3

I'm a web programmer - fluent in PHP, MySQL and Javascript as well. The problem is I'm a terrible designer - I cannot design a website to save my life. This is a major hindrance for projects where the budget does not allow hiring a designer.

I need to build a website for which I need to have a user registration form, login, a member area etc. Is there any CMS that is flexible enough to allow me to do that - add my own MySQL tables, PHP scripts, user authentiacation system etc? I'd only need the CMS for the sake of being able to use pre-designed themes.

Or would you advise not going with a CMS in this case, and going with a HTML/CSS template?

Improve this question

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
4

HTML/CSS template would be best, seeing as though the main guts of the CMS are going to be pulled out anyway. Using a CMS in this case would be a greater hinderance than not.

Also, have you considered using research online to help develop your own aesthetic design abilities? Art is very similar to programming in that it follows a certain pattern of rules, and the design factor of web programming is no different.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    ed.uiuc.edu/courses/ci235/tutorial/composer/nc1a_aesguide.html -- That link gives some good basics.
    – Christopher
    Jan 31, 2012 at 4:35
  • Its true that I'd be pulling out the guts of the CSS. I suppose in that case it would make sense to just go with a CSS template. I've never really considered working on my design abilities - I guess its partially a mental block and partially the fact that I only just got into web development. I'll have a look at the link you gave, though. Thanks
    – Ayush
    Jan 31, 2012 at 4:48
2

Wordpress can do all of the functionality you mention above. You can also purchase theme frameworks (Thesis is a popular one) that give you a design base but make it really easy to customize it to your own design (read basic aesthetics are already there you just change colors and graphics for a complete custom look).

Improve this answer
2

I would go with a CMS, it really will make life easier. I'd also point you in the direction of themeforest you can lay your hands on some very high quality front-end's there for a <30$.

My personal recommendation would be wordpress, because it has an easy UI and huge number of plugins and support is easily available for beginner and advanced users. [But I always say that!]

Improve this answer
1

Actually since you are a developer you really could go both, as most current CMS do a great job separating the presentantion from the backend.

As a developer , and not a very good designer myself, I know where you are coming from, the problem is not setting up the theme on the template engine, but making a good webdesign!

luckly there are plenty of websites that sell both HTML/CSS webdesigns and CMS, and high quality ones! themeforest is the reference in such websites:

http://themeforest.net

I'm a "cms minion", so I would choose the cms who best fitted my website and coding style needs and then I would choose a template for it. For content websites I'm particulary fond of wordpress, it really became much more then a blogging engine, and there is plenty of premium theme designers out there.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.