HTML 4 for Dummies, Fourth Edition [Paperback]

Ed Tittel (Author), Natanya Pitts (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Dummies (Computer/Tech) | Publication Date: February 3, 2003

Simply put, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the magic Web authors use to create readable, attractive pages for all the world to see. At first glance, building Web pages may seem to require years of arduous training, advanced aesthetic capabilities, and hours of exhausting trial-and-error exercises. But if you can tell somebody how to drive across town to your house, you can certainly build a Web document that performs to your expectations.

HTML 4 For Dummies, 4th Edition, shows the full range of design and technical elements you need to build good-looking, useful Web pages, and gives you the know-how and confidence to do it! This remarkable markup reference gets down to the basics about

• Coming up with a document structure
• Working with blocks of text
• Laying out lists of several kinds
• Linking to online resources
• Adding images to your page
• Setting colors and backgrounds

Taking HTML to the next level, HTML 4 For Dummies, 4th Edition, introduces the finer points of tables, frames, forms and far more. The indispensable guide covers common tools and techniques that can extend HTML's capabilities through

• The joy and wonder of Cascading Style Sheets
• Scripts that turn your pages into an interactive playground
• Multimedia options that serve up audio, video or animation
• Database connections that open the doors to an information treasury
• Interrelated HTML documents that add up to a full-blown Web site 

Loaded with examples, illustrations, and step-by-step instructions, HTML 4 For Dummies, 4th Edition, can get you going or growing with your Web page-building know-how. Whether your online presence serves as a personal hobby, a greeting to the world, or a managed, professional resource on the job, this up-to-date resource is the one to rely on for all your Web adventures.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Hard core programmers would say that HTML is for dummies. Even so, for those of us who want to build and maintain our own Web sites, but cringe at the sight of anything resembling a programming language, HTML 4 for Dummies is the hand-holding guide to help us through those processes.

Because many HTML editors do all the site-building work for you, it's strange the authors chose to wait until appendix C in the back of the book to explain why you must know HTML. Still, their reasons for learning HTML are sound, and the advice they dispense is solid.

Beyond going through the ins and outs of HTML tags, the book does a fine job of explaining what design elements work and how to avoid common mistakes. The section on XHTML ensures that budding site builders have all the latest tools at their disposal.

Whether your goal is to build a simple, text-oriented Web site or one loaded with frames, graphics, and animation, HTML 4 for Dummies will put you on the right track. --John Frederick Moore --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“…a very useful reference tool that comes with a nice selection of programs…”(PC Utilities, June 2003)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Wiley Publishing; 4 edition (February 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764519956
• ISBN-13: 978-0764519956
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (74 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,693,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book, for dummies ;), October 14, 2000

By 

Jason E. Smith "Web Developer" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTML 4 for Dummies (with CD-ROM) (Paperback)

As the title says, this book is for people with very little knowledge of HTML - but knowledge of how to use a computer at an intermediate level. It covers most basic HTML tags, up to and including tables and a limited amount of framesets, as well as providing a large reference section aimed at the beginning HTML coder, becoming a decent reference manual even after the Tutorial section is finished.

It's not the be-all and end-all of coding references, but it's perfect for someone that is comfortable with a computer, and wants to being creating simple web pages. This can take an individual with little knowledge and give them enough information to where they can understand the more complex online references and puzzle out the rest, or to a level where they can successfully invest their time in learning more about CSS, JavaScript, and DHTML to move to more complex sites.

53 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy this book..., October 5, 2000

By 

Renaaah "Renaaah" (Bronxville, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HTML 4 for Dummies (with CD-ROM) (Paperback)

I am currently taking an introductory class called "Build your Own Website." This book is required reading. When I went to my local bookstore to get "Html4 for Dummies with CD ROM," the sales associate did everything in her power to dissuade me from buying it. Now, 2 weeks into the course (and the book) I understand why.

There is too much text in this book: long, verbose explanations that make learning a chore. It is no fun to read, and is often confusing. Unless you are in the same situation as I (your professor demands that you use this, and only this, text) don't waste your money. Elizabeth Castro has written a much better book on this subject.

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Satisfactory job of explaining HTML language to new user, November 13, 2002

By 

R. Geissman "Lodi Shopper" (Lodi, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HTML 4 for Dummies (with CD-ROM) (Paperback)

This book could have been about 200 pages shorter if they left out the redundant info on content and style of content. I would call this book "Keep it simple silly" as they must mention the KISS theory about 400 times. While I did get a better understanding of HTML after reading it. I was surely not prepared to make much of a web page when I was done digesting these 400 pages. I suggest picking it up at the library as I did and then getting a HTML reference book. Heck you can just go to WebMonkey or some other tutorial web site and learn just as much but quicker. It served it's usefullness but I would never buy it or reference back to it after reading it.