Master HTML Visually - Softcover

Murdock, Kelly L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764534548 ISBN 13: 9780764534546

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2000

Synopsis

With over 1,200 annotated screenshots, this is the only comprehensive HTML/XHTML reference that presents information using a visual approachóincluding coverage of JavaScript, Java, XML, and other cutting–edge technologies. This step–by–step reference starts you off with the basics of formatting text and adding images and then moves on to cover streaming video, VRML, and other advanced topics. The CD–ROM contains a searchable PDF of the entire book.

About this title

Review:

Kelly Murdoch's Master Visually HTML 4 and XHTML 1 is a useful addition to the HTML corpus, but one that comes with reservations. The "One Picture is worth a thousand words" tag line on the book's back cover is a wonderful cliché but one that does not always hold for computer books. A picture, even when broken down into "captioned, step-by-step screen shots", shows you an end result and, unless you are familiar with HTML already, the limited amount of text and code (incorporated into the screen shots) accompanying the effect is not really enough to teach how a language works. Another disadvantage is the coupling together of HTML 4 and XHTML. While the two languages share a great deal, the syntax is slightly different and as such separating them can be a good idea. The author does not confuse the two but the structure of the book tends to blur the distinctions.

Based on 300 tasks the book does have the advantage of succinctly illustrating how to achieve a particular task and the book's size means that tasks involving CGI, adding embedded objects, JavaScript, Style Sheets, DHTML are all covered. A useful reference then, and a book to dip into, but not the clearest guide for the beginner. --Mark Thwaite

From the Back Cover:

"One picture is worth a thousand words." If you prefer instructions that show you rather than tell you, then this comprehensive reference is for you. Hundreds of succinctly captioned, step–by–step screen shots reveal how to accomplish more than 300 HTML and XHTML tasks, including:

• Creating a text link
• Optimizing JPEG images
• Building a frameset
• Setting up a form
• Using video files
• Working with applets
• Adding style tags
• Defining layer order
• Validating Web pages
• Using aural style sheets

• "Master It" tips answer questions and present shortcuts
• High–resolution screen shots demonstrate each task
• Succinct explanations walk you through step–by–step
• Two–page lessons break big topics into bite–sized modules

Web authoring tools on CD–ROM!

• Dreamweaver®, Flash , and Adobe® GoLive trial versions
• CSE HTML Validator Professional, Hot Dog Express , and BBEdit demos
• HomeSite® and Paint Shop Pro evaluation versions
• Plus all code and examples from the book and a searchable e–version of the book

System requirements: Pentium PC running Windows 95 or higher or a Power Macintosh running Mac OS 7.5.5 or higher. See About the CD–ROM Appendix for further requirements and details.

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0764534548
• ISBN 13: 9780764534546
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 720