My friend is starting a microfinance website and he wants my help with the site development. Obviously I would want to get some knowledge in HTML and CSS, but I'm not quite sure what else I should learn. I'm not clear on the advantages and disadvantages of using perl, asp, javascript, php, etc. are. Also, I need to create a payment option, and I was thinking of using paypal. What language should I know for their API and is this a good choice for payment?
+1
A:
For a simple charity site you can create a wordpress site for your friend and add a paypal link on the site. There is no scripting needed. When you are finished you can hand the site over to your friend and wipe your hands of the whole thing.
buckbova
2010-07-23 23:11:32
A:
I would agree with buckbova. Once you physically have the site, just use wordpress to create. You need to pay more attention to look/feel and information display, than anything else, especially if you'r trying to ask for money. Key things are going to be flow, why should I donate, and then use the paypal link to collect.
RockySanders99
2010-07-23 23:26:26
+1
A:
PayPal is a good payment option as it enables more user confidence (they don't have to provide any bank details, etc. to other sites).
I'd suggest learning HTML 5 and CSS, and some basic PHP (by basic I mean, include() and that's about it) for the reusing of site design so you don't have to copy and paste.
Don't use a CMS; this will be a great learning experience - HTML/CSS/PHP isn't that hard.
Delan Azabani
2010-07-23 23:32:37
+1
A:
A couple of StackOverflow suggestions for generic Knowledge:
If you want to build something robust and have a learning experience, then those links are for you. If you just want to get way with the site, then the Wordpress suggestion might be O.K
StudiousJoseph
2010-07-23 23:32:42
Both of these links go to the Accepting Payments page
Rafe Kettler
2010-07-23 23:41:15
Fixed!!! Thank you
StudiousJoseph
2010-07-23 23:50:01
+1
A:
A couple of words of caution.
I've setup websites in the past for small business & non-profit clients using OpenSource tools like WordPress, Drupal, Bulletin board software, etc. A year or two after the contract ended, they were hacked and content lost, in one case forever. Those free software packages have frequent security updates and someone needs to be on top of doing the updates, whether that be a staff person or programmer on retainer.
Recently a friend set up a site for a good cause and put a PayPal donate button on the site. PayPal froze the money for some time because it wasn't an actual registered non-profit.
Devin Ceartas
2010-07-23 23:37:03
+1
A:
Wordpress will meet all your needs and there's no need to learn any more geeky stuff.
Truong Ha
2010-07-24 13:10:49