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Learning HTML/XHTML/CSS and Other Programming Languages

What web programming do I need to learn (if any)?

If these terms - HTML/XHTML/CSS - are known and understood by you, skip to the next section.

In web development, a major issue for most people is the need to develop skills in HTML/XHTML/CSS and the other programming languages used by the internet. HTML stands for "Hyper Text Mark-up Language" and it is the basic building block behind most web sites. HTML was the internet's first markup language which enabled web designers to format the presentation of web pages.

XHTML (Extensible Hyper Text Mark-up Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are later improvements.

XHTML provides a more stable environment for the future.

CSS just makes life so much easier. It separates the style and presentation controls from the "content" of the page. One file can control the style of each individual web page. This saves lots of HTML code on each page which makes programming easier. It also makes it easier to read and review the code. If you have a hundred page site, and you want to change a font style or heading style or whatever, you might have to change the coding on one or two pages rather than a hundred.

You can learn the basic HTML code, or alternatively, you can choose a software package such as Dreamweaver by Macromedia which formats the code for you.

I took the advice of many of the tutorials: I learnt the code. Many web writers argue that you need to know the coding rules to fix formating bugs that occur. This is important if you want to conform to the standards. This is particularly important if being found in search engines is important to you, see: SEO/SEM.

HTML is a relatively straightforward language. A good HTML tutorial will have you creating a very basic web page in minutes. As you advance, it becomes more complicated, but it is definitely fun! However, do not get caught up with it. You need to know the basics, but learn it in conjunction with XHTML and CSS. They are what you should be using.

JavaScript can be used to provide a number of useful features, but beware of including fancy gimmicks that clutter your web pages.

XML is rising in popularity, particularly in the e-learning community.

There are a host of other languages associated with larger sites, particularly those that use databases. I have no need for them at this stage and thus I cannot tell you much about them.

So where do we start?

I have not tried to re-invent the wheel. There are numerous good sites on internet programming that explain all the concepts and syntax well, and a good selection of them follows.

Also, web programming books are helpful in the web development process.

However, like many computer courses, many writers focus on the "nuts and bolts" rather than give you the big picture.

This e-learning product provides a free overview of the information needed to plan, develop and redevelop web sites. I believe that it it is important to have the "big picture".

If you are interested in training and learning issues, see: Setting training and learning at the right level.

In addition to the links below, your internet service provider or web host may have a "web design" section on their site. Check it out for important information and recommended sites.

The following programming links contain different insights, but you may find it repetitive to look at all the sites shown.

Most have good indexing systems. If you have a particular query, you can skip previously covered sections.

Each of the following opens a new window. Please close it to return to this point.

Please try to get an overview first. Remember not to concentrate too heavily on HTML. You need the basics, but much of the "style" parts are superceded by CSS.

For preparing your code, you can use Notepad or Wordpad (or whatever text editor is installed on your computer). This is good initially as it helps reinforce the syntax.

However, if you intend to do do a lot of coding, you may wish to obtain an HTML text editor. There are a variety of products available

• Beginner HTML (Miami Uni) - a good starting point. Provides basic background information and a good list of definitions. A relatively short overview of HTML.
  
  
• Getting Started with HTML - provides more detailed information with lots of examples.
  
  
• Learning HTML - a simple HTML explanation with a good introduction that explains why you should learn HTML.
  
  
• Advanced HTML - continues on from the previous reference. A good index helps you to pick and choose.
  
  
• CSS Examples - provides various examples with the CSS code that made them. Also has links to a comprehensive CSS Tutorial.
  
  
• XHTML Explanation - this article explains XHTML, an extension of HTML currently gaining favour.
  
  
• XHTML for First Timers - this article is designed for people who haven't learnt HTML and want to start with XHTML, the preferred language.
  
  
• XML Tutorial - this tutorial explains XML - what it is and how it works.
  
  
• Web and Software Training and Manuals (Miami Uni) - a comprehensive list of resources for HTML and other programs.
  
  

What's next?

If you need additional help, see web books for additional resources that assist in the web development and redevelopment process.

This page is part of a comprehensive e-journey about web design and re-design. If you do not see the colored contents section on the left of this page, select: Web Design/Re-design Course to gain an overview.

Now that you have had a look at HTML etc. you may wish to revisit: My Personal Journey to review how programming issues affected the development of the Derek Stockley web site.

If you are now ready to continue your detailed E-journey on Web Design and Construction, select the next section: Web Design and Related Issues.

To return to the index of this E-journey, see: Web Design and Construction - Road Map

To return to the Derek Stockley Home Page: Derek Stockley Home Page

This page was modified on 6 September 2007.