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With all the programs out there that create web pages for you, why would you ever want to learn HTML? Well, there are several good reasons. First, no matter what program you use, all of them must use HTML. HTML is the basic building block of websites. HTML5 is the latest version and easy to learn. So, why not save money and time by learning it. (It's FREE). Secondly, I have had many people come to me frustrated because every time they attempt to modify a page in their web creator or web-editing program, they usually end up having to redo the page from scratch. Learning (and knowing) HTML avoids this frustration. You will be able to go into the code and make the changes without disturbing any other part of the site. It's quicker, easier, and far less of a hassle if you know HTML. Thirdly, many companies are switching to a DMS (Document Management Software) that allow departments to take control of their portion of the company website. These systems allow entry into the site’s content from an editor that looks like a word processor. But, if you know HTML, you create content easily and do many things that the word processor view cannot. And lastly, advanced Web page programmers use a language like C++, php, or ASP to create web pages that can connect to a database. HTML allows such code to be embedded into it. But if you don't know your HTML you will have trouble creating inventory pages, search engines, shopping carts, and logins. Coming from a programmer’s background, I found Web Page Design relatively easy, and instantly gratifying, save for the fact that I needed to use five different languages to accomplish one task! I have, however, taught Web Page Design for many years, and have found that non-programmers have difficulty with the concepts. So I’ve set out to create an easy-to-use set of lessons that will bring non-programmers up to speed in the development and implementation of Web Page Design. The lessons presented here are in no way a complete reference to all the Web Page Design tools. They will, however, give you a very good understanding as to how Web Pages are created, modified, and published. The goal is to obtain a working knowledge of HTML, CSS, ASP, SQL, and JavaScript, so you can design Web Pages from scratch and you can read technical manuals on these subjects, and understand them. These lessons do not require the purchase of any special software. All Web design can be done using IIS (or PWS) and notepad, both of which are part of your Windows Operating System © Microsoft. The only additional software mentioned here is Paint Shop Pro. I use this product for two reasons. One, it costs less than half of the other products on the market, and two, it can do just as much, and in some cases, easier to use. I’m not recommending that you go out and purchase this or any other product, but if you want to design Web Pages, you will have to have a good working knowledge of at least one image-handling software. Good luck and have fun with your lessons. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.
Ray LePine |