Need help to edit a website that I didn't create

[G Designz]

I need help to edit a website that I didn't design. The designer gave me the info I need but I am stuck. Ok first off I downloaded and installed an FTP program. Then I logged in using the user name and password of the website I am editing. I see all the folders from ftp of the site on the right side. I made a new folder and put it on the left side. Now what's next?

[Drazan]

So how much do you know about web design?

[nicholaspaul]

Obviously, this could be a very long thread. You could post the entire site code (no ... don't ... ) but I don't think that would help.

Firstly, you would need a thorough knowledge of HTML, Javascript,CSS and probably PHP at least to begin looking at other's code.

Then you'd need to decide how much you want to change. If it's just changing content, that shouldn't be too much trouble (perhaps). But if you're doing a lot of reverse engineering, you may be better off designing the thing from scratch.

Naturally, I haven't seen the site so I can't give you too much detail. But those are my thoughts on the most time consuming and frustrating sport known to man - reverse engineering!

[John G]

I made a new folder and put it on the left side. Now what's next?
lol

it's just so open ended

lol







alright I think I know what you're asking, open the file where it downloaded to (what I'm guessing what happened when you moved the file from the right to left or whatever). That file is what you edit. After you're done you need to upload it (put it on the right side I guess) and overwrite the file on the server.

[tZ]

The complexity depends on whether you would like to add content or change preexisting content. If you would like to change preexisting content thats probably not going to be to difficult. However, if you would like to add new content that can become increasingly complex and will most likely affect the entire site. Basically, if you would be like to add new responsibilities than that may be something you need to speak to the developer about.

[DesignVHL]

If your not a web designer, I really suggest you hire one. What if you mess the site up more? THEN it costs you even more because then you WILL need to hire someone! Only saying this if you have no experience with web design (which, no offense, seems apparent from not knowing how to even snag a site properly and work with it). Kinda tough to teach you everything I've learned over the last 10-15 years...hence why its probably much more effective to hire someone w/ that knowlege instead of taking a wild stab at it. Just my 2cents. :)

[shalom_m]

I had a look at your previous posts on website development:
1 (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=434023#post434023) and 2 (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29100)

Considering that they are 9 and 7 months old - webdesign does not seem to be among your priorities.

I second the valerie's opinion - get someone else to do it.