General ? from newbie

critical_mass · 05-04-2005, 03:13 PM

sorry if this is posted in the wrong folder...

A little brief background first---
I'm considering a career change from the world of architecture to the world of web design. I've done a lot of graphics work before, so I've got the visual end down. I've also got a little experience w/ web site design -- I've made a couple basic HTML sites in the past and one using ImageReady back in my school days.

So my question is---
With so many scripting languages and what not out there, how do you decide which one to dive into?
CSS sounds promising... I like the idea of seperating style & content (less code, faster loading pages, higher search engine rankings). Would I couple that w/ XHTML? Or should I go with HTML & JavaScript?
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/web-design-discussion/87592-general-from-newbie.html
Or what about a server-side script such as PHP?
Or should I just go with a WYSIWYG editor, such as Dreamweaver? Does Dreamweaver output decent / clean code?

Thanks for any and all help!

Brian · 05-04-2005, 03:27 PM

I would recomend XHTML and CSS for the design/layout, and for any dynamic programming PHP.

skrilla · 05-04-2005, 04:54 PM

I agree..... I use php on a regular basis. I also use dreamweaver allot, and have foun d it to be a great tool for web design... but mostly i use it to connect to my server when needed..If you say you already have good html skills then I say learn php. it is great for login scripts, content management etc...

danstevenson · 05-04-2005, 05:55 PM

take one to be your main just any kind pretty much and learn the basics of the rest best way cuz then if a client asks you know somewhat and could probly answer them

StudioWorks · 05-04-2005, 06:59 PM

XHTML + CSS + PHP = great combination!

critical_mass · 05-04-2005, 08:17 PM

Thanks all! I appreciate it! Looks like I've got a clear path to follow now. First, though, I suppose I need to brush up on my HTML to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.
Thanks again!

ewomack · 05-05-2005, 12:05 PM

I think a general webdesign/programming book would be the best place to start. One that gives you an overview of the basic technologies you'll need. Wrox has a decent one called "Beginning Web Programming with HTML, XHTML, and CSS". It covers most of the basics, and gives you a taste of scripting towards the end. This way you know you at least have some of your basics covered before diving into a scripting language. But once you do, dive into the basics of a few of them to get an idea what fits your style. You may end up not liking PHP (though it's unlikely

). One never knows. The most important thing is to learn for yourself.

stscac · 05-05-2005, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by StudioWorks

XHTML + CSS + PHP = great combination!

well said, i use the same

bwhite82 · 05-05-2005, 12:41 PM

Xhtml+css+perl

critical_mass · 05-05-2005, 01:06 PM

Thanks once again. Last night I started reading HTML Visual Quickstart Guide, which covers HTML 4.1, XHTML 1.0 & CSS. I think it's an easy and enjoyable read, and will be looking into that series for other languages and programs as I advance.
From my reading last night, I'll want to be mastering strict XHTML & CSS. After that, I'll plan on dipping into JavaScript, PHP and others just to see what they're all about.
I appreciate the help. I just needed a place to start!

StudioWorks · 05-06-2005, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by soldierboy101st

Xhtml+css+perl

perl is dumb

bwhite82 · 05-06-2005, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by StudioWorks

perl is dumb

I won't dignify that with a comment.

StudioWorks · 05-06-2005, 01:30 PM

it was just my personal opinion , dont get upset now

weblaunch · 05-11-2005, 02:55 PM

PHP, XTML, CSS and maybe a little Perl and Java

05-04-2005, 03:13 PM	THREAD STARTER #1 (permalink)
critical_mass New Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3	General ? from newbie sorry if this is posted in the wrong folder... A little brief background first--- I'm considering a career change from the world of architecture to the world of web design. I've done a lot of graphics work before, so I've got the visual end down. I've also got a little experience w/ web site design -- I've made a couple basic HTML sites in the past and one using ImageReady back in my school days. So my question is--- With so many scripting languages and what not out there, how do you decide which one to dive into? CSS sounds promising... I like the idea of seperating style & content (less code, faster loading pages, higher search engine rankings). Would I couple that w/ XHTML? Or should I go with HTML & JavaScript? ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/web-design-discussion/87592-general-from-newbie.html Or what about a server-side script such as PHP? Or should I just go with a WYSIWYG editor, such as Dreamweaver? Does Dreamweaver output decent / clean code? Thanks for any and all help!

05-04-2005, 03:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Brian Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Charlottesville Virginia Posts: 2,317 Follow @laughtodeath	I would recomend XHTML and CSS for the design/layout, and for any dynamic programming PHP. __________________ Free Games Funny Jokes and Pictures Free Basic cPanel Hosting

05-04-2005, 04:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
skrilla Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: canada Posts: 1,045	I agree..... I use php on a regular basis. I also use dreamweaver allot, and have foun d it to be a great tool for web design... but mostly i use it to connect to my server when needed..If you say you already have good html skills then I say learn php. it is great for login scripts, content management etc... __________________ Add Me to G+

05-04-2005, 06:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
StudioWorks no one lives forever Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NamePros Posts: 8,092	XHTML + CSS + PHP = great combination! __________________ epagini.com mexicorealty.net softwarepit.com yadasoftware.com

05-05-2005, 12:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
ewomack NamePros Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 38	I think a general webdesign/programming book would be the best place to start. One that gives you an overview of the basic technologies you'll need. Wrox has a decent one called "Beginning Web Programming with HTML, XHTML, and CSS". It covers most of the basics, and gives you a taste of scripting towards the end. This way you know you at least have some of your basics covered before diving into a scripting language. But once you do, dive into the basics of a few of them to get an idea what fits your style. You may end up not liking PHP (though it's unlikely ). One never knows. The most important thing is to learn for yourself. __________________ Ed Womack Get Milked

05-04-2005, 05:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
danstevenson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,357	take one to be your main just any kind pretty much and learn the basics of the rest best way cuz then if a client asks you know somewhat and could probly answer them

05-04-2005, 08:17 PM	THREAD STARTER #6 (permalink)
critical_mass New Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3	Thanks all! I appreciate it! Looks like I've got a clear path to follow now. First, though, I suppose I need to brush up on my HTML to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. Thanks again!

05-05-2005, 12:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
bwhite82 NamePros Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wickliffe, Ohio Posts: 251	Xhtml+css+perl

05-05-2005, 01:06 PM	THREAD STARTER #10 (permalink)
critical_mass New Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3	Thanks once again. Last night I started reading HTML Visual Quickstart Guide, which covers HTML 4.1, XHTML 1.0 & CSS. I think it's an easy and enjoyable read, and will be looking into that series for other languages and programs as I advance. From my reading last night, I'll want to be mastering strict XHTML & CSS. After that, I'll plan on dipping into JavaScript, PHP and others just to see what they're all about. I appreciate the help. I just needed a place to start!

05-06-2005, 01:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
StudioWorks no one lives forever Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NamePros Posts: 8,092	it was just my personal opinion , dont get upset now __________________ epagini.com mexicorealty.net softwarepit.com yadasoftware.com

05-11-2005, 02:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
weblaunch NamePros Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 561	PHP, XTML, CSS and maybe a little Perl and Java __________________ Increase Website Traffic Free Search Engine Submission - Make money blogging - AAA Web Directory Website Submission - LavaSeek Web Directory

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