XHTML was introduced by the W3C at the time XML was becoming a huge buzzword. XHTML is actually an XML application. If you've read my XML tutorial, you would see exactly what I mean.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. If you don't feel like reading the whole XML tutorial just yet, you can check out this XHTML tutorial instead. Because XHTML is an XML application you just need to ensure you write valid XML.
Anyway, the XHTML tutorial explains the difference between HTML and XHTML. There's not really a lot of difference between the two, but if you intend to write XHTML, you need to adhere to the XML rules.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
How your MySpace page is different to a normal website
Writing HTML code for your MySpace profile page can be a bit different to writing for a normal web page. This is because MySpace place certain limitations on the code you can upload.
For example, you can't upload JavaScript or anything like that. This is mainly for security reasons. Plus, just think of the mess MySpace would be if every second MySpace profile generated a JavaScript error!
These limitations have meant that not all HTML codes are suitable for your MySpace profile page.
That's why I've put together a collection of MySpace HTML codes that you can copy and paste straight onto your profile page. There are even some HTML generators that allow you to customize your codes.
So, those are the main differences between a MySpace profile page and a normal website (at least from a coding perspective). Of course, there's nothing to stop you from copy/pasting the MySpace codes into a normal website, as it won't have the same limitations.
For example, you can't upload JavaScript or anything like that. This is mainly for security reasons. Plus, just think of the mess MySpace would be if every second MySpace profile generated a JavaScript error!
These limitations have meant that not all HTML codes are suitable for your MySpace profile page.
That's why I've put together a collection of MySpace HTML codes that you can copy and paste straight onto your profile page. There are even some HTML generators that allow you to customize your codes.
So, those are the main differences between a MySpace profile page and a normal website (at least from a coding perspective). Of course, there's nothing to stop you from copy/pasting the MySpace codes into a normal website, as it won't have the same limitations.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Exporting data from Access to Excel
Exporting data from Microsoft Access might seem like a strange topic for a blog based on website development. After all, Microsoft Access is not usually associated with database driven websites.
Sure, MS Access is a database management system. But, it's not suitable for serving multiple users simultaneously. That's why database systems such as SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL are so popular with websites.
But, if you're like me, you've had occasions where you've been asked how to "convert from Access to Excel".
For example, one of my clients use to build his own little survey forms, then store the data in an Access database. Then, one day he asked me how to "convert the Access database to an Excel spreadsheet". Well, what really wanted to do was export the data to an Excel spreadsheet, so that he could send it to his colleagues (who didn't have Access).
Because this seems to be quite a common occurrence, I explain how to export data from Access to Excel in Quackit's Microsoft Access tutorial.
Sure, MS Access is a database management system. But, it's not suitable for serving multiple users simultaneously. That's why database systems such as SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL are so popular with websites.
But, if you're like me, you've had occasions where you've been asked how to "convert from Access to Excel".
For example, one of my clients use to build his own little survey forms, then store the data in an Access database. Then, one day he asked me how to "convert the Access database to an Excel spreadsheet". Well, what really wanted to do was export the data to an Excel spreadsheet, so that he could send it to his colleagues (who didn't have Access).
Because this seems to be quite a common occurrence, I explain how to export data from Access to Excel in Quackit's Microsoft Access tutorial.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
ColdFusion - a PHP alternative
There's no doubt about the popularity of PHP. It seems that most new developers go straight from HTML to PHP. I don't know, maybe they skip the HTML and go straight to PHP!
I think it's great that PHP has become so popular. It enables developers to create advanced functionality for their websites without having to build a mammoth Windows-style standalone application.
A similar (but often overlooked) technology is ColdFusion. ColdFusion is an advanced web programming environment that enables you to create advanced websites quickly and efficiently. Many ColdFusion developers argue that ColdFusion is easier to use than PHP, while allowing developers to do just as much, or even more than PHP.
ColdFusion has many benefits, but a key benefit is it's integration with other Adobe technologies such as Flash and PDF. If you're familiar with Adobe products I definitely recommend that you learn ColdFusion (if you haven't already done so!). You'll then see how easy it is to build advanced, database driven, websites.
I think it's great that PHP has become so popular. It enables developers to create advanced functionality for their websites without having to build a mammoth Windows-style standalone application.
A similar (but often overlooked) technology is ColdFusion. ColdFusion is an advanced web programming environment that enables you to create advanced websites quickly and efficiently. Many ColdFusion developers argue that ColdFusion is easier to use than PHP, while allowing developers to do just as much, or even more than PHP.
ColdFusion has many benefits, but a key benefit is it's integration with other Adobe technologies such as Flash and PDF. If you're familiar with Adobe products I definitely recommend that you learn ColdFusion (if you haven't already done so!). You'll then see how easy it is to build advanced, database driven, websites.
Why you should diversify your skillset
Many people make the mistake of specializing in one area of web development far too early on in their career.
For example, a new developer might learn PHP, then from that point on, become fanatical about PHP without learning anything else. Doing this will only limit the developer's skillset.
You'll learn more about web development if you gain knowledge in a broader range of technologies. You don't need to become a guru in each technology. There's a lot to be learned by following a simple tutorial, then trying some of the basics yourself.
I've met a lot of web programmers who don't know the first thing about graphics. This is unfortunate given graphics are a major part of the web. A little knowledge of web graphics can help a web programmer look at the bigger picture. At the same time, a little knowledge of HTML and/or programming can help a graphic designer.
And, once you start looking at the bigger picture, you might find your creative juices starting to run. You start to see all sorts of possibilities that you couldn't see before. And who knows, you could even make yourself more employable in the process!
For example, a new developer might learn PHP, then from that point on, become fanatical about PHP without learning anything else. Doing this will only limit the developer's skillset.
You'll learn more about web development if you gain knowledge in a broader range of technologies. You don't need to become a guru in each technology. There's a lot to be learned by following a simple tutorial, then trying some of the basics yourself.
I've met a lot of web programmers who don't know the first thing about graphics. This is unfortunate given graphics are a major part of the web. A little knowledge of web graphics can help a web programmer look at the bigger picture. At the same time, a little knowledge of HTML and/or programming can help a graphic designer.
And, once you start looking at the bigger picture, you might find your creative juices starting to run. You start to see all sorts of possibilities that you couldn't see before. And who knows, you could even make yourself more employable in the process!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
How do you create your database tables?
These days, most database management systems come fully equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI allows you to easily do things like create tables, alter them, add new columns, enter data etc.
Creating new tables is a very common database task and I've used a GUI countless times for doing just that.
However, despite the many advantages that a GUI can bring, there are occasions where you shouldn't rely on your GUI. You see, any task you can perform using a GUI can also be done programatically (using a SQL script).
So, when should you use a SQL script to create your tables?
If you use multiple copies of your database (for example, you might have a development environment, a test environment, and a production environment), a script is the perfect way to ensure your table is created exactly the same throughout all copies of your database. Not only this, your script will save you time too. Once created, a script will usually take less than a second to run.
SQL CREATE commands
The actual commands available to you will vary from one database system to the next. Here are some common create commands available to you in SQL Server:
Creating new tables is a very common database task and I've used a GUI countless times for doing just that.
However, despite the many advantages that a GUI can bring, there are occasions where you shouldn't rely on your GUI. You see, any task you can perform using a GUI can also be done programatically (using a SQL script).
So, when should you use a SQL script to create your tables?
If you use multiple copies of your database (for example, you might have a development environment, a test environment, and a production environment), a script is the perfect way to ensure your table is created exactly the same throughout all copies of your database. Not only this, your script will save you time too. Once created, a script will usually take less than a second to run.
SQL CREATE commands
The actual commands available to you will vary from one database system to the next. Here are some common create commands available to you in SQL Server:
- CREATE ACTION
- CREATE CACHE
- CREATE CELL CALCULATION
- CREATE CUBE
- CREATE DATABASE
- CREATE DEFAULT
- CREATE FUNCTION
- CREATE INDEX
- CREATE MEMBER
- CREATE MINING MODEL
- CREATE PROCEDURE
- CREATE RULE
- CREATE SCHEMA
- CREATE SET
- CREATE STATISTICS
- CREATE TABLE
- CREATE TRIGGER
- CREATE UNIQUE CLUSTERED INDEX
- CREATE VIEW
How many HTML tags are there?
The other day I posted about the full list of CSS properties.
Well, now that we've established how many CSS properties there are, let's not forget those poor little HTML tags.
As well as a complete list of CSS properties, Quackit contains a list of HTML tags (otherwise known as HTML elements) . This is a complete list of HTML tags from the HTML 4.01 specification.
You can even try many of the tags straight from the Quackit website. For example, check out the HTML li tag or the HTML b tag.
So check out the full list and see if there are any HTML tags you don't know!
Well, now that we've established how many CSS properties there are, let's not forget those poor little HTML tags.
As well as a complete list of CSS properties, Quackit contains a list of HTML tags (otherwise known as HTML elements) . This is a complete list of HTML tags from the HTML 4.01 specification.
You can even try many of the tags straight from the Quackit website. For example, check out the HTML li tag or the HTML b tag.
So check out the full list and see if there are any HTML tags you don't know!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Eating too much over Christmas?
First of all merry Christmas (to those who celebrate Christmas anyway!)
And, depending on where you live, you've probably already had your Christmas day!
Christmas time can typically be a time for eating and drinking too much. It's great at the time but then you start feeling unhealthy after eating so much trifle, cake, roast meat, or whatever you usually like to get stuck into!
So, if you're one of those people who feel bad for eating so much, maybe it's time to do some exercise? Maybe you already have an exercise routine. If so, good on you. You'll know how good it can feel to be fit and healthy.
But if you aren't really sure what exercises you should be doing, and you don't know what food you should be eating, check out the Great Workout website.
This website provides information on the best exercise routines to keep fit and healthy. It also provides lots of nutritional information to help complement your exercise routine.
So, if you're guilty of being a little too festive this Christmas, now is a great time to get into a fitness routine!
And, depending on where you live, you've probably already had your Christmas day!
Christmas time can typically be a time for eating and drinking too much. It's great at the time but then you start feeling unhealthy after eating so much trifle, cake, roast meat, or whatever you usually like to get stuck into!
So, if you're one of those people who feel bad for eating so much, maybe it's time to do some exercise? Maybe you already have an exercise routine. If so, good on you. You'll know how good it can feel to be fit and healthy.
But if you aren't really sure what exercises you should be doing, and you don't know what food you should be eating, check out the Great Workout website.
This website provides information on the best exercise routines to keep fit and healthy. It also provides lots of nutritional information to help complement your exercise routine.
So, if you're guilty of being a little too festive this Christmas, now is a great time to get into a fitness routine!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Jump-start your logo designs
Have you ever created a new website, only to think "hmmm, I wish I could come up with a better logo".
OK, in many cases, if you're building a site for an established client, they will already have a logo. But, what if your client has asked you to also create a logo?
This can be a bit like staring at a blank piece of paper. Designing a logo can be harder than it sounds. Sure, you can find a nice font, then add some squiggly lines, add a bit of color etc But if you're like me, you'll probably spend hours just "fine tuning" your logo. Then, when you look at the next day, it's "Yuck!". Plus, you really want to design something unique that represents what the company is all about. Sometimes it can be difficult coming up with new ideas for logos.
Well, if this is the case, a logoset could be just what you're looking for.
A logoset is a set of pre-made logo templates that provide a starting place for your logos. It can help you come up with new ideas for logos. All you need to do is choose and download a logoset, then modify any of the logos contained within that logoset.
Using Quackit's template store, you can browse logosets by keywords, category, and even author. So, Quackit's website template store could be all you need to jump-start your logo designs!
OK, in many cases, if you're building a site for an established client, they will already have a logo. But, what if your client has asked you to also create a logo?
This can be a bit like staring at a blank piece of paper. Designing a logo can be harder than it sounds. Sure, you can find a nice font, then add some squiggly lines, add a bit of color etc But if you're like me, you'll probably spend hours just "fine tuning" your logo. Then, when you look at the next day, it's "Yuck!". Plus, you really want to design something unique that represents what the company is all about. Sometimes it can be difficult coming up with new ideas for logos.
Well, if this is the case, a logoset could be just what you're looking for.
A logoset is a set of pre-made logo templates that provide a starting place for your logos. It can help you come up with new ideas for logos. All you need to do is choose and download a logoset, then modify any of the logos contained within that logoset.
Using Quackit's template store, you can browse logosets by keywords, category, and even author. So, Quackit's website template store could be all you need to jump-start your logo designs!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
How many CSS properties are there?
How many CSS properties are there? Well, you can count them yourself by checking out this CSS properties reference.
This reference lists all CSS properties from the CSS2 specification. It also has an online CSS editor ,so you can try out most properties right there on the page!
For example, you can try changing the background colors, images etc using the CSS background property. Or, you could experiment with different borders using the CSS border property.
So, check it out. Hope you find it useful!
This reference lists all CSS properties from the CSS2 specification. It also has an online CSS editor ,so you can try out most properties right there on the page!
For example, you can try changing the background colors, images etc using the CSS background property. Or, you could experiment with different borders using the CSS border property.
So, check it out. Hope you find it useful!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
How good is your hosting provider?
If you're like many of us, you probably don't think too much about your hosting provider. (Well, not until something goes wrong!). After all, once you've uploaded your website it generally just runs itself, right?
Well, not exactly.
There are many things you need to look for in a hosting provider. Here are some that come to mind:
That is why I created this web hosting tutorial. It provides an overview of the things you should look for when selecting a hosting provider.
By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you will ensure you're covering off all the important points when selecting your web hosting provider.
Well, not exactly.
There are many things you need to look for in a hosting provider. Here are some that come to mind:
- uptime
- support
- maintenance
- security
- availability of bandwidth
That is why I created this web hosting tutorial. It provides an overview of the things you should look for when selecting a hosting provider.
By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you will ensure you're covering off all the important points when selecting your web hosting provider.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Do you know your XML?
If you know how to create database driven websites using technologies such as SQL Server and ColdFusion or PHP, you'll realize how powerful your web applications can be.
XML can take this a step further by allowing you to store and transmit data that can be read by remote applications, regardless of their technology.
Quackit's free XML tutorial guides you through XML, starting from the basics (such as what an XML document looks like), moving to more advanced topics (such as XSLT and XPath).
If you've always wanted to learn XML but never got around to it, perhaps nows the time!
XML can take this a step further by allowing you to store and transmit data that can be read by remote applications, regardless of their technology.
Quackit's free XML tutorial guides you through XML, starting from the basics (such as what an XML document looks like), moving to more advanced topics (such as XSLT and XPath).
If you've always wanted to learn XML but never got around to it, perhaps nows the time!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Do you use a web server?
When someone first learns how to code HTML, they usually get taught to create a file with HTML code and save it with a .html or .htm extension. Then when they double-click on the file, it automatically opens in their web browser.
This is fine when you're starting out. It's a great way to get up and running quickly. Once you've gotten yourself past the basics though, you try running your website through a web server.
Running your website through a web server enables you to do much more. A web server enables you to create a development environment that replicates your production (live) environment.
If you're not sure if you need a web server, check out this web server tutorial. It explains what a web server is and what benefits you'll get from using one. It also provides links to some popular free web servers.
This is fine when you're starting out. It's a great way to get up and running quickly. Once you've gotten yourself past the basics though, you try running your website through a web server.
Running your website through a web server enables you to do much more. A web server enables you to create a development environment that replicates your production (live) environment.
If you're not sure if you need a web server, check out this web server tutorial. It explains what a web server is and what benefits you'll get from using one. It also provides links to some popular free web servers.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
New to web design?
If you need to build a website but don't know where to start, check out this article on how to create a website.
That article shows you 3 options for creating a website. The option you choose will depend on your goals. If you simply want to get a website up and running quickly without knowing all the technical stuff, there's an option for you.
On the other hand, if you'd like to learn the technical aspects of building a website, there's an option for you too. Quackit has a large number of tutorials that will walk you through the technical side of creating a website.
There are also pre-built templates that can assist you in building your website if required.
Create a website now!
That article shows you 3 options for creating a website. The option you choose will depend on your goals. If you simply want to get a website up and running quickly without knowing all the technical stuff, there's an option for you.
On the other hand, if you'd like to learn the technical aspects of building a website, there's an option for you too. Quackit has a large number of tutorials that will walk you through the technical side of creating a website.
There are also pre-built templates that can assist you in building your website if required.
Create a website now!
Fast-track your web design
Quackit now has professionally designed website templates available.
Why use these?
Well, here's one good reason...
If you're like many web developers, you prefer not to spend too much time on the visual aspect of your websites. Designing a website can soak up lots of your time. Besides, there are so many great web designers out there who specialize in designing websites that work across multiple browsers etc.
As a web developer, you have a number of choices. Here are the most common ones:
The second option will require that you find a good web designer. Hiring a web designer can be quite expensive too.
The third option can be a great cost effective way to developing a great looking website. Using professionally developed templates can save you lots of time, and eliminate the costs of sourcing a web designer.
So check out the Quackit template store now!
Why use these?
Well, here's one good reason...
If you're like many web developers, you prefer not to spend too much time on the visual aspect of your websites. Designing a website can soak up lots of your time. Besides, there are so many great web designers out there who specialize in designing websites that work across multiple browsers etc.
As a web developer, you have a number of choices. Here are the most common ones:
- Design your own websites
- Hire a web designer
- Use pre-built templates
The second option will require that you find a good web designer. Hiring a web designer can be quite expensive too.
The third option can be a great cost effective way to developing a great looking website. Using professionally developed templates can save you lots of time, and eliminate the costs of sourcing a web designer.
So check out the Quackit template store now!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Swicki for HTML code
Swickis (by Eurekster) have been touted as the future of search engines.
Using a community approach, swickis enable users to create and configure their own search engine, then allow other users to place votes against the search results.
The ease in which you can do this makes me confident that swickis will become much more popular than they already are.
Here's a swicki I created which focuses on those searching for HTML code
This swicki searches through websites that are based on this topic. This means your search results won't be clouded by unnecessary search results.
Take a look, and if you're not happy with the search results, change them!
http://htmlcode-swicki.eurekster.com/
Using a community approach, swickis enable users to create and configure their own search engine, then allow other users to place votes against the search results.
The ease in which you can do this makes me confident that swickis will become much more popular than they already are.
Here's a swicki I created which focuses on those searching for HTML code
This swicki searches through websites that are based on this topic. This means your search results won't be clouded by unnecessary search results.
Take a look, and if you're not happy with the search results, change them!
http://htmlcode-swicki.eurekster.com/
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Find a good web host
One of the best ways of finding a good hosting provider is by finding out from other people's experiences.
I've just partnered with Realmetrics to bring you real, unbiased hosting reviews, based on real data and experience.
Realmetrics actually sign up using real hosting accounts with real hosting providers. Realmetrics also continuously monitor the servers of each hosting provider in order to measure the availability of each provider.
The performance of each web host is added to a report which compares the hosting providers against each other. You can access these hosting reports here:
http://hosting-reviews.quackit.com
I hope you find these hosting reviews useful :)
I've just partnered with Realmetrics to bring you real, unbiased hosting reviews, based on real data and experience.
Realmetrics actually sign up using real hosting accounts with real hosting providers. Realmetrics also continuously monitor the servers of each hosting provider in order to measure the availability of each provider.
The performance of each web host is added to a report which compares the hosting providers against each other. You can access these hosting reports here:
http://hosting-reviews.quackit.com
I hope you find these hosting reviews useful :)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Generate HTML with the Code Generator
Last year I decided to build a website that enables users to automatically generate HTML code for use on their own websites.
It currently has quite a heavy MySpace lean. This is mainly due to the high demand of MySpace users needing a quick way of adding HTML to their profile page.
Having said this, all of these could be incorporated into a normal website. The site includes a table generator, music code generator, various text generators and generators for marquee related tricks.
Anyway, if you need to create HTML in a flash, try the Code Generator.
It currently has quite a heavy MySpace lean. This is mainly due to the high demand of MySpace users needing a quick way of adding HTML to their profile page.
Having said this, all of these could be incorporated into a normal website. The site includes a table generator, music code generator, various text generators and generators for marquee related tricks.
Anyway, if you need to create HTML in a flash, try the Code Generator.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Do you monitor your website?
Choosing a hosting provider for your website can be quite a task. First, you need to find one that provides the products and services you require. Then, once you realize there are thousands that fit the bill, you need to figure out which one to choose.
Regardless of the products/services you require, there's probably one thing that we all look for in a hosting provider - Uptime!
Most hosting providers will give you an uptime guarantee - something like 99.9% or 99.99% availability. This is all very well, but how do you know your web host is actually living up to their promise?
This is where website monitoring comes in. To learn about website monitoring, first read about website availability, then learn what you can do to ensure your web host is providing you with their guaranteed availability with the website monitoring article.
Regardless of the products/services you require, there's probably one thing that we all look for in a hosting provider - Uptime!
Most hosting providers will give you an uptime guarantee - something like 99.9% or 99.99% availability. This is all very well, but how do you know your web host is actually living up to their promise?
This is where website monitoring comes in. To learn about website monitoring, first read about website availability, then learn what you can do to ensure your web host is providing you with their guaranteed availability with the website monitoring article.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Up to speed with your SQL?
Know your inner joins? What about your outer joins?
Don't know what I'm talking about?
If that's the case, you need to check out the SQL tutorial
Quackit's SQL Tutorial guides you through the most commonly used SQL statements, functions and keywords. If you need to build a database driven website, learning SQL is essential. SQL is the industry standard for performing database queries and various other database activities.
http://www.quackit.com/sql/tutorial
Don't know what I'm talking about?
If that's the case, you need to check out the SQL tutorial
Quackit's SQL Tutorial guides you through the most commonly used SQL statements, functions and keywords. If you need to build a database driven website, learning SQL is essential. SQL is the industry standard for performing database queries and various other database activities.
http://www.quackit.com/sql/tutorial
Create your first website
Ever wanted to create a website but didn't know where to start?
Creating a website is very easy. But creating a website is not everything. Do you know about web hosting or domain names? And do you know what FTP means?
Quackit will walk you through, step by step, what's involved in creating a website, as well as give you advice on web hosting, domain names, FTP and other technologies.
Best place to start is with the create a website tutorial.
Creating a website is very easy. But creating a website is not everything. Do you know about web hosting or domain names? And do you know what FTP means?
Quackit will walk you through, step by step, what's involved in creating a website, as well as give you advice on web hosting, domain names, FTP and other technologies.
Best place to start is with the create a website tutorial.
Learn about databases
New at Quackit, is a database tutorial. This database tutorial provides a definition of databases, an overview of database management systems, as well as what's normally involved in creating a database, and adding data to it.
http://www.quackit.com/database/tutorial
http://www.quackit.com/database/tutorial
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Benefits of Learning HTML
Lately, more and more people are starting up their own blogs or websites. Given the software available these days, you don't even need to know how to write code for a website. The blog or CMS software pretty much does most of it for you.
There are definite benefits to learning HTML though.
By learning HTML, you are better equipped to be able to change how your blog or website is presented. And doing this can help you stand out from the rest. Also, HTML is very easy to learn, and once you've learned it you don't need to keep relearning it (like many software products).
If you're looking to learn HTML, check out Quackit's HTML tutorial.
There are definite benefits to learning HTML though.
By learning HTML, you are better equipped to be able to change how your blog or website is presented. And doing this can help you stand out from the rest. Also, HTML is very easy to learn, and once you've learned it you don't need to keep relearning it (like many software products).
If you're looking to learn HTML, check out Quackit's HTML tutorial.
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