Open Source Web Design Las Vegas

Open source software allows the client total access to all design codes.  In most cases open source licenses restrict the use of the design code, and do not allow redistribution of the software.  This is different then many commercial software products, such as products from Microsoft that give you the right to install and use their software, but does not allow clients to modify the source code.

When you purchase a custom web design from Web Coast Design, you will get access to all web design code.   By having access to all web design code, the client can modify or change any of the graphics or functions.

For the majority of clients, they do not have the expertise to make changes at the code level, and usually do not have any desire to do so.  Yet the client would like, in most cases, to make page changes to content, eg image and text.  An alternative ways to make page changes that does not required making these changes at the code level, is to use a content management system, CMS.

Another good example of an open source application that is used quite often in website designs is shopping cart, or e-commerce applications. There are several open source shopping carts that are free, that would allow the web designer for client to make changes to the code. Unfortunately, most of these are very complex and undocumented, making it very difficult to trace or debug problems that might result from making even minor changes. On the other hand, some of these applications have been designed to allow some of the more common modifications such as page layout to be changed in a relatively simple and straightforward manner.

Also, keep in mind that with open source applications, there is usually very little support available. Especially once you start making changes to code, if it results in bugs, or other errors you may be on your own. Or if you need outside professional help, it is unlikely that you would not be able to get free support. The cost for debugging can be significant and is usually charged on an hourly basis.

keep in mind, from a designer's point of view not all portions of the web design need to be created from scratch. Many web developers who use open source scripts, or widgets, or add-on applications such as blogs, to complete the website design. Other open source applications that might be used are photo slideshows and galleries, content management systems, shopping carts and other widgets such as mapping applications.

Overall what this means, is you can save money, from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars, while expanding the capabilities of your website. Although, this is exciting and on first look sounds easy to do, it usually takes a professional who is familiar with these applications and the integration of these tools,to be able to install, configure, and debug any problems quickly.

Usually, open source applications have been developed by a dedicated programmer or team of programmers, which continue to enhance the product time. What this means to the client, is a product that will be enhanced possibly with new features and functions. The advantage of this, to the user is when updates are available, the new software can be upgraded usually at no additional cost. Sometimes features and functions are based on the old version and will require code modification when the new version is installed, so backward, compatibility must be examined.

For more information, call Web Coast Design.