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I have an idea that would need programming, where do I start?

by ej2012
6 replies
I have an idea that with programming would become a product, but I have no idea where to start. Is there anywhere I can go where I can share this idea and a programmer could tell me what would be involved to get going?

Any help would be great. I guess I am looking for a community of programmers where I could seek one out and go done a creative path.

Thanks

EJ
#idea #programming #start
  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
    This forum is a great place to start - as long as you avoid people without a strong forum reputation, i.e. only work with Warriors with a long standing good reputation. Also, do not divulge your "idea" to anyone unless you have a signed contract.. seek a lawyer.. I am not a lawyer.

    Also, if the "program" is a language such as PHP you may not need a programmer at all. Rather, you would want a PHP Webmaster.

    Does your idea include a database? If yes, search Google for PHP Scripts that do what you want.

    Jeffery 100% :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author ej2012
      Jeffery,

      Great tips, thank you. Didn't even think to seek out scripts on Google, database will definitely be needed.
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      • Profile picture of the author ej2012
        Also.. there's functionality that I see on others sites that I would need.

        Great example would be Iwriter.com. Not sure if anyone is familiar with this platform.. however in order to hire a writer you first have to add funds to your account. They do this by using Paypal. Once the user adds fund they are then redirected back to their profile which shows how much is in their account. As the funds are used the balance is updated.

        This seems very common these days. I wouldn't want to reinvent the wheel on something like that. Would this be consider a "script" or is that a custom solution.. or maybe that's an unknown all around?

        I dont mind sharing that.. no biggie, thats just some functionality I would need to have
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
          It is a fairly common PHP script and can be found if you search Google: wordpress deposit for wordpress sites and php deposit system for PHP sites. I'm certain that if I post links it would be against the forum rules.

          Your right about not reinventing the wheel.

          Jeffery 100% :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveSRS
    Hey EJ,

    These are the steps you need to take:
    - write down the idea in a document and take some time to real think everything through and pay very good attention to WHO your customer is and list all BENEFITS first and then the features needed to attend to make those benefits happen.
    - based on the concept (= not the same as an idea) you start to create your functional specifications. I do this by making a new doc with a 3 column table. First column is for the functions, 2nd for the function type (page, function), and the 3rd for the versioning
    - when you have function specs you start making mock-ups/wireframes. There are many online tools and also offline software. I personally use Balsamiq. Spend some time learning it (it's easy) and get going. Make a screen for every page and pay attention to user flows
    - when this is done, get a designer and create your website html templates
    - Now you go to a developer show him the concept and the functional specs and give him the html templates where you can 'hang in' the system and build it.

    DONE.

    Trust me the order IS important, the DOCS ARE important. The more detailed you are the better. Remember programmers are LOGICAL people and like to view stuff as a step-by-step process.
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  • Profile picture of the author ussher
    Careful with that 'cash in your account' idea and paypal.

    We did it on earner.net and found that paypal will take their fees when the user puts money into their account, then again when we payout to those who want to remove money out of their account.

    So if a user decides to put in $1000 then take out $1000 you have to pass the paypal fees along to them.

    I wouldn't do it that way again.

    Another thing you need before you start with your project is an audience and a way of talking to that audience.

    Figure that step out before you write a line of code.

    Or buy an existing script that almost fits what you want, then hire a programmer to customize it.

    Flippa.com or other web flipping site will have a bunch of options.
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