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General discussion

Returning to Web Authoring

Aug 9, 2007 9:35AM PDT

Hi.

I've been into Web programming and site administration off and on since 1999. I quit a few yesrs ago and have decided to take it up again for an online business. My questions are:

a) What version of HTML is the standard now?

b) What other programming languages and Web technologies would I need to learn to run a good, professional-looking site now? I know HTML, CSS and basic JavaScript only. What about Flash, CGI, XML, PHP, SQL, etc.? What are these for and how do I use them?

c) This is also my first time to host a site on a private server. What can I do now that wasn't possible before with Geocities and others like it?

d) What is the best free HTML editor out there that can let me code CSS and others with ease?

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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There are a couple...
Aug 9, 2007 9:46AM PDT

of HTML versions being used today. I believe the latest is HTML4. The best place to learn about what is being used would be at www.w3c.com (World Wide Web Consortium). C++ would also be a good language, especially if you go interactive. What other languages you would use would depend on what kind of site you want to build.

Whatever languages you use PLEASE make sure you stay within the W3C standards. Especially if you get into WEB 2.0....which you will. Microsoft hasn't seen fit to follow the accepted industry standards and that's why there are many problems with there net software. Good Luck and welcome back. Happy

and life goes on...

Jack

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Thanks.
Aug 10, 2007 9:57AM PDT

Hi Jack,

Thanks for your advice. What can I use C++ for?

I want to build a small business web site with attractive graphics, and "quizzes" or surveys in them that give an answer based on the choices made by the visitor in the query page. I'll also want secure order forms, some math, current date and time for starters.

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I've been..
Aug 11, 2007 5:09AM PDT

out of programming for several years so I don't know if C++ is the "best" language to use for your specific requirements. I do know it's the most widely used language out there. It is not a script language like the ones you mentioned. Go here and read what it's all about.

http://cplus.about.com/

Maybe it will work for you maybe it won't. Couldn't hurt to look at it.

and life goes on...

Jack