Functions are used to perform a well defined task that is normally repeated at various places within a web site, web application, or other software application. The function sometimes needs certain information before performing its task, and sometimes returns a value to the calling page or program.

An example of how to use a simple function in PHP:

 function showMessage() {
echo "{$_SESSION["message"]}"; }

The above example shows a very simple function that displays the contents of a session variable called 'message'. The idea being that while a user is using a web site, etc, various messages are generated and stored in the 'message' session variable. Whenever the showMessage function is called, the contents of the session variable are displayed. So, for example, when the user logs on, you could display a message saying that they have done so. Likewise, when they log off, a different message could be displayed.

Calling a function

To call the showMessage function, you would just need to include the line:

showMessage()

in the web page (wrapped in php tags to distinguish it from normall HTML).

Passing values to a function

Often, a function requires one or more input values in order to perform its task. For example, take the following example that takes two numbers as input, and adds them together. The result is then returned to the calling web page or program.

function addNumbers($number1,$number2) {
$answer = $number1 + $number2;
return $answer; }

In the calling program we would have something similar to the following:

$number1 = "5";
$number2 = "6";
$sumOfNumbers = addNumbers($number1,$number2);
echo "$sumOfNumbers";

Obviously, in a real program you would not have the numbers hardcoded like this, but they would be obtained from user input or by some other means. Notice also that although the name of the returned variable is $answer, the calling program makes no reference to that. We could, if we wanted to, change the calling program to:

$answer = addNumbers($number1,$number2);
echo "$answer";

which might make things slightly easier to understand.

There are a number of different browsers that you must compensate for when designing your webpage's in any format (CSS, tables etc.), some of the most common browsers are : Internet Explorer 6/ 7, Firefox and Safari. The main issues that arise with CSS design is that all browsers interpret CSS differently, for example Firefox does not understand some of the CSS commands that Internet Explorer does and vice a versa.

One of the main issues I have found when designing with CSS is a problem with margins in Internet Explorer 6. I found that when using a float on a div tag that also had a margin set, the margin would actually double and then knock the whole pages layout out. After numerous late nights and an insane amount of coffee I finally found a solution to this double margin bug. By inserting a simple line of code the double margin no longer double ! That solution is as follows, by adding this line of code to your CSS div tag 'display: inline'.

Another problem I have found with CSS in Internet Explorer 6 is a problem when trying to define a div tag that has a smaller size than the base font size. This problem again can be fixed with a simple line of code this time all we need to add is the following line of code to the div tag: 'font-size:0px'. There is also another solution to this problem that should have the same effect, because the div tag auto stretches to compensate for content overflow adding 'overflow: hidden' should also resolve the problem.

Unfortunately I have been unable to cover all of the cross browser issues that you may experience when designing with CSS, but most of the problems that you may encounter can be resolved pretty easily with simple trial and error. Happy designing!

Your Small Business Website doesn't have to be a challenge. You'll be able to get it up and running without a professional web-designer, you'll be able to describe you're unique value proposition, and you'll have an offer waiting to bring in business that already believes your solution is the correct one for them.

One of the biggest myths about creating a website is that you have to use a web-designer. Designers can bring a great service, but your goal is to make information available and to interest clients in your products and services. To leverage this, you should look for a templated site. Simply put, that means you pick out a predesigned website and make a few customizations that are appropriate for your business. Usually you have hundreds of choices from which to choose. Then you add your images, upload your logo; and more importantly use your voice to communicate. Quick and dirty in the world of websites can be worth more than you ever thought.

Give them a reason to pick your business over the competition. Price isn't the only comparison people are looking for. And sometimes you don't want to compete on price-it limits your audience. Do some research on your clients. How do they search for your product or service? Are you saving people time and stress? Could your value be in the way you integrate with something they are already doing? Formulate your 'sweet spot' in the industry and broadcast it. This is the one piece of information that you can't afford to not include on your website. Make it the central message and use your features and benefits to back it up.

State your offer! You've got their attention now make them an offer. So often a company puts so much energy and effort into their website, but they forget to ask for the sale. Whether you are selling products or services, you must give them explicit instructions about their next step. Should they sign up for a newsletter? Download a report? Call for an appointment? Customers love simple directions for the next step. Present your features and benefits and then drive them into a sale. Otherwise you're leaving money on the table.

So you've made the offer. They identify with the features and benefits, but how do they know that this is really for them? You need to offer proof. This could be a video on youtube demonstrating the actual benefit or perhaps testimonials from your customers. This is big because you've led them down the path of searching and research. Make sure they know that they have chosen correctly. You ease their mind and add third-party credibility to your site's visitors by including statements from like-minded customers.

Many times small business owners are fearful of their website. They don't know what it requires to set up a website or what it needs to include. Taking action can be as simple as finding an easily editable templated site that you can quickly customize, broadcasting your unique value statement, asking for the sale, and providing credibility from others. Erase the fear and profit from your small business website.