How to develope user interface?

[burtonridr]

I'm not even sure if that is what is called. But, I need to know how to develop a website that can be easily updated by the client after I have set it up. Ya know make it user friendly so the client who doesnt know anything can get in and add things like articles, pictures, etc without my help.

I'm also wondering if it is possible to integrate wordpress into a website that was created with CSS?

Thanks for the help in advance!

[NogDog]

I'm not even sure if that is what is called. But, I need to know how to develop a website that can be easily updated by the client after I have set it up. Ya know make it user friendly so the client who doesnt know anything can get in and add things like articles, pictures, etc without my help.
You might want to poke around a bit at www.opensourcecms.com.

I'm also wondering if it is possible to integrate wordpress into a website that was created with CSS?
Yes. See my sight, for example. :)

[burtonridr]

That website is great, when I actually figure out what I need to do I will check it out further.

But I'm like in information overload state right now.... I'm not even sure what I'm looking for.

I need help figuring out how to get started, so far I have gathered that I will need to set up a website with strong CSS and PHP formating involved.

I'm familiar with HTML and CSS, but PHP is completely new to me. I dont know how to use it, I dont know what it should look like, I dont know how to read it, I dont know anything about PHP other than for some reason I need it.

[NogDog]

PHP is a programming language that was primarily designed for server-side web programming. (It can be used for more general purposes, but the web is its strong point.) If you are not experienced in some sort of computer programming (HTML and CSS are not programming), then it is not something you can just learn over a couple weekends of reading web tutorials; you could find sample scripts that do things you want to do, but that does not teach you how to think like a programmer. (PHP is by no means the only programming language alternative, but it is very widely available.)

Anyway, I think all those applications at opensourcecms.com are written in PHP, most using a database (MySQL is probably the most-used with php). If all this is hieroglyphics to you yet you have a deadline to meet, it may be time to consider sub-contracting out that portion of things to an experienced programmer. If you do not have a deadline hanging over your head, then diving in and maybe taking a general programming course or two and picking up a "learning PHP" book can be a great learning experience that will broaden your skill set immensely.

[burtonridr]

I thought html and CSS were basic forms of programing?

In any case, I dont have a deadline hanging over my head so I have time to pickup a book and learn if I need to.

So is there an application on opensourcecms.com that I can use to do what I'm trying to do without learning PHP to the fullest extent? I dont know if I need to create an entire program or not, I really dont know what I need to be honest because I'm just freakin lost. Maybe, there is a program already created that I can integrate into my website(s) that will do what I need it to do?

[burtonridr]

I should probably mention that my websites are hosted through a third party. I dont know if it makes a difference or not when figuring these things out.

[NogDog]

I thought html and CSS were basic forms of programing?
No, they are text mark-up specifications. There is not programming logic, data structures, and all the other junk...errr...skills required to do programming. However, if you have an aptitude for understanding the logic behind HTML and CSS and the patience to use them correctly to create valid HTML documents, then there is a good chance you have an aptitude for programming, too.

In any case, I dont have a deadline hanging over my head so I have time to pickup a book and learn if I need to.

Just to get your feet wet, you might want to take a look at the "PHP 101" tutorial at zend.com (http://devzone.zend.com/node/view/id/627).

So is there an application on opensourcecms.com that I can use to do what I'm trying to do without learning PHP to the fullest extent? I dont know if I need to create an entire program or not, I really dont know what I need to be honest because I'm just freakin lost. Maybe, there is a program already created that I can integrate into my website(s) that will do what I need it to do?
Something under the "CMS" (Content Management Software) section might do the trick for most of what you described. Probably Drupal and Joomla are the most-used, but that does not necessarily mean they are the best for what you want to do. I've not used either of them as I'm more into doing custom things for my clients, so I can't really recommend anything specific.