A Texas web developer creates applications for the Internet or a distributed network that runs from a web server to a browser. Most web developers also are skilled in related areas that include web design, web server administration and search engine optimization.

Web developers in Texas contribute to a set of guidelines that they consider to be best practices. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) maintains these standards that developers use to enhance and improve website development. Texas web developers may not adhere to these accepted standards, however.

Texas web development generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a Texas web development company relates to the interaction of the website with the user. This includes the actual appearance of the website as well as the means used to display information and accept user input.

2. Back-end development refers to the database portion of the application. This includes the maintenance and administration of the database in addition to the storage and retrieval of information.

3. Middleware is the term used to describe software that connects the front end with the back end.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find experienced content developers to perform Texas web design

Web development companies in Texas will be able to design the website, write and edit text, and document conversions. Content development also includes the creation of guest books or forums and site navigation.

I recommend: Hi-Privacy Networks specializes in Texas website design for healthcare companies and uses an advanced information management and control engine for content management. Interwoven has specific experience in providing enterprise-level web content.

Locate a Texas web application developer that provides programming services

Website developers in Texas should be proficient in technologies that include CGI/PERL, HTML, Flash and Javascript. These tools will create hyperlinks, e-mail auto responders, web page validation and user access.

I recommend: Yellow Circle is a web design company in Round Rock that provides custom programming for websites. GlobalSpex in Richmond specializes in custom web development and database applications.

Hire a Texas web design firm that develops websites with eCommerce capabilities

Your website will need features that include electronic funds transfer, online transaction processing and online shopping tools to sell products and services online. Find a web developer in Texas that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: Internet Resources in Ingram has a full-featured web-based eCommerce solution that you can maintain with any web browser. Design Wonders is in Carrollton and offers customized order forms and real-time credit card authorizations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review the websites in the portfolio of web developers in Texas to see that they make a good general first impression on you with graphics that make the site look neither too sparse nor too busy. Additionally, you should check to see if the pages load quickly and are easy to navigate. A web developer should also have experience creating sites for your industry.