Whether the project is small or large, our well-structured, tested, and quality-driven code can get the job done. We encourage the use of open-source software, and specialize in PHP and in Ruby (on Rails).

Intelligent database design is something most companies overlook. We take the time to verify that your database is optimized and stable to keep you operating efficiently and maximize scalability into the future.

We have experience with JavaScript, Flash, and ActionScript to provide your website not only with dimension, but more interactivity for added quality, performance, and customer satisfaction.

One of the primary resources we provide to clients is a vast knowledge of many different programming and development methodologies. We have extensive experience with PHP and its associated code libraries, and also develop applications using the Ruby on Rails framework, as well as using Adobe Flex/Flash.

Our primary goal is to create a solution to the specific needs of a business and create a web application that best serves that particular client. We try to leverage open-source software when it makes sense to do so, as this can greatly reduce not only the time involved, but the cost to the client. Drupal (and WordPress, to a lesser extent) is a favorite content management solution we like to deploy that fits many small business needs. For e-commerce, turn-key packages as Zen Cart can quickly get a site up and running. However, when the situation demands more, we look to existing coding-frameworks to provide the most effective results. Ruby on Rails is a very robust framework for designing applications and makes development and testing very easy and robust. There are times when PHP makes more sense, and frameworks such as Zend, CakePHP, or CodeIgniter, coupled with a solid Database Abstraction Layer such as Doctrine, accomplish what needs to be done most effectively.

We aren't daunted by the size of the task. We not only enjoy complicated projects, but thrive on them -- large projects reinforce solid coding practices and lead to very robust software for our clients and their customers. Modularity is another goal of ours -- we want clients to realize they need not invest in a monolithic piece of software all at once. Web applications are designed around smaller sections of code that can be updated and managed much more efficiently, and provide an easy route for upgrading and expansion in the future.

Dynamic web applications and websites are so important to today's business that it's important to know you have a solid database built using techniques that ensure your data's safety. Furthermore, because websites can slow to a crawl with even one inefficient database transaction, it's vital to hire a developer who knows what to look for when it comes to optimizing code and their associated database queries.

Whitelancer Web Development has experience with performance testing, and many of these tools are free and easy to use (i.e., SQL's EXPLAIN). Many frameworks and development environments also provide numerous debugging approaches to help verify optimal code. We work hard to ensure indexes and keys are where they should be and that they are, in fact, being used as intended. Many developers suggest adding server hardware to boost performance, but there are often simpler and less costly solutions through software optimization.

Testing websites is also a very important part of our job. While today's web browsers are increasingly better at rendering similar-looking websites, there are still many issues between the multitude of browsers and operating systems. It can become very intense to build common-denominator solutions and many companies will skip some steps to cut costs. We test with every major current browser and strive to ensure compatibility with even older browsers for complete market saturation.

Web "2.0" is a buzzword floating on the Internet these days, but not many people fully understand what it means or why it matters to them. In a nutshell, the "Web 2.0" movement is a change in how we use websites, growing from the simple presentation of information into richer, more interactive sites like online email, banking, travel/ticket booking, e-commerce, and so on. Today's sites offer methods to modify the browsing experience dynamically (such as by using AJAX), without forcing the user to navigate page after page with slow requests and load times.

With JavaScript and Flash so ingrained in web browsers, businesses can depend on their use in their websites more than ever. We have extensive experience developing with and implementing these methods, using libraries such as JQuery, Prototype, or MooTools where appropriate to provide these enhancements. We work hard to not only add visual interest to client's sites, but to also provide true value by implementing application-like interactions (whether with Flash or JavaScript), where changes can be made and pages can be loaded piecemeal instead of entire pages. This experience is proven to increase customer satisfaction and productivity and we strive to provide this to our clients when possible.

Of course, adding more "spunk" to a website with eye candy is a great way to encourage users to return. We have the knowledge and experience to build such items (like Flash pages, banners, or image galleries), and also consult with our clients to determine the impact of the designs of their site. Sometimes when sites are overly-extravagant it can be very detrimental to their business and customer satisfaction. We always try to offer options to help ensure sites remain as interactive as possible, while remaining clean and efficient.