of WordPress, you can build one of your own and personalize it to fit your needs.

You might, for example, want to build an internal task management site to keep track of your to-do list. Or, if you share an office with team members, even a simple install of BuddyPress can help you stay on the same page. If you really want to go for something big, use an LMS to offer employee training.

The project can be as serious (or not) as you want. In some cases, the build process itself can be the main point. At the very least, it can serve as a great learning experience for future client projects.

5. Teach Someone to Use WordPress

While the other items on our list are about self-improvement and efficiency, our last project is solely focused on others. It’s about taking some time to help someone else learn the ins and outs of WordPress.

A local copy of the CMS can be an easy way for a friend, relative or a youngster to get a close up look at how WordPress works. They won’t have to worry about breaking anything or making a mistake online. Instead, they’ll get to click around, install plugins and practice all manner of mayhem in private. This is especially nice for parents who don’t want their little ones potentially exposed to the online world just yet.

Plus, an aspiring developer can also get a behind-the-scenes tour of how a server is set up. This can give them a solid foundational understanding that will benefit them for years to come.

Going Local

If you’re looking to learn, teach, troubleshoot or just play around, a local WordPress installation could be exactly what you need. And like WordPress itself, the barriers to entry are extremely low.

With minimal hardware and software requirements, just about any old machine you have lying around can be turned into a real, working server that runs the world’s most popular CMS. With a little elbow grease, you can be up and running in under an hour.

From there, an unending amount of possibilities await. So, what will you create?

The post 5 Cool Things You Can Do with a Local Install of WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Sadly, learning how to use Git can confuse anyone, not just beginners. As a result, we have collected some of the best resources for learning Git to help you initially get started and then eventually master it.

Git – The Simple Guide by Roger Dudler

If you are looking for a quick resource to help you get started with Git, this one by Roger Dudler will prove helpful to you. It will help you set up Git and give you the knowledge to experiment with it. Well worth checking out!

Git From the Bottom Up by John Wiegley

As the name suggests, Git From the Bottom Up teaches Git from basic to advanced levels. It is available as a PDF file, so you can easily download it and use it at your convenience.

Learning Git One Commit at a Time by Nick Quaranto

Git Ready is more of a documentation cum blog related to posts and content about Git. It features guides and articles based on complexity: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Furthermore, Git Ready also offers links to several valuable resources for advanced users.

Git Magic – A Guide to Using Git by Ben Lynn

Git Magic is a relatively simple but highly detailed guide to using Git. Apart from covering the basics, it discusses features such as cloning and Git over SSH/HTTP in great detail.

Plus, it also has a separate section that talks about the limitations and shortcoming of Git. The guide is available in multiple languages, and if you can contribute, feel free to help others by translating the guide into your own language!

Pro Git Ebook by Scott Chacon

The Pro Git eBook covers Git basics as well as advanced topics such as branching and running distributed Git. Furthermore, if you are migrating from another system such as Subversion, this eBook has an entire chapter dedicated to guiding you.

Git & GitHub Video Tutorial Series by John Dugan

John Dugan’s popular YouTube channel has numerous videos that will teach you how to get the most out of Git as well as how to host your projects remotely on GitHub.

Easy Version Control with Git by Andrew Burgess

If you are looking for a beginner’s introduction to Git, look no further than this tutorial. It talks about Git, its usefulness, and various helpful tips.

Even though this tutorial is a few years old, the information it provides is still valuable and relevant.

Git Immersion – The Fundamentals of Git by Jim Weirich

Git Immersion is a guided tour that teaches you the fundamentals of Git in an interactive manner. Especially helpful if you prefer tutorials that offer a first-hand experience!

Learn Git Branching by Peter Cottle

Learn Git Branching is an application that helps you learn branching with Git. You can also check out a working demo.

Obviously, since this application talks only about Git branching, you will need a basic understanding of Git concepts before using it.

And, if all else fails… How the Heck Do I Use GitHub? by Adam Dachis

This article by LifeHacker offers a step-by-step guide for using Github and making your first commit. If you are an absolute newbie and wish to get started with Git, this is an excellent place to start!

The post 10 Free Resources to Help You Learn Git appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

And, seeing as how so many of us reap rewards from the web design community, it’s only natural to want to give something back. However, finding a way to do so isn’t always so clear-cut. Maybe you have a desire to do something positive, but what should that be?

Thankfully, there are a number of different avenues you can take. It’s just a matter of finding a way to contribute that is the best fit for both your skills and personality.

That’s where we come in! Let’s look at some things you can do to help out your fellow web designers (and maybe make the world a better place in the process).

Lend a Hand in Support Forums

When a web designer runs into a roadblock while working on a project, where do they turn? Quite often, it’s a support forum such as Stack Overflow. Or it may be something a bit more niche, such as the WordPress.org support forums.

These communities are great for getting even the toughest questions answered. Whether it’s a sticky situation with CSS or perplexing PHP, odds are you have been helped by an answer found in one of these resources somewhere along the line.

That is reason enough to pitch in and pay it forward. If you happen to see a fellow developer who has an unanswered query that’s in your area of expertise, feel free to offer a helping hand. Just be sure to respect any community guidelines that are in place.

Even if you don’t have the exact answer, it’s still possible to point someone in the right direction. That alone can lift a huge weight off of their shoulders when problem-solving.

Contribute to an Open-Source Project

Open-source tools are a boon to web designers – and maybe to mankind as a whole. Just the idea of people collaborating on a project that benefits all is inspiring (we’re getting a bit misty-eyed just thinking about it).

These projects run the gamut from large applications like WordPress all the way to tiny CSS frameworks. It seems like there is something to help with virtually every aspect of building or maintaining a website.

The thing is, many of these ventures rely solely on dedicated volunteers. They need people who can contribute code, test out bug fixes, write documentation and handle support. The bigger the app, the greater the need.

If there’s a particular open-source project that you enjoy, why not offer up your talents? Even a small commitment of your time can be a big help in keeping things moving forward.

Create and Share Your Own Resources

Whether your specialty is in code or design, you have something positive to offer the web design community. If you’re feeling especially generous, you might even share something of your own creation.

This can take a number of forms. It could be in building your own open-source app. Or perhaps you let your inner-artist shine by releasing a free UI kit or set of custom icons. If you’re a coder, adding tutorials to your blog or snippets to your GitHub profile can serve as a valuable resource for others as well. Business advice is also a well-received contribution.

You don’t have to necessarily be an expert or commit to something that’s going to take up all of your free time. The point is more about offering up items, however small, that other web designers can benefit from. The fact that it reflects your particular talents makes it all the more meaningful.

Become a Mentor to Other Web Designers

There’s an old adage that says, “each one, teach one”. The idea is that taking the time to teach someone can lead to great things. And, if enough of us participate, the community as a whole will reap the rewards.

That certainly applies when it comes to mentorship. By taking another web designer under your wing, you can help them reach their potential. They, in turn, can do the same for someone else.

Again, you don’t have to be the world’s foremost expert on web design. Sometimes, being a mentor is more about being a good listener. Find out what your mentee’s goals are and offer tidbits of advice where you can.

Of course, this kind of relationship will likely cover things like code or design techniques. But it might also include the experience of dealing with clients, learning new skills or discussing ideas.

Giving a little bit of your time and knowledge can make a difference in someone’s life and career. Plus, it also provides you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s a win-win situation!

Promote Best Practices and Ethics

You may not realize it, but if you’re promoting best practices and ethical behavior – you’re benefitting the entire web design community.

For example, touting the virtues of accessibility and standards-based code on social media does two things: It spreads the good word about these subjects and it can help to convince web designers to adopt them.

Then there’s the way you serve clients. It’s a matter of both putting best practices into action and treating clients in an ethical manner. By doing so, you are helping the industry build and maintain a great reputation.

In the grand scheme of things, these are little steps. But, over time, they add up to something substantial.

Giving Back Is Its Own Reward

We hope that the ideas above have inspired you to give your time and skills to make the web design community a better place. And, if you’re already contributing in some way, hopefully they’ve reinforced why you’re doing so.

Of course, these are but a few potential options. The web is a great big place and there is no shortage of room for innovation. You may find a different way to share your creativity and unique experiences.

It’s a safe bet that each one of us has benefitted from the kindness, generosity and wealth of resources this community has to offer. So, let’s all pitch in and keep it going, shall we?

The post 5 Ways You Can Contribute to the Web Design Community appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

However, there are situations where that visual interface can get in the way. For example, running large imports or other memory-intensive tasks can cause problems on slower servers. Plus, you don’t always get the fine-grain level of control that might be necessary.

For those who want more control and the ability to carry out complex tasks, WP-CLI could be just what you’re looking for.

What is WP-CLI?

WP-CLI is a command line interface for WordPress. It provides the ability to maintain just about every aspect of your WordPress website without ever needing to login to the dashboard.

Like WordPress itself, WP-CLI is free software. To use it, you must first install it on your remote server or local machine. From there, you can put the power of the command line to work for your site.

But before you get too excited, a word of warning. This is a highly powerful (and potentially dangerous) tool. Make a mistake, and you might not easily recover from it. Therefore, it’s recommended that you set up a test site and use it to learn some of the basic commands. Once you feel comfortable, you can then start using it on your production sites.

If you’re not too familiar with the command line, WP-CLI can seem a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, there is plenty of documentation available. You will first want to check out the fantastic Quick Start guide to help get up and running.

What Does It Do?

A whole lot! WP-CLI aims to be a complete alternative to the dashboard, so all of the basics are covered. You can, for example, install new plugins, update your existing install, create a new WordPress install or manage a multisite network.

But it goes well beyond day-to-day maintenance. There are some commands built into WP-CLI that aren’t even available on the dashboard (at least, not without installing a plugin).

One of the most powerful included features is the ability to perform a search and replace within the database. This could be used, for example, to replace a site’s development URL with the production version during launch.

The first URL above is what we’re searching for (development.mysite.com), and the second is what we want to replace it with (www.mysite.com).

Also note the --dry-run argument at the end of the command. This will allow you to see the results of a search and replace without actually making changes to the database. Once you’re confident in the result, you can rerun it, this time without including the argument. Again, check the documentation to ensure that you’re not doing something you shouldn’t!

Then there is the ability to create your own custom commands. This enables WP-CLI to perform tasks related to a third-party plugin, theme or other functionality you have built.

Other tasks, such as creating child themes, Gutenberg editor blocks or the starter code for a custom plugin are all possible via the wp scaffold command.

Still, we’re really just scratching the surface of what this tool is capable of.

Powerful and Extensible

One of the most interesting aspects of WP-CLI is that there are no real limits on what you can do with it. So while you may want to utilize it to take care of basic tasks, you could theoretically build in functionality for your own niche use cases as well. This could benefit everything from small sites all the way to enterprises.

Of course, the command line isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Having recently been introduced to WP-CLI myself, I was quite apprehensive about using it. But once you get the syntax of the commands down (and learn from a few mistakes), it is certainly possible to become more comfortable over time.

So, if you’re looking to do even more with WordPress, give WP-CLI a look. It might become the next great addition to your developer’s toolbox.

The post Controlling WordPress Through the Command Line with WP-CLI appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Modern websites have multiple dependencies. They include everything from PHP, your content management system (CMS), to JavaScript libraries. Even the classic 5-page brochure site can’t escape their clutches.

None of these items are immune to change. Sometimes, those changes add extra work to our plates.

The situation presents a multitude of challenges for developers. We may need to refactor a feature’s code. Or go through an arduous manual testing process. Both involve a lot of time and money.

So, how do you carry out such an endeavor? Here are some tips for managing software changes that impact your website.

Assess the Impact of the Change

On the surface, some software changes may not seem so serious. For example, updating your WordPress install. It’s often a routine task – until it’s not.

Sometimes, a theme or plugin undergoes an overhaul. The new version could mean changes to your implementation. Thus, you won’t want to click the “update” button until you assess what’s happening.

You can learn a lot by reading documentation regarding the change. For example, a changelog may offer vital information.

Hopefully, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what steps you need to take. If not, it’s time to contact the developer or post in a support forum.

We’re also assuming you have intimate knowledge of your website. That includes an understanding of how the site was built – along with its dependencies.

What if you inherited the website from another developer? You may need to dig a little deeper to gauge the impact of an update.

Create a Staging Environment for Testing

It’s always worth repeating: Don’t implement critical updates without testing. You run the risk of something breaking in the process. Not fun at all.

A staging environment will allow you to test without risk. It’s an exact copy of your website, hosted locally or on a remote server.

Think of a staging environment as a playground for experimentation. You can turn on debugging or install development tools to catch any errors. Plus, you can add and remove components like plugins or libraries.

You might make a mistake or two – but that’s OK. There’s always an opportunity to reverse your changes or start fresh.

A staging environment is perfect for process-oriented updates – like upgrading to a new version of PHP. You’ll have a separate space to investigate and repair each issue. Again, it’s not something you want to do on a production site.

Your web host may offer a staging option. That may be your best bet. Ideally, you’ll want to use a server configuration that is as close as possible to your production environment.

If that’s not possible, try to get as close as you can with a local install. Having a place to test is the most important thing.

Take Notes as You Test

Some web hosts allow you to push your changes from staging to production. However, this isn’t always an option. Therefore, you’ll want to take notes during testing.

There are a lot of steps involved with software changes. For example, you may have implemented several code tweaks. A crucial item could easily get lost in the process. That might be a problem when it’s time to launch.

Having some project documentation on hand can be helpful. It will serve as a reference as you deploy any changes.

What should you include in your notes? Here are a few ideas:

• A list of changed files;
• Changed server or CMS settings;
• Items (like plugins or libraries) that have been added or removed;

These examples are a starting point. Feel free to document anything you think is relevant to your project. You’ll be glad you took the initiative when looking back! This step lessens the chances of making a mistake.

Oh, and be sure to back up your site before making changes. That can be a lifesaver should something go awry.

Prepare for Launch

Now that you’ve tested (and taken good notes), it’s full speed ahead! Much of what happens next will depend on the scope of your project. However, there are a few best practices worth following.

The first is to schedule a time to make the required changes. Try to do so when user impact will be minimal. Be sure to give yourself enough time for deployment and testing. You’ll also want to alert any stakeholders of what’s happening.

Next, create a checklist of tasks. List each step of the process in order. It’s a simple thing – but handy for keeping track of progress.

Also, make sure you have access to everything you need. For example, you may need permission to overwrite files on the web server. Or the account details for a third-party provider.

And don’t forget about any two-factor authentication tied to client accounts. You may need to coordinate a time to gain access.

Once you’re fully prepared, you can move forward with confidence.

Turn Big Changes into No Big Deal

Updates to system software and site components could mean extra work. It’s a staple of website maintenance. And you never know when something new will pop up.

Web designers need all the help they can get. As websites have more moving parts, so does the likelihood of something major coming along.

It may sound a bit scary – but do not worry! A solid process can simplify matters.

Assess your situation, test on a staging environment, and document your work. Prepare for the change as you would a job interview. When something comes up, you’ll be able to handle it gracefully.

The post How to Handle Major Software Updates on Your Website appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

How many times have you needed to accomplish something and realized that you’ve written a piece of code that would be a perfect fit? Then, how often was that same snippet almost impossible to find?

This is a common challenge for web designers. That’s why writing some basic project documentation can prove to be beneficial. By putting such a system in place, you’ll have an easy way to go and find that time-saving snippet.

Whether you’re working on a new project or looking through some past ones, here are some tips for documenting what you’ve done.

Comment Your Code

This one seems a bit obvious, but it’s no less important. As we write code, it makes sense to add appropriate comments about exactly what it does.

Common practice includes writing a short narrative above each new function to explain its purpose and relevance. Beyond that, adding notes at other key places within those functions allow us (and others reviewing our code) to gain a better understanding of how everything is put together.

And this practice isn’t just for complex languages like PHP or JavaScript. It’s also perfect for CSS. Pointing out specific styles and where they are being used is great for finding exactly what you need.

It often feels like half of the battle is just remembering why each line is there and what it’s supposed to do. Commenting can take a lot of that ambiguity away.

Create a Journal for Each Project

Depending on your personality, the mention of the word “journal” may be either incredibly scary or oddly comforting. Either way, there’s great value in the practice.

In this case, we’re talking about a document that serves as a future project resource. Should the website break or require a new feature, this would be a place that you can reference for details on how things were configured.

Open up a word processing document or go all out and create a Wiki on your local install. It can be as detailed (or not) as you like. There are no hard and fast rules here.

For example, our design and development techniques tend to evolve. The approach you took a few years ago may not resemble what you’re doing today. Thus, it’s important to put various elements of the process into writing.

Plus, even when using common systems and libraries, each website is a separate entity. Not sure where to start? Look at what makes the site different from others.

Make note of special templates you created, specific code snippets, or styles. If you set up a unique server configuration, that’s also a great thing to document.

Maintain a Code Snippet Library

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to code. Much of what we write is infinitely reusable. Even if it doesn’t fully fit in with the needs of your new project, the right snippet can serve as a solid starting point for further customization.

Organizing disparate bits of code, however, can be a challenge. You could just copy and paste useful pieces into a document and retrieve them as needed. But for those who write a lot of code, this might get out of hand rather quickly.

A GitHub repository could be a reasonable solution. It would allow you to categorize things and establish version control. You can even sync a repository with another service so that you can use or access it in different ways.

Regardless of how you put a snippet library together, you’ll want to develop some sort of system for tagging, categorizing, or otherwise labeling each snippet. For instance, you might want to add things like the coding language used, purpose, relevant application (such as WordPress), or library (React, Vue, Bootstrap). This will make finding what you need a much smoother process.

An Encyclopedia of Your Work

Web designers love to build portfolios to show off their work. But keeping track of projects internally is also a worthwhile endeavor. It can help you troubleshoot and build upon existing websites while providing solutions for new ones as well.

You can use any or all of the above techniques to get things organized. The best part is that you can customize things the way you see fit. Whether that’s through voracious notetaking or simple reminders, it will help you better understand the what, where, when, and why of your web projects.

The post Best Practices for Documenting Web Design Work appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The best part? All of these books are completely free to download! We’ve curated this collection of our favorite free eBooks for your convenience.

Whether you’re interested in CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, Git, UX, or any other web-related topic, you’ll find something that piques your interest. These eBooks come in various formats, including HTML, PDF, and even ePub, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

General Web Design eBooks

Web Typography eBooks

Web Performance eBooks

Web Accessibility eBooks

CSS & HTML eBooks

JavaScript & PHP eBooks

WordPress eBooks

Git eBooks

User Experience eBooks

General Design eBooks

The post 50+ Free eBooks for Web Designers & Developers appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.