General ? from newbie

[critical_mass]

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?
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]

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

 

[skrilla]

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...

 

[danBoT]

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]

XHTML + CSS + PHP = great combination!

 

[critical_mass]

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]

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]

XHTML + CSS + PHP = great combination!

well said, i use the same

 

[bwhite82]

Xhtml+css+perl

 

[critical_mass]

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]

Xhtml+css+perl

perl is dumb
:lol:

 

[bwhite82]

perl is dumb
:lol:

I won't dignify that with a comment.

 

[StudioWorks]

it was just my personal opinion , dont get upset now

 

[weblaunch]

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