Web Site Specifications - Do I need to worry about programming language?

Question

I am developing specifications for a client web site. The site will not change very often, however I'd like the ability to modify one or two pages at random. Do I need to worry about what language the site is programmed in? I realize there are a number of new languages, techniques etc. I am wonder how transparent that needs to be for me. I do not have programming or design skills.

Answer 1

Simple HTML can be used along with CSS but you will have to do one of the following:
a. ask them to let you know and make the changes by yourself.
b. teach them how to edit them with an html editor.
You can use php/mysql for these two pages in order to let the customer change it on his/her own. It is the cheapest solution (you will need a developer).
You can also use a CMS like Joomla (http://www.joomla.org - also php/mysql) to get rid of the administration of the whole site and let them do everything by themselves. This is even cheaper as the only development you will need is for the template and then figure out the menus and the content.
Note that when you use php/mysql you will need an appropriate hosting pack.

Answer 2

To be able to change as little as necessary, use CSS! That will help keep all pages with the same "look and feel" so that, when you change those "one or two pages at random," all you'll need to change is content, not the way they look. Just learn a bit of XHTML and CSS and get'er done.