Web programming experts love free code libraries and hate to see an “error” message after long and tiresome coding process. Google realized the requirements of programmers and launched two new tools last week to make web programming and application development a lot easier.

One tool is a JavaScript memory error checker named, “Leak Finder” and the other one is a library for Google’s own web programming language Dart. The library is developed by software engineer Sam McCall and it will help developers access Google Application Programming Interfaces (API).

Let’s find out how these two tools will help programmers.

Leak Finder identifies the memory leaks in JavaScript coding. JavaScript has an automatic garbage collection feature that deletes objects from the memory when those are not used by other objects in the application. However, this feature is not 100% efficient. It often misses the objects that are not being used and hampers the functionality of a program.

Leak Finder comes with a better code filtering feature and it informs the developer about unreferenced and indisposed objects.

According to the search engine giant, Dart is an alternative of JavaScript and can be used for developing complex web based applications. The code library allows developers to access 35 Google API services including, Google+ and Calendar. They also provided some sample apps to show how the language works.

If you want to use Leak Finder and increase productivity, visit https://code.google.com/p/leak-finder-for-javascript/ and for the code library, visit http://code.google.com/p/google-api-dart-client/.

Deciding the costing of a web development project is really difficult. Web developers decide the pricing on the basis of client specs, but when you start working, clients request for additional work and the profit margin drops. In such situations, you either have to accept the loss or ask your clients to pay you for the extra work.

Most of the clients don’t know what they exactly want and when you start developing a site, they ask you to add new features and functionalities. If the client is ready to increase budget for unspecified tasks, then there is no problem, but unfortunately, some clients argue about project cost and think that the developer is bound to do anything he wants. If you run a company and offer web programming services, then here are some tips that will help you decide a project budget. Read them and you will be able to handle extra work without compromising your profit margin.

Web development is a time consuming process. Some of your clients may not realize how much time and effort goes into a project. If you don’t quote proper rates for your services and tell the clients what is included in the project contract, complications may appear later.

1.    Create a List of Questions – When a client contact you for his website development project, you should send him a questionnaire and check his answers to decide project costs. The questionnaire also works as a reference paper for you. If the client denies anything, you can show him the questionnaire and prove your point. Some of the important questions you need to ask are-

• Total number of pages?
• How many people will check your design and who will take the final decision?
• Project deadline?
• Hosting service provider?
• Who will maintain the site once it’s launched?

2.    Meet the Client Face to Face – A face to face conversation with the client can solve some important issues and make your job easier. Your client must know you, your working style and you should also know your client’s attitude. Start building a positive relationship with the client so that he does not request you to do something impossible during the project. If you are a working for an overseas client, then use Skype or other video calling software for online conversation.

3.    Create an Initial Proposal – Once you know what your client wants, develop an initial project proposal and break down the project into small parts. For instance, you should divide the project in design, web programming, hosting, SEO and post development support. Put hours and pricing beside each part of the project and mention the total remuneration at the end of your proposal. When you show the clients how much work you are handling, they generally don’t argue with your about budget.

4.    Set Client Expectations – Set your client’s expectations during proposal review meeting. Tell your client exactly what services are included in the proposal and what are not included. If he wants to any additional service, increase your remuneration.

Be honest with your client and tell him that most of your clients asked you to add additional items and features in their website during their web development projects. Let him know that you are ready to make sudden changes as long as he is ready to pay you extra money for the additional work.

5.    Create the Final Proposal – Write down everything that you have discussed with the client and create the final proposal. Do not assume anything.  For instance, if the client said he will provide website content, then note down “content will be provided by the client, if not, he is bound to pay for content writing services.” When you have such a strict clause in your project proposal, clients will think twice before asking you for a “small favor.” Send the final proposal to your client and make sure that he accepts all the terms and conditions.

In web development business you can earn money fast and lose it even faster. Following the aforementioned steps, you can reduce that chance and get paid for the work you do.

Being part of a community is important for any professional in the web world. No matter how efficient a professional you are, the field of web programming and website designing is constantly changing and because it is constantly changing, it is not possible for one person to keep track of all the changes in such a vast world. Not  to mention that web professions are also the ones where the highest number of freelance professionals operate. This post will describe the importance and the benefits of being associated with a community.

Communities are Important for Personal Growth

Designers and programmers can find plenty of tutorials, tips, suggestions, ideas, Q&A, resources, tools and what not in their communities. There is always someone who takes the time out from his/her busy schedules to answer your queries or offer you suggestions to solve your problem. That is why, being part of a community is great for your personal growth as a web programmer. Just as you can take help from someone else, you can help someone else as well to solve their problems, offer them tips or answer their questions.

Communities are Important For Professional Growth

Think about WordPress, Drupal, Joomla Website Design etc. and consider the benefits of using them. Now, these things are open-source and run by communities full of talented programmers and designers. There are more helpful things like these and if you are a skilled programmer or web designer yourself, you can be an insider in these communities and do something to improve these products.

Communities are a great place to showcase your talent. By being part of a community, you can also get more clients because of recommendations from other programmers, developers and designers. You can even outsource some of your projects to another professional who you know provides quality web design or programming.

• Community Types: A community can be of any size. It could be vast, with a number of professionals creating one after another breakthroughs in the world of internet and computer software or it could be small with a couple of members, each of them freelancers sharing tips, knowledge and helping each other to stay afloat in the tough competition.
• Building A Community Around You: Start a blog, create a facebook fan page and use whatever other means you have for creating a community around you. Regularly communicate with your followers through RSS feeds, comments and emails.
• Taking Part in Other Community Conversations: There are already lots of communities out there that you can be a part of. Join a forum, follow a blog, become a fan of other web programmer or designers’ facebook fan page.
• Sharing What You Know: The more you share, the more your knowledge base grows. Human beings are inherently social. The more knowledge you spread around, the more professionals become your followers and fans. Who knows, some of them might turn out to be your client or even get you a client?
• Offer Something As A Gift: Everybody likes gifts and web professionals are no exception. If you offer some your resources or tools as a gift to your fellow community members, you may also get something from them in return. It can add to your reputation and you will be immensely popular before you know it.

Conclusion

Surprised how easy it is go and be part of a community in your line of work? Make the most of opportunities that lie there in the web world and join a community. Who knows, your next web programming project can come from that community! If you are an active member of a community, you can use some of the great resources, suggestions and tools to launch your own website design company.

Most people associated with the web programming industry accept the fact that satisfying clients is an integral part of their work profile. This is especially important, if you want to acquire repeat clients.

With the availability of various companies offering web programming services, clients no longer need to stick to a particular company for completing projects. This means that to establish long-term relationship with clients, delivering excellent service is critical. Here are few ways you can impress your clients with exceptional service.

Take an Interest in their Lives

The first step in acquiring a repeat client is to create a real relationship with him. And it is obvious that to create a long-term relationship, taking interest in the client’s personal life is important. Start by asking general questions, such as his interests, family, and education.

Some people avoid asking personal questions because they fear that they may offend the client. However, this is a wrong concept. Most people love talking about themselves and are happy to answer questions about their personal lives. Remember that implementing this strategy can help you to create real and human connection with your client.

Communicate

Encourage the client to work with you again by staying in touch. Many times clients feel frustrated because programmers avoid picking up phone or replying to messages. This means that if you provide the client with high quality services and communicate well, chances are high that he would assign his next project to you.

Be Honest

No matter what happens, be honest. This means that even if you mess up the project, confess your mistake. Remember that most clients do not expect programming experts to be perfect. They understand that mistakes can happen. However, they will feel offended if you hide details about progress of the project.

Therefore, be honest, accept your mistakes, and make it up.

Offer Help without Charging anything Extra

A client may assign a particular project to you. However, in the process of executing it, you may discover that he requires additional services that you do not offer. Impress the client by offering him these additional services. If necessary, hire a programmer who can handle these extra services.

In case you do not feel confident about taking up this extra work, refer any other company that specializes in these services. This way, you can impress the client and create a good image of your company.

Opt for these tips to impress your client and create a long-term relationship with him.