Washington, DC, web developers create 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 Washington, DC, 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 web-based technologies. These advancements counteract the effects of novice web developers who frequently do not adhere to accepted standards.

Washington, DC, website development generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a Washington, DC, 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 web development in Washington, DC

Web development companies in Washington, DC, 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: Q-Industries is a full-service web developer with a library of transferable applications that include content management systems. Virilion has an office in Washington, DC, and provides content management among other design services.

Locate a Washington, DC, web application developer that provides programming services

Website developers in Washington, DC, 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: Alpha 60 uses HTML, Javascript and CGI programming to build sites with clear, concise design and content. DC Web Designers builds web applications to allow non-programmers to manage their online environment.

Hire web development agencies in Washington, DC, that develop 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 Washington, DC, that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: PT Web Design integrates ecommerce capability into websites including shopping carts and online payment processing. Bridgeline Software serves the Washington, DC, area and specializes in web development with eCommerce capability.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The cost of a website is directly related to its level of functionality. The most inexpensive sites that web developers in Washington, DC, can make will do very little, but the cost will increase dramatically if you need a site with online payment processing, custom coding and advanced graphics. Web developers will need expertise in Flash and eCommerce development to provide these capabilities.
• •  Review the websites in the portfolio of web developers in Washington, DC, 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.