Magento, Facebook, Adobe, and inspirational showcases were among the most read about topics on Ecommerce Developer in April 2010.
At the end of each month, we look back at the most read posts and compile a list of the top ten for you, our loyal readers. This list helps us know what kinds of articles and videos you like best, and gives you an opportunity to find a gem of an article or tutorial that you might have otherwise missed.
Building a Magento Theme Start to Finish, Part 13: Turning the Page
The ongoing Magento theme series continues to very popular in Ecommerce Developer. In this episode, the home page is finished, setting the stage for the work on the product category pages.
Building a Magento Theme Start to Finish, Part 12: The Search Form
Pulling off a one-two combination, episode 12 of the Magento series came in second for the month in terms of reader popularity. In this video, a JavaScript-driven search box is added. The video is well worth your time, if you haven't seen it yet.
Two Easy Ways to Add the Facebook 'Like' Button to Product Detail Pages
Considering that it was not published until April 28, this post about quickly adding a Facebook "Like" button to product detail pages was a top performer. The article described two techniques for adding the popular "Like" button to any site's page templates—a process that take no more than a few minutes.
Full 360-Degree Product Image Rotation in JavaScript
Product imagery and video are extremely important aspects of on-site merchandising that can have a significant impact on an online retailer's success. And, to a great degree, web developers have a responsibility to their clients to help include sales-boosting images and image effects whenever possible.
In this popular post and video, you'll be introduced to a jQuery plugin that makes short work of 360-degree product presentation. Just be sure you take first great photos to use in the presentation.
Facebook Introduces New API for Open Graph Web Concept
Facebook introduced a new Internet connectivity model, the Open Graph protocol, a new Graph API, and a set of social plugins at its f8 developers' conference in San Francisco. This new model should allow ecommerce developers to access data about Facebook users and provide advanced personalization the first time that a user arrives on a retailer's website. Get the entire story in this popular article.
Ten Examples of Ecommerce Web Developers' Own Sites
It is fair to say that web developers come in all shapes and sizes. Some work at large ecommerce enterprises, others work freelance from their living room or even a walk-in closet.
For those developers—typically freelance or agency-based—that do need to attract potential customers, a good portfolio site can make all of the difference. After all, if you don't have a great site, why would prospects hire you to build a site for them?
In this showcase post, you'll find ten examples of good web development portfolio sites from both agencies and freelancers.
Ten Examples of Effective Trust Mark Placement
As a web developer or designer working in the ecommerce industry, it is important to recognize the marketing value trust seals have and properly integrate them into the site design. In this showcase article, you'll see ten examples of effective trust mark placement to inspire you on your next project.
The Benefit of Putting AJAX and CodeIgniter PHP Together
Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) is a very helpful scripting technique that allows a website or web application to exchange data with a server and update portions of a page without reloading or re-rendering the entire page.
Many developers have begun to blend AJAX into PHP templates to get great site-wide effects and user experience.
Adobe Releases CS5
Adobe launched its powerful CS5 software this month, and the story was big news here on Ecommerce Developer. Unfortunately, the launch also heated up tensions between Apple and Adobe.
Seventy Shoe Stores to Get Your Projects on the Right Feet
Several thousand teens and adults in the U.S. spent "One Day Without Shoes" this month. TOMS Shoes, an online retailer that gives a pair of shoes to a child living in poverty for every pair of shoes that it sells, started the "One Day" event to motivate consumers.
In honor of the event, we assembled a list of 70 online shoe sellers. Some of the stores on the list sell other products, too, but have separate shoe landing pages. The showcase should inspire some of your designs.
