New to Web Development
Out of context: Reply #23
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- sherm0
I think you should learn in this order:
1) HTML
2) CSS
For learning how to mark up web documents properly.
Focus on making sure the site looks the same in all pertinent browsers.Then, learn the basics of (3) JavaScript for front end scripting that isn't possible with HTML & CSS alone.
When you're tired of writing old school JavaScript have a look at (4) JQuery to see how much easier things can be in that area.
Then learn about the back end technology (mainly database and scripting language). Most web hosts usually run (5)PHP/(6)MySQL
Why, you ask? Instead of creating 100 pages that look the same with different content, you can have a template or two and just have database calls to retrieve that data. Both offer extra functionality that can't be achieved with JavaScript AFAIK.
A common use of PHP is to use an include. An include is a chunk of code that controls something on multiple web pages, be it functionality or a navigation element, but it resides in one file and is included in the other files with 1 line thus making maintenance a breeze.
Someone said HTML/CSS is not development, and it isn't per se... but its definitely THE FOUNDATION of marking up a web document. Everything else provides an additional layer of functionality.
Stay away from editors that don't let you hand code. Dreamweaver is fine once configured properly but there are lots of lighter weight editors depending on what platform you are on.
I'm surprised no one here said to try to read source code of other sites. IF you see something you like, view the source, see how it was implemented. I guess this should go without saying.
Firebug and Web Developer are plug ins that are helpful for debugging and analysis. They work with Firefox.
Also, Google Chrome has a tool that is similar to Firebug built into the browser.
- also to use MySQL/PHP on your computer really quickly, try XAMPP or MAMP which includes bothsherm
- Thank you!!!!!!buttfacemonster