5 Magazines for Web Designers and Programmers

Did I ever say that I was addicted to magazines? Yeah, I think I already mentioned that. So today we have another load of useful and informative specialist magazines. This time for web designers and web programmers.

As I wrote in the last magazine article  opinions differ on the subject of "trade magazines" . For many, printed paper is inevitably out of date when it appears. In addition, many accuse the trade magazines of selling articles in the same way as advertising. So only those who pay for it will receive a specialist article.

I can't say whether that's really the case. Most editorial offices are under more pressure to profit than they were 10 years ago  but only good papers will survive for a long time.

For my part, I love reading trade journals and I think it's good to be able to refer to certain articles that might have disappeared from a website. That's why I prefer longer, more in-depth articles with a practical approach. News in trade journals, on the other hand are usually really out of date.

Magazines for web designers and web programmers

So here is an overview of trade magazines for web designers and web programmers ("this is only a selection, as there are of course a few more" ).

Page

The Page magazine advertises with the slogan “Digital Design & Media Production”. Basically it's about design with a focus on print and the web. Tips and information for web designers can be found in (almost) every issue. For instance "Typography for the Web", "Web 2.0 Design" or "Tips and Tricks for Photoshop and Co. ”. But there are also interesting articles on photography and technology.

However, I don't buy every issue of the magazine, which is a little more expensive at 7.95 euros. But on average every 2 issues there are worthwhile articles. As a web designer, you also get to see many beautiful designs and layouts in every issue and are thus inspired for your own work.

One issue costs 7.95 euros. The magazine appears monthly and an annual subscription costs 86 euros. Schoolchildren and students receive a 20% discount.

to the “Page” website

PHP Magazin

For web programmers almost required reading (if they work with PHP) is the German-language PHP Magazin. There you will find interesting and up-to-date articles and HowTo instructions. The basics are dealt with as well as current trends and professional topics.

Information from the PHP scene and interviews complete this journal. Some time ago there was an English language sister magazine , but for some time it has only been available as a paid PDF magazine .

I also know an English-language PHP-PDF magazine, which is called PHP architect and is also worth reading. Due to the general information overkill, I have been concentrating on PHP magazine for some time.

The PHP magazine costs 9.80 euros per issue and appears 6 times a year. The subscription costs 52 euros / 6 issues (students: 41.60 euros).

A CD with many useful tools is included.

to the “PHP Magazin” website

t3n - Open Source and Web

The t3n magazine seems to be a bit more special. It is mainly aimed at TYPO3 developers who want to get even more out of the free open source CMS. But at second glance the trade journal offers more.

In the current issue, for example, many articles deal with the marketing of your own website or blog. The t3n-mag offers a wide range of topics and also offers many articles on PHP and databases.

Of course, the TYPO3 part is not neglected. After all, it is the namesake. Due to the fact that it is only published every three months, the news suffers somewhat. However, this does not harm most articles.

On the other hand, I noticed the layout a bit negative. The editors are proud that the magazine was set and generated on the basis of TYPO3 and XML (which is technically a great thing), but for me that is also a good sign that technology is not yet a substitute for a good layouter. The magazine has a slight catalog charm and offers hardly any visual variety.

In terms of content, however, it is all the better and if the editors tweak the layout a little, there are sure to be even more readers.

One issue costs 9.80 euros, and as I said, 4 issues appear per year. The subscription costs 35 euros / year.

to the “t3n” website

PHP Solutions

The PHP Solutions Magazine actually comes from Poland, but was published in several languages, including German. In terms of content, it was of course particularly interesting for the PHP programmer. The focus was on HowTo articles that were quick and easy to implement. I really liked the practical approach.

Why am I writing here in the past? Well, the last issue is from December 2006 and somehow there does not seem to be any new issues. It looks different in Polish, as the website also has current issues.

It would be a shame about the magazine as I found it very useful. Let's see if something comes up again.

An issue cost 8.75 euros and was easily available in larger newsagents.

There was always 1 CD with PDFs, scripts and programs.

to the “PHP Solutions” website

PSD Magazin

The PSD Magazin comes from the same publisher as the PHP Solutions just mentioned. However, the PSD-Mag is in very good health and appears every 2 months. There are also special issues from time to time.

The PSD magazine is about image editing and illustrations. There are also many HowTo articles and instructions here, which makes the information immediately applicable. Good and useful reading, especially for web designers who may not be the perfect graphic designer.

The single edition costs 9.80 euros. But with a subscription you save a lot. There are 6 issues for the price of 4 (39 euros).

There are always 2 CDs with pictures, videos, PDF books and programs.

to the “PSD Magazine” website

Do trade magazines really make sense for web designers?

Everyone has to decide for themselves. I like reading magazines, so of course I also like reading specialist magazines. However, especially when it comes to topicality, the print editions often draw the short straw compared to the web. The news is often no longer really new and the programs on the magazine CDs are often already in a newer version when the magazine appears.

Nevertheless, one or the other magazine can be worthwhile precisely because of the detail and depth of many articles.