Is HTML needed?

Ye' old general discussion board. Basically, for everything that isn't covered elsewhere. Come here to shoot the breeze, shoot your mouth off, or whatever suits your fancy.
This forum is not for asking programming related questions.

Moderator: General Moderators

Post Reply
comtek
Forum Commoner
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:46 pm

Is HTML needed?

Post by comtek »

OK I am a complete newbie at web development. My knowledge is limited to a few small static pages designed with WYSIWYG editors and an extrememly basic understanding of HTML. I want to learn how to create database driven websites. My question is, is a complete understanding of HTML necesary to learn PHP? Would I be better served to not even worry about PHP until I have a firm grasp on HTML? What books or other learning material have you used and could recommend to someone like me?

Thanks
Draco_03
Forum Regular
Posts: 577
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 12:25 pm
Location: Montreal, Canada

Post by Draco_03 »

Yes you have to understand HTML First because PHP actually is for WEB programming, so to be able to actually output what you want on a web page.... you'll need HTML.

But beleive me, it's VERY fast to learn..
It's a bit longer to master
http://www.w3schools.com is always a good ressources
User avatar
llanitedave
Forum Commoner
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2004 11:24 am
Location: Las Vegas, NV.

Post by llanitedave »

I'm trying to become conversant in php, (x)HTML, and Javascript simultaneously. It can be done, if you take it all in small bites.

Don't try to create the "killer application" right off the bat.

I never take my own advice...
User avatar
no_memories
Forum Contributor
Posts: 145
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2004 7:12 pm
Location: New York City

Post by no_memories »

(x)HTML is like chess. The basics are simple and clear cut, but like Draco_03 says, it takes awhile to master.

http://www.w3.org has all the specifications on everything html related, at least most of it.

XHTML is really intended to eliminate the redundant nature of HTML by using CSS and making it modular in nature. This standardizing of the Internet is so everyone around the world can code to certain specifications ensuring the website will be accessible to a large chunk of the viewing population. And this ideology for good XHTML coding is slowly catching on.

In essence, XHTML itself should be simple allowing modules of other code (like PhP) to be inserted without disrupting the code.

Modulation is what its all about.
McGruff
DevNet Master
Posts: 2893
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:26 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Post by McGruff »

Blag a copy of a wysiwyg editor like dreamweaver etc.

Dreamweaver won't always write good html but it'll let you put layouts together easily and get you started.
Draco_03
Forum Regular
Posts: 577
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 12:25 pm
Location: Montreal, Canada

Post by Draco_03 »

Righty!
and bout xhtml..Everyone should learn that..
since you don t actually code HTML .. start taking good habits by coding in xhtml..
it's not much harder.. you just have to be more "clean" in your code

ex : closing every tag and keeping indentation in "order" and using good "tag names"

Code: Select all

HTML ---> <br><b><i>Hey you</b></i> 
XHTML ---> <br /><strong><em>Hey you</em></strong>
d3ad1ysp0rk
Forum Donator
Posts: 1661
Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2003 8:31 pm
Location: Maine, USA

Post by d3ad1ysp0rk »

curse the strong and em tags!!

pointless i tell ya :(

lol
Post Reply