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Practical Web 2.0 Applications with PHP

Practical Web 2.0 Applications with PHP

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Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML

Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML
  • Media: Book (Paperback, 694 pages)
  • ISBN: 059610197X
  • Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
  • Release Date: Dec 8, 2005

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Product Description

Tired of reading HTML books that only make sense after you're an expert? Then it's about time you picked up Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML and really learned HTML. You want to learn HTML so you can finally create those web pages you've always wanted, so you can communicate more effectively with friends, family, fans, and fanatic customers. You also want to do it right so you can actually maintain and expand your Web pages over time, and so your web pages work in all the browsers and mobile devices out there. Oh, and if you've never heard of CSS, that's okay - we won't tell anyone you're still partying like it's 1999 - but if you're going to create Web pages in the 21st century then you'll want to know and understand CSS.

Learn the real secrets of creating Web pages, and why everything your boss told you about HTML tables is probably wrong (and what to do instead). Most importantly, hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions how his HTML is now strict, and his CSS is in an external style sheet.

With Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking web-safe colors still matter, and the foolishness of slipping a font tag into your pages. Best of all, you'll learn HTML and CSS in a way that won't put you to sleep. If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect: a visually-rich format designed for the way your brain works. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, this book will load HTML, CSS, and XHTML into your brain in a way that sticks.

So what are you waiting for? Leave those other dusty books behind and come join us in Webville. Your tour is about to begin.

"Elegant design is at the core of every chapter here, each concept conveyed with equal doses of pragmatism and wit." --Ken Goldstein, Executive Vice President, Disney Online

"This book is a thoroughly modern introduction to forward-looking practices in web page markup and presentation." --Danny Goodman, author of Dynamic HTML: The Definitive Guide

"What used to be a long trial and error learning process has now been reduced neatly into an engaging paperback." --Mike Davidson, CEO, Newsvine, Inc.

"I love Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML--it teaches you everything you need to learn in a 'fun coated' format!" --Sally Applin, UI Designer and Artist

"I haven't had as much fun reading a book (other than Harry Potter) in years. And your book finally helped me break out of my hapless so-last-century way of creating web pages." --Professor David M. Arnow, Department of Computer and Information Science, Brooklyn College

"If you've ever had a family member who wanted you to design a website for them, buy them Head First HTML with CSS and XHTML. If you've ever asked a family member to design you a web site, buy this book. If you've ever bought an HTML book and ended up using it to level your desk, or for kindling on a cold winter day, buy this book. This is the book you've been waiting for. This is the learning system you've been waiting for." --Warren Kelly, Blogcritics.org


Rating: 1/5 scattered and pointless

The presentation of information in this book is absolutely terrible. The layout is totally disjointed with arrows, lines, balloons, etc. To be fair, it does contain a good amount of information, if you have the patience to logically organize it yourself. So many other good sources to learn from, pass right by this book.
Submitted 16 May 2008

Rating: 5/5 Finally an HTML/XHTML/CSS book that I could make it all the way through!

I have just finished -- from page 1 to 649 -- learning HTML, XTML, and CSS while having fun and actually being able to create a great looking website from scratch.

For years, I've used Dreamweaver and Flash to design websites. My clients loved my designs and were totally impressed with my sites, but something was missing in my life. I really wanted to learn what it was that I actually was doing. What did all that code mean? Could I be more efficient?

You can tell how many times I tried to learn HTML by the number of books on that subject on my shelves. They have all sorts of publication dates and some of them are just various editions of the same book! I started to read each of them with all good intentions but I'd bog down and never get to the part where they put it all together. It wasn't their fault. I learn by example, not by explanation.

Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML is amazing. I was hooked at the very first page. It's not often that you read, let alone laugh, through a table of contents! The authors have fun with the subject and give you the information in various ways. Concepts may be discussed several times, but never in the same format. I learned so much! Now I'm taking apart the code of some of my websites and turning it into simple, elegant code that is much more efficient.

The only thing that I found that I really wanted in this book was an introduction to how JavaScript works in this environment. I know there is another book in the series, Head First JavaScript, that I will be buying soon, but it would be nice to have more than a few paragraphs at the end of the HTML book about the use of JavaScript in the XHTML/CSS environment since it is used a lot in sites.

Kudos to Eric & Elisabeth (and their hard working staff). I am looking forward to seeing the next books in their series -- perhaps Head First Web Design?
Submitted 16 May 2008

Rating: 2/5 style over substance

This is the first "head first" book I've read, and unfortunately it will probably be my last.

I actually don't have a problem with the material covered in the book. It seems pretty complete. But to me, having to wade through all the "cutsie-poo" little pictures and notes and jokes and all that just leads to a book that is difficult to pick up and find the info you need. I suppose if your goal is to be amused, then by all means pick up this book. But if what you are trying to do is learn so that you can accomplish something in an effecient way, then I'd definitely buy something different.

I'll leave the "head first" book to the teens, I want my medicine "straight up" and strong, not watered down like this.
Submitted 22 Apr 2008

Rating: 5/5 Want to learn HTML and CSS...This is THE BOOK.

When I became interested in starting my website, www.stevechambers.com, I wanted to learn the basics behind the code so I could get my web pages looking as close as possible to how I wanted them to look. I first tried some free HTML tutorials on the web, then purchased several different books before happening upon this one. Far and away, this is the book to use to learn the basics of HTML and CSS.

While this is not a reference book I have it sitting on my desk every single time I code. It will teach you HTML & CSS in a fun manner, and will clarify the often dry reference material you will use after you complete this book.

If you are on the web in any capacity you should know some code. This is the book to use to learn it.
Submitted 19 Apr 2008

Rating: 5/5 A fantastic book that is easy to follow with great explainations

This book stands above the other HTML books that I've read. It's explainations are easy to follow and complete. The examples are fun and you will learn XHTML and CSS so well that you'll be designing clean and effective websites in no time.

Unlike other HTML books where authors have you copy their information and expect you to follow along, with Head First the skills you learn will be yours.

Highly recommended!
Submitted 10 Apr 2008

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