Dean William P. Craft

Question:

"I heard that Dreamweaver is a good program. They say it does everything for me. Why should I bother to learn how to hand code? Isn't that a step backwards?"

Answer:

I agree that Dreamweaver is good, in fact, it's very good. But, I hope I can convince you that learning how to code by hand is absolutely worth your effort.

The Web has been around for about 17 years. At first, everything was done by hand. Later, programs were invented to automate webpage creation, including Dreamweaver, FrontPage, and GoLive. All these programs worked fairly well and many people learned how to code totally in the WYSIWYG mode. (What You See Is What You Get--it's pronounced: wizzywig.)

But, as time passed, web design began to change. Today, to make the best sorts of websites--sites that work on browsers, screenreaders, and iPhones--you really need to learn some hand coding.

Why does knowing how to code help? Well, just imagine that I sent you an email to tell you that I here that XHTML is fun. The spell checker in the email program doesn’t know that I should have said I hear that XHTML is fun. Automated web design programs like Dreamweaver make that sort of mistake all the time in the web code and it goofs up the final look of the page.

If you actually know the basics of the underlying code, you can quickly fix it and make the webpage do what you want it to do. Don’t let coding scare you. It's really not very hard.

We will start with the absolute basics and work slowly up to a very good level of understanding. After you know how to code by hand, it is very easy to switch to an automated program like Dreamweaver if you care to do so. We also offer that class: CBTE 165.

The book we will be using is “Head First HTML with CSS and XHTML. It is absolutely up-to-date. I wish it had been on the market when I was learning the basics!. Also, it is very well written and organized. Here is some info on the book from Amazon’s review:

Book Description:

Tired of reading HTML books that only make sense after you're an expert? Then it's about time you picked up Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML and really learned HTML.

You want to learn HTML so you can finally create those web pages you've always wanted, so you can communicate more effectively with friends, family, fans, and fanatic customers. You also want to do it right so you can actually maintain and expand your Web pages over time, and so your web pages work in all the browsers and mobile devices out there.

Oh, and if you've never heard of CSS, that's okay - we won't tell anyone you're still partying like it's 1999 - but if you're going to create Web pages in the 21st century then you'll want to know and understand CSS.

Learn the real secrets of creating Web pages, and why everything your boss told you about HTML tables is probably wrong (and what to do instead). Most importantly, hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions how his HTML is now strict, and his CSS is in an external style sheet.

With Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking web-safe colors still matter, and the foolishness of slipping a font tag into your pages. Best of all, you'll learn HTML and CSS in a way that won't put you to sleep.

If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect: a visually-rich format designed for the way your brain works. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, this book will load HTML, CSS, and XHTML into your brain in a way that sticks.

"Elegant design is at the core of every chapter here, each concept conveyed with equal doses of pragmatism and wit." --Ken Goldstein, Executive Vice President, Disney Online

"This book is a thoroughly modern introduction to forward-looking practices in web page markup and presentation." --Danny Goodman, author of Dynamic HTML: The Definitive Guide

"What used to be a long trial and error learning process has now been reduced neatly into an engaging paperback." --Mike Davidson, CEO, Newsvine, Inc.

"I love Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML--it teaches you everything you need to learn in a 'fun coated' format!" --Sally Applin, UI Designer and Artist

"I haven't had as much fun reading a book (other than Harry Potter) in years. And your book finally helped me break out of my hapless so-last-century way of creating web pages." --Professor David M. Arnow, Department of Computer and Information Science, Brooklyn College

"If you've ever had a family member who wanted you to design a website for them, buy them Head First HTML with CSS and XHTML. If you've ever asked a family member to design you a web site, buy this book. If you've ever bought an HTML book and ended up using it to level your desk, or for kindling on a cold winter day, buy this book. This is the book you've been waiting for. This is the learning system you've been waiting for." --Warren Kelly, Blogcritics.org

Do you still need more reasons to take this course and to learn hand coding? OK, then read this too: Why Learn to Code by Hand?

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