Skyscape Visualizations : 3D Architecture Rendering & Product Visualization l Interactive Media l Graphic Web Design l Billboard & Brochure Print Media - Cape Town South Africa
HTML, CMS or flash. What are the differences and which is best suited to me?
HTML
HTML is the predominant website coding language for web pages. It allows a structure whereby designers can build headings, paragraphs, images and columns of information in a neat, structured way that is compatible with a vast array of browsers.
Extra scripting languages such as flash video files, javaScript and CSS (used for drop down menus) can be added to enhance the websites functionality and appeal. HTML websites are perfect for wanting a solid working webpage where the information is going to remain constant for a long period of time.
CMS
CMS website coding design is for those wanting to have a page where you would like to update the content on a regular basis. You are able to create new posts as you see fit, thereby keeping your content alive and viewers interested. Clients who would be most suited to the CMS style of website development would be magazine/news editorial companies who need to update on the latest breaking news on a daily basis. CMS can be closely related to a blogging styled website which can include extra
features such as comments and email forms to enhance its functionality.
Flash
Flash web pages are a more artistic style of web design when compared to HTML and CSS. Although the HTML and flash can be combined, some sites are purely flash driven, containing plenty of real time animation and flare. Flash websites can contain elements such as animated loading bars for intros, funky click over buttons that trigger other animations on the page or for elements such as animated looping banners or logo animations
When considering a Flash website, although very eye catching, can be very bandwidth intensive when being viewed using a slow internet connection, In some cases these can be a lot smaller in size when compared to animated GIF or Quicktime movies.
Full Flash sites are generally very interactive and commonly used in cases such as a promotional launch for a product for example. The focus is all around the product what it does and how it looks, coupled with some outlined details and interactive features rather than a huge list of written details, which is more in line with HTML website design.