Web Authoring Desk Reference [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Rebecca Tapley (Author), Robert C., Jr. Benedict (Author), Kim Daniels (Author), Steven Mulder (Author), Jeff Kawski (Author), Aaron Weiss (Author, Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
This detailed, up-to-date work provides an alphabetized reference of HTML tags (including new "HTML 4" tags and WebTV tags), JavaScript functions, VBScript functions, and browser objects. At first glance, it might seem odd to put this information into a single volume, but scripters working on Dynamic HTML pages will appreciate having it all in one place.

The core of the book, over 700 pages, is the alphabetical reference. The listing covers tags supported by both the 3.0 versions and 4.0 versions of the Microsoft and Netscape browsers. (Version 4.0 compatibility information was based on late beta releases.) Convenient browser-compatibility icons for every entry give you instant information on which tags are supported by which browsers. Older and obsolescent tags are also discussed with advice on the best substitutions. For each tag, the layout makes it easy to see at a glance which tags it may contain, between which tags it can appear, and what attributes it takes. The layout also provides an example of each tag's correct syntax.

The beginning of the volume devotes about 100 pages to a set of introductory essays covering HTML, WebTV, Dynamic HTML, cascading style sheets, VBScript, JavaScript, and JavaScript style sheets. Although they are no substitute for a full-blown tutorial, these sections are meatier than their size implies. The solid hardback binding, reasonably heavy paper, and clear typography make Web Authoring Desk Reference well suited to its role as a desk reference. All entries are rich in detailed information and a substantial index augments the alphabetical listing.

Product Description
The definitive, at-a-glance reference for coding Web pages, this book is a comprehensive resource to HTML, JavaScript, VBScript, and more. Up-to-date coverage is given on the latest HTML tags and new style sheet syntax. Users can find information alphabetically by code element name or by task/goal. The CD-ROM is filled with examples of the code, screen shots, and valuable tips and tricks.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 883 pages
• Publisher: Hayden Books; illustrated edition edition (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568303521
• ISBN-13: 978-1568303529
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,043,244 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and essential book for web developers, October 18, 1999

By A Customer

I have yet to find a book that provides the amount of information that this book does, an essential reference for web developers both professional and amatuer

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference for web page design, October 2, 2001

By	William Cunningham "Reggie" (Lansdale, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I actually purchased this book a couple of years ago and it has proven to be indispensable. I refer to it on numerous occasions to get the specific syntax, properties, methods, and examples for using tags and Javascript (and VBScript) objects. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone.

The only downside to this book that I could identify is that it is relatively old. There are newer items that are not included such as the good ole <SPAN> tag. However, I'm sure there must be another version in the works. I sure hope so because this books is great.

5.0 out of 5 stars It's gotta be the best, June 7, 2000

By	Eric Falsken (SF Bay Area, CA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Honestly, this is the book that God used to create the world. It's got everything a web developer could ever want....HTML, DHTML, CSS, JavaScript, VBScript ... It's a complete A-Z reference of ever attribute, method, event, tag and opject. It does have a few errors, and a few startaling ommisions (it's missing <nobr> for example, and some of the older netscape-only tags). But everything taken into account, I can only pray that they come out whith a revised edition to fill in some of the newer syntax, and expand the browser version differences for the 5.0 browsers. (the book has more than you want to know about the 3/4.0 browsers on both PC and Mac) and to break down the browser support detail for individual properties and methods (not just by tag or object).