I want to build a website myself, what do I need to know?

Building a website, from A-Z

[Soundfx4]

A long time ago I read a tutorial on HTML but it wasn't enough. At the time I was content with what I learned, but now I realize I need to approach web building from all possible angles. I have yet to figure out what type of website I want to build, but I do know that even if I knew what I wanted, that I wouldn't be able to create it. So I am first looking for a list of skills I will need to know, and then for easy to understand books that take me step by step through learning any one particular skill. Or if there is a generic book that covers almost everything I would need to know, that is ordered properly so as to build a good foundation of understanding the anatomy of a web page, that would work too.

I guess I'm pretty much looking for recommendations on what books, e-books, or even online tutorials would help me out the most.

Thanks!

[truezeta]

Whatever programming language it is, do a search for it, and there will be plenty of resources listed to help you online.

If you are fortunate to live by a university or college, go to their library and take advantage of their resources. See what books are worthwhile then go online and buy them from discounted book clubs or make photocopies of books at the library.

[angelos]

Hi,

The question is what you plan your site to be about and for what purpose are you going to launch it? There are so - called site builders to use which you don't need any technical skills at all. Of course, that'll be just an amateurish one, but they will do to realize some minor project.
Otherwise, you should really follow the line the foregoing poster suggested.

Good luck!

[mack]

At the very start I believe it is vital that you at least get to grips wit the fundamentals of web development.

Start with html/css once you have a very firm understanding of these two key items you can begin to look into scripting languages.

html/css is vital. I know there are various applications that build pages for you, but knowing how to code will become very important as you begin to work on more advanced sites.

Mack.

[edit for typo]

[edited by: mack at 9:26 pm (utc) on Feb. 9, 2006]

[Matt Probert]

Can I recommend "HTML The definitive guide" published by O'Reilly?

It's easy to understand and covers all you need to get you to quite an advanced level. Check it at your library before investing any money, though.

Matt

[Soundfx4]

Thank you all for the information and suggestions, I'll check out that book as well. It must at least cover HTML, which I need to revisit anyway. Thanks again!

[edited by: Soundfx4 at 11:28 pm (utc) on Feb. 10, 2006]

[Soundfx4]

" I know there are various applications that build pages for you, but knowing how to code will become very important as you begin to work on more advanced sites."

hah, yeah, I tried using some of them, but soon realized that because I had no idea what was going on behind the scenes, that those programs were of no use to me. :)

[txbakers]

once you get some fluency my best resource is [w3schools.com...] for a quick reference.

[LisaWeber]

This is what I did:

Start with a hobby topic - something you know a lot about, that way you can just write. Get a book on HTML. Pick one, any one, just try to find one that explains the process of getting a site up on the web too (ftp, etc)

Start with chapter 1, learn everything it has to teach you, go through what seem to be the most important parts of the book, until you have a website up and functioning.

Put ads on it (if you want to monetize it).

Decide where you want to go from that point based on your experiences.

[Soundfx4]

Helena actually sent me a link to that website, I'm looking at it right now, and it seams very promising. :)

[Huntster]

Old schooler here. I learned manual HTML and built my first site straight from notepad and c drive - no software. It helped me tremendously to learn tags and commands that way, for keywording and placement. I use graphic and builder programs now, but I still edit right in notepad once in a while, just to practice and keep sharp.

My most established site, while edited here and there (headers, tables and images) with front page and DW since, is still basically built with my little fingers typing <head><td><img>.