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Getting Started as a Designer

Spider web design 

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When you first set out to be a web designer, you are going to run into one simple problem before you ever work on soliciting a client. You probably won’t start out knowing anything about how to code up a website. If this is the case, you are going to have a lot of learning to do. After you learn to code, there will also be more to it on a non-technical front.

First off, you need to learn how to code up a website. This has a lot of components to it, and every website you code is going to be a little bit neater than the last one was. Practice your code relentlessly, and in time you will get much better at it. As time goes on, your understanding of the logic involved in web design will improve dramatically. At first, even the most basic html code will be confusing. Over time, however, more sophisticated types of languages are going to become more easy to decipher for you.

However, the technical aspects are only one component of the process of being a web designer. You also need to learn the art of marketing your services. If ever there were two types of processes more different from one another, they were coding up web pages and marketing to human beings. Simply put, you have to understand why people buy, and figure out how to get them to buy from you. Solve a problem for them, and you will move a long way toward knowing how to do this. Just never fall into the trap of thinking your work sells itself.

 

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Programming that Powers the Internet

If you are reading this article on the Internet, you’re making an indirect use of the technology components we are going to discuss here. Clearly, the importance of the Web-based technologies required for creating and publishing content on the Internet does not need an explanation. However, it raises few obvious questions, such as what programming languages are required to build a Web page or a Web application. This article briefly discusses the programming and markup languages required to create and publish a Web page.

RecipeBook_XML_Example from their website and ...

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Markup Language for the Internet

HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the language that is required for authoring and publishing a Web page. In other words, whatever you see on a Web browser is written in the HTML language. If you want to write your own Web pages from scratch, learning HTML coding is an essential step.

Programming Languages for Web Development

Whereas HTML enables you to write static Web pages, you also need to learn a Web-enabled programming language to be able to build a dynamic website or a Web application. For instance, few of the most popular programming languages for the Web are, Java, PHP, CGI-Perl, Ruby, ASP, ASP.NET etc. Among all these languages, PHP has earned an enormous popularity for relatively rapid development of dynamic websites, mainly due to its simplicity.

In addition to the programming languages, you also need components like database, various tools and utilities, version control software etc. to complete your programming task. Also, you should have an FTP client in order to transfer your developed website onto a Web server for hosting your website.

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Hitting The Marked Life = HTML

The Internet was practically founded on it. And it has definitely hit the marked life of the world wide web as a forever targeted world of oncoming traffic and new-coming starters into cyberspace. Bigger than any city, any world, cyberspace is still to this day governed by one concept, and one concept alone:

HTML, or “Hyper Text Markup Language.”

There’s no doubt that as we live and breathe, more and more how-to’s are published on the ins and outs of HTML language for web design, so a lot of this content might not be surprising. But it’s always important to reinforce and educate. HTML can be tricky if you don’t understand anything about it. And even after learning, remembering how it all works is a slight challenge. It is, in essence, like learning a foreign language.

HTML began in 1980 when a physicist named Tim Berners-Lee, a contractor for a company called CERN, conceptualized a system used for transferring data called ENQUIRE. The creation of a universal language gradually followed the creation of CERN to better assist computers with the task of assimilating data and information. Enter: the Hyper Text Markup Language, or HTML. Berners-Lee created the very first system of language in 1991, a system comprised of only twenty elements, rendering an extremely simple design. To this day, even with the onset of the most advanced HTML system, HTML 4, thirteen of those elements still exist.

What HTML does is allow computers through the use of web browsers to interpret and compose text and graphics for readability. Basically, without HTML, we wouldn’t be able to view any web sites. It’s that HTML code that makes it possible to do anything online.

Needless to say, Berners-Lee knew he was on to something, as well as his constituents. This was the basis for internet browsing, and it certainly hit the marked life of an ever-growing population of pixels. HTML, the king of browsing technology.

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Tips for Learning a Computer Language

Learning a computer language can be a daunting task. Whether you hope to pursue a career in programming or just enjoy tinkering with your home PC, knowing computer languages can be useful.

As a beginner, remember to be patient and start small. Do not try to tackle overwhelming projects and complicated languages initially. This is not your best approach. For example, it is better to acquire knowledge about a simpler computer language rather than heading straight for C and C++. Both of these languages require previous experience with other languages to really understand them. Start with something like Python, Perl or Java. These are simpler to learn and meet a broader range of programming purposes.

Start yourself off by writing a program with a dozen to two dozen lines. This may seem small, but will allow you to truly figure out if you understand the concepts. Programming can be abstract and too many factors at play too fast will only be confusing.

It may be helpful to get a tutorial or a resource book to build a firm basic foundation of a computer language. To really become an expert in programming, reading resources will not be sufficient. Consider taking a class or finding someone with similar interest. Having a personal mentor really is the most effective way to learn in this case. It will allow you to get answers to needed questions and see first-hand how the programming process works. You also can get good advice on how to practice your newly-acquired skills.

Remember that learning one computer language is helpful. The more languages you know though, the more various types of programming you will be able to do. Different types of programs require different types of languages. For example, C++ is a powerful language for programming games, but HTML and Java Script are sufficient for creating a simple informational website.

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Learning HTML

You are a regular on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace; and now you’ve decided to up your online presence with your very own website. And now you’ve decided to take that next step and do it yourself by learning HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). Good for you! HTML is the backbone of almost all websites. However, while learning this programming language may start out easy, actually mastering it is a bit more difficult.

However, with a few good resources, you can start creating great websites almost immediately.

First, take into consideration the potential that HTML has. Much like building a home, HTML lets you start at the foundation and build up, with complete creative control. If you use site-building templates, you may not have as much control as you’d like. It may be difficult to change fonts, color, image size, and so on.

Research HTML resources. Go online and delve into some tutorials. You’ll also find a wealth of sites that provide instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you become familiar with HTML. You can also ask friends or family who may have HTML experience to help you. Just make sure they understand that you are a novice and that they should avoid technical terms and jargon.

Start practicing. We all know that with practice comes expertise in any skill set. As your skills improve, you’ll find HTML coding becomes easier and you can be even more creative. You’ll start to understand the ins and outs of how the code works. Make sure you begin using a text editor rather than a WYSIWG package. This will allow you to actually write and understand the code, rather than allow the application to translate it for you.

Make sure you test your work on as many browsers as you can. There’s nothing more frustrating to an end user than a site that won’t work on his or her browser.

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How to Learn HTML

A graphical despiction of a very simple html d...
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Many people wonder how they can create and build their own website. The Internet is full of pre-made templates that people use for their blogs and personal or professional website. Even though the templates do the coding for you, many people want to make a few adjustments to add their own personal touches. In order to do this, you’ll need to know HTML.

HTML might sound scary, but it really isn’t. It’s pretty basic and it won’t take long for you to get the hang of it. If you’re a little confused or intimidated by HTML, there are several books available at your local library that can offer some extra help.

There are also websites you can check out for additional HTML help. You’d be surprised at the amount of online tutorials you can find on HTML.  Utilize these tutorials, because they’re available online for you to use them.

To get the hang of things, create a website that you can use to get practice. Decide on a subject you know a lot about. You want to focus more on the HTML and building your website as opposed to what content you want to put on it. The creating process is the best way to get practice working with HTML. Get creative! This is your chance to have some fun while learning HTML.

If you’re really happy with how your practice website turned out, let it go live for everyone to see! Be proud of the work you just did.

Learning HTML might seem a bit on the scary side, but it really isn’t that intimidating to learn. It’s just a ton of basic coding put onto a webpage to create an amazing website. Watching some online tutorials and reading books on HTML is a great way to learn HTML so you can create your own personal website.

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Beginners Coding with HTML

HTML_Editor_Syntax
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HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the most popular language used in creating web pages. When desiring to build your own website, understanding HTML is paramount. It is not difficult to learn, and there are myriad resources available online to help you learn or to deal with any confusing issues.

HTML consists of elements that are enclosed within angled brackets, these are called tags. There is normally a start tag as well as a closing tag. A web browser is designed to read these tags and turn them into either visual or audio pages. Web browsers do not display the tags but rather use them to interpret what data to display as well as how to display it.

One of the most attractive features about HTML is its simplicity of use. You can learn a few codes quickly and immediately see results. You can build on a basic knowledge of HTML to turn a simple website into one that is more complicated or detailed.

HTML Editors are tools that allow you to use software that translates whatever you write or design into code. The code can then be uploaded to your site without you ever having to understand any of the code terms and tags. This software is called WYSIWG, or What You See Is What You Get. These editors show you immediately on the screen what your website will look like once the code has been compiled.

There are a variety of free HTML editors available online, but those who will be building multiple sites or want their sites to have advanced features, may consider purchasing a software package that will code these sophisticated features for them.

HTML editors are a quick and easy way to learn to use HTML. You can compare the code with the page to see exactly what each tag does and before long you’ll be coding HTML with the best.

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Designing the Ultimate Web Site

There ought to be a school or a degree for that (come to think of it, there might be). Clean web design is essential for business. You’re basically selling yourself as well as your products; and if your site looks unprofessional with misspelled words and funny sentences, you’re going to be brushed off as an amateur even though you really do have the expertise and experience in your selected field. The problem is your ability to design a site that people will enjoy exploring. That’s why most people actually hire a web designer to do the legwork.

Okay, so YOU want to do your own legwork! That’s fine. Provided you know everything there is to know about HTML, converting that into something you’re used to, such as your common everyday sales print page is the next step. Think of it as copywriting—only you’re doing it on the web! Design your site to sell you and your product. With so many free source programs to assist you, doing it yourself is not that difficult.  You can use FileZilla to upload large amounts of files and make use of Putty to ensure secure connections.  NotePad is a useful code editor and Tight VNC can help you work from your desk top remotely.  With these tools designing you ultimate website is a simple reality.

One tip to clever web design is minimal text or simply a wall of it. You want to make it easy to read, so why use so many words? Or you can fill up your site with a TON of words that really grab your reader in some fantastic way. Basically, just wow your reader!

The second tip is to use eye candy, meaning choose images that are very pleasing and evoke sweet emotions of all kinds. Think of web design as architecture; no one wants to look at an ugly building, but a beautiful building!

And the third tip is use clever puns. Make your readers laugh. You’ve got to be clever and use metaphors, similes, images such as prison bars with the words “credit card debt” or “bankruptcy” or something like that with the caption “Don’t be a slave to your finances!” Clever and funny, huh?

These are basics in web designing. The bread and butter. Take a slice and spread it all out

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