The most popular method to build webpages today is to use WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) software. Microsoft FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver are prime examples of WYSIWYG software. Both programs allow you to create webpages as though you were creating a document with your favourite word processing software like Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. Its as simple as entering paragraphs, headings and inserting clipart or images.
WYSIWYG software like those listed above are prefect for beginner webpage builders who want webpages constructed quickly without having to learn HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language).
All webpages are brought to life using HTML codes, regardless what webpage building software is used. WYSIWYG programs simply create the HTML codes as you construct a webpage (in the background, without you knowing), so you don't need to understand them.
This is without a doubt the biggest advantage over any other type of webpage building programs. It means that if you can press keys on a keyboard, you have what is required to create your very own webpage!
However, most WYSIWYG programs don't give you absolute, total control over webpage design (ie, exactly the way you want the page to look). There are design limitations.
For example, you may want to place headings, sub headings and a navigation menu in a particular arrangement on the webpage, but no matter how many times you try, the program won't permit such placement or position them correctly. This is one big disadvantage of WYSIWYG programs if you desire a custom look to all your webpages.
Knowledge of HTML, however, can assist you to overcome such design shortfalls in WYSIWYG programs. How is this possible? Let me explain.
If you understand HTML codes, then you understand why webpages appear the way they do in a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. This is powerful stuff because the moment you change/modify HTML codes, the webpage will take on a new design/appearance.
And don't forget that HTML codes are exact, giving you total freedom over how everything appears on the webpage. Most WYSIWYG programs allow you to view and modify the HTML codes. As you can see, knowledge of HTML is beneficial.
The downside to HTML is the learning curve. It takes time to understand how HTML works and why, but once you know, using HTML to create totally custom designed webpages is easy. For the beginner, HTML can be challenging, but don't despair because there are HTML tutorials available that teach you basic and advanced HTML in a matter of days!
So the question is - Should you bother learning HTML to build webpages? The answer - yes and no.
It is obvious that WYSIWYG software speeds up production of webpage development regardless of your knowledge on how to build webpages. However, to further refine and tune your webpages exactly to your liking, it is usually necessary to add and modify HTML codes. So yes, HTML is worthwhile learning if you are unsatisfied with the webpages produced by WYSIWYG software.
There is little point learning HTML if you are 100% satisfied with the webpages made with WYSIWYG software.
One thing is certain. Using WYSIWYG software and learning HTML codes is the answer for those of us who want webpages made exactly to our requirements. Learning HTML is not as hard as you think. To get started, simply search any major search engine like Google, Yahoo or MSN using the search phrase "html tutorials", its that easy!
Les Pinczi is the creator of interactive HTML learning software to help you learn how to build a web page in hours!
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..Here's a really simple way... any novice can create a... Read More
When JV Media Design was formed, the year was 1995... Read More
One of the most frequent questions I get asked about... Read More
We have all seen websites showcasing their testimonials either spread... Read More
It has been said that the best online sales copy... Read More
Most of us know that we need to advertise our... Read More
Copyright 2005 Robert EvansSetting yourself up to earn a steady... Read More
Let's look at what your user wants to see at... Read More
Your website design may be affecting your sales in ways... Read More
So you're on the computer, as usual. Your eyes are... Read More
The internet is filled with sites and they are good... Read More
Design sells. It's something that all of us know, but... Read More
Squeeze pages are a very hot topic in the internet... Read More
Due to the large number of people offering website design... Read More
Effective navigation stands out. It's clear, obvious, and highly visible.You'll... Read More
What is web usability & why is it important?Web usability... Read More
What colors do you have at your website?Can they make... Read More
When your web site sells more than a dozen items,... Read More
Most people will agree there is nothing more annoying than... Read More
Your web site should always adhere to standards!A professional web... Read More
I want you to imagine a lemon. In your mind's... Read More
Making a poorly designed website is one of the easiest... Read More
If you're not getting a lot of traffic to your... Read More
1. Use .gifs rather than .jpgs. GIFs are smaller in... Read More
The most important person that you need to please when... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..I do site reviews. Needless to say, I see a... Read More
Even if you're not an accomplished webmaster you can still... Read More
As my occupation is that of a proofreader, one of... Read More
Let's face it. Buying products and services from the Internet... Read More
My site is working fine. The links work. Content is... Read More
Owning your own website is a must if you are... Read More
The Basics You have a flourishing business ? everything is... Read More
The title tags of your web pages are more important... Read More
We've all surfed the web and seen some awful web... Read More
If your are a new web designer, you may face... Read More
1. Use .gifs rather than .jpgs. GIFs are smaller in... Read More
You've come up with a great product. You've got the... Read More
The time it takes to load your site can make... Read More
If you are one of those who wonder how people... Read More
For online businesses with their main goal of selling products,... Read More
Projecting a professional image is paramount to your website's success.... Read More
Design sells. It's something that all of us know, but... Read More
I'm not a professional web site designer and openly admit... Read More
All websites have a homepage. It is the most important... Read More
Easy That's how you'd like life to be, right? Especially... Read More
I always have people asking me if I know of... Read More
You may not bother with html validation or writing simple... Read More
An application is not ready for use unless you have... Read More
Do you have a website? If so, you need an... Read More
When JV Media Design was formed, the year was 1995... Read More
Web Design |