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Planning web software

Most project risks arise before the first line of code: with the question of what the software should be able to do, which systems are involved and what happens to the existing data. These texts help with exactly these decisions.

Recommended reading order

  1. Custom web application or standard software?The fundamental decision, with the items that count in both directions.
  2. What does a custom web application cost?The six drivers of effort — and which details make an estimate reliable.
  3. Taking over existing PHP softwareWhen something is already running: what an audit of the existing system examines and delivers.
  4. What is an API?As soon as a second system is involved, this topic determines the effort.
  5. Database and interfaceWhy "just one more field" is not a measure of effort.
  6. Planning roles and permissionsOne of the most consequential early decisions.
  7. Requirements specification and functional specificationWhat you really need to write down before you start.
  8. REST API and webhookThe technical deep dive into interfaces.

All articles in this section

Custom or standard software?Five questions that underpin the decision, and the costs of both routes.Decision · about 7 minutes
What does a custom web application cost?Drivers of effort explained using two assumed scopes. Without prices.Purchase preparation · about 8 minutes
Taking over existing PHP softwareWhat the audit of the existing system examines and which three outcomes are possible.Project practice · about 7 minutes
What is an API?Request, response, error case — and six questions before any interface.Basics to intermediate · about 7 minutes
Requirements specification and functional specificationWhen the effort is worthwhile — and which six details suffice otherwise.Project planning · about 7 minutes
Database and interfaceThe five layers that every piece of information passes through.Basics to intermediate · about 7 minutes
REST API and webhookPolling or being notified — and why both are often built.Intermediate · about 7 minutes
Planning roles and permissionsFour questions per record, and why the check belongs on the server.Planning · about 7 minutes

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