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Guide 7. How do I create my website?

Web design principles: HTML, Java, JavaScript and Plug-ins (screen 4 of 17)

HTML and designers

The language that describes the design of your website is HyperText Markup Language (HTML)(1). If you do not have an HTML editor(2) - like Frontpage, BBEdit, or Homepage - it's worth looking around the Web for one to suit your organisation. Your website designer either needs to know HTML, or work closely with someone who does.

Regardless of whether a website designer does the HTML programming required, they do need to understand what is possible and what is not possible when designing the look and functionality of a website.

The challenge for a website designer is to create a look which can be successfully implemented on all browser and computer configurations required by the client. Websites should be tested on sixteen or so combinations of browser and computer.

JavaScript

JavaScript(3)is a more complex language which enhances the capabilities of HTML, and which is incorporated into the HTML code itself. You may need to use JavaScript if you want your site to do more complex things.

Java

Finally, Java (not related to JavaScript) allows interactions with your website. To be able to interact the user needs to have the Java plug-in for their browser application. These days it may be a standard inclusion when you obtain your browser application.

Plug-ins

There is a range of technologies available to enhance the functionality and interactivity of your website. When you use these technologies you need to provide a link to a website where users can download that plug-in in case they don't already have it.

You need to make this process as simple as possible otherwise users will leave your site. Many organisations maintain two versions of their websites - one which is 'enhanced' and uses the latest technologies, and another which does not. This ensures that all users can access the website's content.

Commonly used plug-ins you can download free:

Real Audio Player(4)
Shockwave Flash(5)
Adobe Reader(6).

Multimedia file formats

A range of different file formats are used to deliver and decode multimedia on the Web. This article(7) called "All about multimedia" is a useful introduction to them.

 

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References

1. Guide 3 screen 3 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g3/s3.htm
2. HTML editors http://www.webreference.com/html/
3. JavaScript http://webreference.com/js/
4. Real Audio Player free download http://www.real.com/
5. Shockwave Flash http://www.macromedia.com/
6. Adobe Reader http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
7. All about multimedia http://www.webdeveloper.com/multimedia/multimedia_qa.html

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