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Is HTML needed?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:58 pm
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

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 8:55 am
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

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 6:28 pm
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...

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:27 am
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.

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:48 am
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.

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:23 pm
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>

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:29 pm
by d3ad1ysp0rk
curse the strong and em tags!!

pointless i tell ya :(

lol