New to Web Development
- Started
- Last post
- 27 Responses
- section_0140
html and css isn't necessarily "development". All web designers should be able to do this by hand. I recognize the role of front end developer is generally assigned these tasks with design firms, but often times it still lies on the shoulders of the designer.
Anyways, you need to learn a web development language. I'd recommend starting with either php or c#. php can be done on any platform while c# must be in a windows environment. If you decide on php, download a copy of Aptana. It's free and miles better than Dreamweaver.
Have fun!
- melq0
Just like print design, working within a solid grid will result in a much better-looking layout. Plus it's easier to remember the numbers you're using when working in your stylesheet (all margins are increments of 15px, for example).
RE: Dreamweaver—there are some nice built-in features that can make your life easier (FTP synchronization, global link changes, autocomplete, etc.); just definitely stay in code view.
Lastly, test frequently.
- 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
- pinkfloyd0
There's a lot of tutorials on youtube.
- Ancillary0
I don't know any female who would use Buttfacemonster as their login name, just sayin
- Could be a fake account to lure more suckerspinkfloyd
- I am on facebook and myspace as buttfacemonster. I am no fake! I'm a humorous gal.buttfacemonster
- ********0
"This is our world now. The world of the electron and the switch; the beauty of the baud. We exist without nationality, skin color, or religious bias. You wage wars, murder, cheat, lie to us and try to make us believe it's for our own good, yet we're the criminals. Yes, I am a criminal. My crime is that of curiosity. I am a developer, and this is my manifesto." Huh? Right? Manifesto? "You may stop me, but you can't stop us all."
- BattleAxe0
Learn some fundamentals about databases , start with mySQL
in the database you can store any data ( user names, profiles, online store products)
learn how to grab and send data with SQL statements
then with PHP you can process the data into your pages and back and forth
Google : mySQL / PHP email form tutorial
this will show you how to create a form (HTML) make it look nice (CSS) send and process (PHP) the form input to a Database(mySQL) and store it (SQL)
IMHO the bulk of development is done with the data crunching , what will the user input, what will the user retrieve , what will the user save? Most likely all this data resides in a Database and knowing how to access the data is key in development . know what a database table is , a field, a record things like that
- GREAT ADVICE BATTLE! I am so impressed with how helpful everyone in this forum has been. I think this is going to be a great way to break things down for my fresh eyes.buttfacemonster
- ...cut off after four lines? I think so too :)sherm