Codes and Design

graphicrabbitstudios

graphicrabbitstudios

Member
Hey everyone.

I have decided to learn web design and code my site myself.

Sorry for my lack of web knowledge but does anyone know the term for 'Code Abreviations'?

I want a printable chart where i can print all the:

<p>
<body>
<img src="......./>

Does anyone know where i can find a list of all these symbols and their meanings?

Thanks in advance:D

Sam
 
Thats exactly what im after:)

Sorry as i mentioned i know next to nothing about coding so i thought at least if i learn it myself rather than renting a coder i will know exactly what is there and i can maybe introduce web design later on down the ladder.

Thanks for the link, i appreciate it very much

Sam=)
 
The "code abbreviations" are called tags...
The tags are used to create elements.

LIke Ralph said, knowing how to code is only one of the steps
 
Hello again, I am inserting an logo, saved in PSD with transparent background.

Does anybody know how to stop it from loading with a white background as i want a transparent one.

Is there a specific HTML TAG?

Sam=)
 
If you saved it properly it should just work. Assuming you're using a modern browser, that is.

Maybe not something to wrap your head around if you're literally just starting, but even if something like that did exist, it would probably be a CSS property as opposed to an (X)HTML tag (e.g. the old IE PNG transparency fix ).

Modern web coding attempts to separate content and presentation. Try to think of (X)HTML as dealing with the former, while CSS handles how things look.
 
Hey, ive sussed things out now, still pretty basic but i now have my navigation menu and logo,bio etc. Atm i am using dreamweaver cs3 because i was advised to use it as it is easier for starting off.

I plan on then using Wordpress.

What do you lot use just out of interest?

Sam=)
 
You're probably better off following some tutorials from the tuts network/line25 as a learning exercise than jumping straight into your own site.

Using dw (assuming you're not using code view only) will more than likely lead to problems and bad habits in the future
 
If you want to learn to code then definitely don't go with a WYSIWYG editor. As said find some good XHTML and CSS tutorials and start from there. When I was learning (years ago now) I used HTML Dog, so I know it's one site that promotes good habits early on, but as mentioned there are hundreds of other great tutorials out there.

If by using WordPress you mean theming WordPress, then a little knowledge of PHP wouldn't hurt, although once you have XHTML/CSS down you can easily be walked through the process using a tutorial.
 
I began using w3schools, no idea how good it is compared to others.. once I had a basic knowledge it all went rather easily from there...
 
@ graphicrabbitstudios, If you are serious about learning to code then I strongly suggest you get yourself on a beginners course at a local collage. Find out what courses your local college has and post links back here. I can tell you which one sounds best.

I tried to learn on my own back in the days of table layout and inline CSS. I spend months reading books and playing around. After a year I sent and did a college course and in 10 weeks had learned more than I had reading books over a year. On top of that I have some great connections for people I could ask questions and work with.

Once you have done your course you will have a better overview of the web and all the technologies that make it function.
 
I have to disagree with that. I think for most people this subject is compact enough to self-teach. I think that many 'courses' teach outdated methods and bad habits, or at least that's the impression I get from talking to people who have done them. The problem is that, on a course, you can't really question your teacher's methods, or do something different. You're stuck with the curriculum they give you, and they don't update it enough to keep up with what's happening in the real world.

That's a problem with most fields nowadays. The rate of change is so great that the information you glean from the course is out of date by the time you finish.

At least with learning from the internet the idea, hopefully, is that the highest quality and most up-to-date information floats to the top, and you can evaluate material based on what knowledgeable people are saying about it - something else you won't get on a course.
 
Mark Alexander said:
I have to disagree with that. I think for most people this subject is compact enough to self-teach. I think that many 'courses' teach outdated methods and bad habits, or at least that's the impression I get from talking to people who have done them. The problem is that, on a course, you can't really question your teacher's methods, or do something different. You're stuck with the curriculum they give you, and they don't update it enough to keep up with what's happening in the real world.

That's a problem with most fields nowadays. The rate of change is so great that the information you glean from the course is out of date by the time you finish.

At least with learning from the internet the idea, hopefully, is that the highest quality and most up-to-date information floats to the top, and you can evaluate material based on what knowledgeable people are saying about it - something else you won't get on a course.
Click to expand...

I'd have to second this. Obviously it depends on your local colleges and the quality of teaching. But when I did my hnc I found the web design part somewhat lacking. Also alot of colleges tend to teach dreamweaver rather than coding per se.

At the end of the day it's your choice of how to learn but books/Internet may be a better route nowadays
 
I'd third it, except the fact it's "compact"
There is alot to the subject... most of which a huge amount do not know.

For example I can code semantic, professional level HTML and CSS, Harry can do it better... "Nothing wrong" with my coding. He is just more educated on the matter (self taught still)
 
Well, I meant in a relative sense, that it's small enough to make it possible, compared to other fields where the volume of stuff you need to learn would just be too great to go it on your own. Like medicine, or law, or even other technology related fields.
 
[hands up] May i say something here please?

Obviously i have no knowledge about web design and neither about coding stuff, but since learning is what i am into now, i think i might be able to provide some perspective regarding this matter.

Self-teach: Learn almost everything - all by yourself.
That's good but bad too. You gonna need passion to continue. At some point you really need a guide. It's like having a backpacking trip oversea. You have the map in hand, but still, you stand a chance to be lost and unsure about what you are about to face.

Having a guide besides or advices beforehand to show you the way to where actually you wanted to be is more likely the safest way to play in this game. Of course, if you're an adventurer that's another story. If you have more time and money to play it long, give it a shot. There are new things coming in every second in creative field, but learning the foundation like those principle and rules are really essential.

Like what Renniks has at his 'signature' - Learn the rules - so you know how to break them properly.
I totally agree.

I've been a self-taught for almost ten years and nobody was there for me when i need a professional advice that know better if i'm heading the right direction. After i've join Design Democracy in early this year then i started to know why always i've struggle so much in my previous works, coz i have never learned grids, typography and etc you name it. These are important. These are foundation. 10 years mate. How many 10 years every one have in life? You don't like the school? So does me, but those 'boring-outdated-seems-to-be-useless' things - is a must learn. And not to forgot mention here - DF, you guys' sharing and helpful comments are the warmest support that helps me moving on. ;) I was lucky enough too to have been studied for some Interior design in college back then (15 years ago?) so those lessons have had really does some help in understanding some principles when it is needed when doing some graphic design works or else i'll be totally lost.

My advice is keep doing the self-learning process, it grows you. Go to college or some classes you have around, it firms your foundation.

Good luck.
 
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