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Opinion on best client interface

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 7:48 am
by mottwsc
I'm developing an internet-based entertainment application using php and mySQL for teens and young adults. Not video games with graphics or anything like that, but closer to a social network. Right now, I generate HTML using php. I'm trying to decide on a client interface based on (a) how it looks/behaves (Web 2.0 vs. other), (b) how easy it is to maintain, and (c) the compatability with MSIE, Firefox and maybe other browsers. The choices for the client interface are:
(1) the current HTML (some larger icons included with text)
(2) HTML, plus some Javascript for menu interactivity/non-repainting of screens
(3) HTML with IFrames (not sure if these are desirable given potential hacking risk)
(4) Flash (nice interactivity but a lot of overhead to create/update - unless there is a RAD tool for Flash)
(5) not sure I want to go the AJAX route at this point, probably not necessary

I'd appreciate any experienced person's advice on this. Thanks!

Re: Opinion on best client interface

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:13 am
by matthijs
of course I know too little about the app you're building to make a good judgment, from my first impression I'd go with plain HTML to begin with. That's the easiest to build and maintain/change. Then you can add some javascript if that improves usability in certain places. For example client side form validation prevents users having to wait for a page reload before they discover some field was wrong. Using a pre-existing js library like jquery probably saves you tons of time.

Re: Opinion on best client interface

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 3:16 pm
by mottwsc
Thanks for your advice. What you recommended is what I was inclined to do.

Are there any others out there with additional/differing viewpoints?

Re: Opinion on best client interface

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 3:49 pm
by Eran
I agree with matthijs, the HTML route is the easiest to maintain, and you should hold off adding javascript interactions until there is a need (meaning it actually improves usability instead of being a technological gimick). Also +1 for jQuery, it's awesome.

Re: Opinion on best client interface

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 4:42 pm
by mottwsc
Thanks to both of you.