Codes where should I start?

[Persian342]

I am new to coding and I was wondering where I should start and what are good places to learn. I already have a very basic understanding of HTML, but I think I still have a lot too learn. Boxxertrumps told me w3schools was good and I normally learn a few codes during class. If you could also say what the functions/use of the different languages are that would be great. Thanks.

[boogyman]

well I would get a good handle on the web correctly. Meaning that you follow the 3 tiers of web development on the client side (browser)

Structure/Skeleton - HyperText Markup Language
Presentation/Cosmetic Looks - Cascading Style Sheets
Action/Dynamic - Javascript

For now I would start on the first two, and using them in combination to get a page looking how you want, then you can slowly learn the additives of more advanced programming. I said Javascript, because it is one of the easiest to learn, and if you invest the time correctly to really learn the basis of the programming, then you are so much better of, as all programming languages have the same basic structure syntax, and you just need to learn the nuances/specifics of the others.
There are tons of resources out there, but I would say that w3schools is one of the best, as it literally is the standards maker of the industry, and there are plenty of people here too incase you have a brain cramp, or need clarification on something

[nwalton]

I can recommend the O'Reilly books "Nutshell" series for a good overview of different coding languages. I'm currently reading "Web Design In A Nutshell" (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/wdnut3/) which seems like it might be an excellent place to start for you. It covers the basics of HTML, CSS, and a few other important related items.

// EDIT: I just saw a review where someone said that they thought that book was better for people who are a little more advanced. I have to admit I've been at it for a couple of years now, so I may not be the best judge of what will work for a beginner. I'd make sure to read the first few pages before I bought it.

[djr33]

And don't forget about the server.
Server side programming, CGI, .htaccess, mail servers, etc etc. are all possible, so you might want to look into those as options too.
PHP is an easy way to get started, but there are other things available too.
Databases also fall in this.

[Twey]

all programming languages have the same basic structure syntax, and you just need to learn the nuances/specifics of the others.Somebody's never tried Haskell :p Functional programming languages are very different, and the syntax of imperative languages can vary quite a bit too.
I would say that w3schools is one of the best, as it literally is the standards maker of the industryNo they aren't. w3schools is completely unrelated to the W3C.

My current favourite tutorial site is HowToCreate.co.uk (http://www.howtocreate.co.uk/).

[boogyman]

And don't forget about the server.
Server side programming, CGI, .htaccess, mail servers, etc etc. are all possible, so you might want to look into those as options too.
PHP is an easy way to get started, but there are other things available too.
Databases also fall in this.

yah i agree that server side languages are a very good tool, but if he is just starting to learn, wouldn't it be better for him to get a good base before he moves up to the server side web coding?

and what i was really trying to point out, but in the end failed to mention is to not get into the habit of using nested tables as his layout coding technique of choice. they are painfully dreadful to change design on, and you can accomplish the same and lots more with just a tiny bit more effort in css... not to mention the portability advantages of css

[Persian342]

I was wondering is Notepad just for HTML or can you use other languages?

[thetestingsite]

You can use Notepad to edit any plain text source code (HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, ASP, Perl, etc).

Hope this helps.

[Persian342]

Yes it does thanks.

[boogyman]

a lot of people use notepad for coding, but i use a front-end developer called dreamweaver. I dont use the "design view" which means you type in text and put images here and there because the program adds all this extra junk, rather i use the "coding view" and i hard code all my scripts, then I "preview" what i have with the design view. the coding view also allows me to see different color schemes for various elements, making real-time debugging very easy for me. dreamweaver is unfortunately a paid program, however there is a couple of free editors out there that utilize a couple of different schematics, if you do feel that need to use something other than Notepad

[mburt]

No they aren't. w3schools is completely unrelated to the W3C.
In fact, W3C tutorials often have invalid code with no doc-type and other w3 validator related problems.

[jr_yeo]

You can use Notepad to edit any plain text source code (HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, ASP, Perl, etc).

Hope this helps.

dont forget JAVA source files and XML :p

[djr33]

To summarize-- notepad types text. Code IS text. It needs to be compiled/rendered/parsed/etc., so that's the only requirement beyond notepad, etc.

For HTML, you just need a browser to render it. Same with JS, CSS, XML, etc.
PHP and other languages would need to be parsed by the server.
C++ and other programming languages would actually need to be compiled to work.

But all of the code would be possible to write in just notepad.

[jr_yeo]

Indeed.

[Twey]

i hard code all my scripts, then I "preview" what i have with the design view.Which uses IE, if I remember correctly. You do test with other browsers too, right?
dont forget JAVA source filesJINA -- Java Is Not an Acronym :)

[tech_support]

Dreamweaver doesn't actually do a "preview". It's just a snapshot of what you're working on.
The "preview" icon displays your page on the default browser.

[Twey]

The design view uses the default browser? I highly doubt it...

[djr33]

No, you misunderstood. The preview button launches the page in your default browser, in a new window.

[Twey]

He was talking about using the WYSIWYG design view mode for as a preview, not hitting the "preview" button.

[djr33]

The "preview" icon displays your page on the default browser.
There is an icon/button you click and it launches the page in your browser.

[boogyman]

umm Twey I LOATHE IE with a passion, but i use the "preview" tab in dreamweaver to see a brief look at what it will look like... I test all of my code in Firefox 1.5 / 2.0 and IE6 / IE7 and Opera not sure the version... occassionally I will test in Netscape, but I think that those 3 browsers are a good test view of how its gonna be displayed.

The other day I was reading something that some IE executive wrote on a blog about doctype's and its "quirks" mode... and i responded with their "compliance" mode being quirks too haha then i posted about 10-15 examples and requested that IE be scrapped from Microsoft's development

[boxxertrumps]

link please?