Every web designer should be aware of the benefits that open source technologies offer and how this type of technology differs from regular software. Among the many benefits the technology boasts, two major ones are that it makes web design solutions more cost-effective and time-efficient. This alone can help reduce the labor required to build a website. And that’s just the beginning; there are a plethora of ways that web designers can continue to benefit from the use of open source technologies.
What is Open Source Web Design?
The term “open source” describes a type of software that is developed and made available to the public for free. By allowing the public to access these projects at no cost, more people are able to produce quality websites without a significant investment of time or money. Since the projects cover a variety of eCommerce platforms, developers have more options.
One example of an eCommerce website is WordPress. WordPress is an open source web design tool that many website owners utilize to manage their blogs and other content. Another great example is Magento. If you want to learn more about open source technologies, these are good resources to explore, especially if you don’t have a lot of financial support.
Benefits of Open Source Technologies
Many designers gravitate to open source technologies because they offer more stability, reliability and flexibility than other forms of software that may be used to accomplish these same goals. Open source technologies make it easy to develop high-quality work without the significant effort that was required in the past. This improves the productivity levels in designers who want to make websites for a variety of companies in the industry.
Designers using open source technologies have also found that the designs are more linear and adaptable. These technologies are more reliable than other forms of technology, with some tools even guaranteeing an error-free platform. This means there are fewer chances of crashes and loss of valuable information.
In addition, open source technologies can help designers to correct problems easily, which can help save time. These technologies are typically more reliable than software, and there is rarely a need to upgrade the softwarebecause they integrate well with other programs.
Another benefit is the pre-build system skeleton that gives developers a head-start when working on websites. Using an open source platform can help developers save time and reduce costs to the client. WordPress and Magento make it easier to build platforms, and familiarity with how each works increases over time.
Open source projects have also recently embraced SEO, which allows developers to produce search engine-friendly sites. The client then has the opportunity to determine how the website works and they can put in complex features such as product comparisons, currency conversions, reviews and discounts.
If you need to develop a website, using open source technologies is a great way to make the process easier. The technology has numerous benefits that can assist people who want to be web designers. This is especially beneficial for small start-up companies that have limited capital. Explore your options with open source technologies and watch your productivity levels improve.
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Author:
Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.
