Building a Web Site For Dummies

From Building a Web Site For Dummies, 3rd Edition by David A. Crowder

When you design a Web site, you use all sorts of tools and languages. Taping into Web resources that can help with CGI, Perl, Java, JavaScript and HTML can make your design job easier, as does knowing some basic rules and tips on how to build Web sites.

Rules of Web Site Design

You want your Web site to be all it can be and serve the purpose you intend and your visitors can easily use. These seven basic rules of Web site design can help:

Rule #1: The Web is for reaching out to people.

Rule #2: Keep your Web pages lean and clean.

Rule #3: Don’t make your visitors jump through hoops.

Rule #4: Never make an unnecessary link.

Rule #5: Always group necessary items together.

Rule #6: If you can give visitors an option, do so.

Rule #7: It’s your Web site. It’s your vision. Do it your way.

Web Site Design Tips

As you build a Web site, you need to spend a lot of time thinking about design elements and how your site should look. As you consider the design of your Web site, keep these tips in mind:

Make your content as useful as possible.
Use appealing graphics, but make sure that they support the content.
Give your pages a consistent appearance.
Install a search feature.
Update your pages often so that people have a reason to return frequently.
Stick to your topic.
Know your audience and strive to please them.

CGI/Perl Resources for Building a Web Site

If you’re using CGI and/or Perl to build your Web site, you can draw help and inspiration from a number of other Web sites, including the following:

HTML Resources for Building a Web Site

If you’re building a Web site, you’re going to encounter hypertext mark-up language, or HTML, at some point. These Web sites can assist you with including the basics and a few extras:

Java and JavaScript Resources for Building a Web Site

Java, the programming language, and JavaScript, the scripting language, are both key elements of many Web site designs. If you’re building your own Web site and using Java, you may want to check out these sites as well:

Miscellaneous Resources for Building a Web Site

If you’re building a Web site, the resources listed here offer forums for webmasters, tips on keeping an eye on Web traffic, and many other tools. Check them out:

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Posted by Susan Stark FEBRUARY 11, 2010 | 10:20AM
I want to BUY a book, but geesh you make it difficult to do so. Where can I get titles? You are giving me information but what I really need is a list of titles. I don't like this website for that reason. Too hard to spend money here.

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Posted by sam FEBRUARY 11, 2010 | 02:37PM
At the top of any page on Dummies.com, click the "Store" button to shop.

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