TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Summary: Skills Needed For Web Design (long) From:Kathryn Marshall <kmarshall -at- MODACAD -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 28 Aug 1997 15:25:50 -0700
Many, many thanks for the informative replies regarding how to get
started with Web Design.
Most people agreed that you can get up to speed on the basics of
creating web pages by reading books, online references, and through
practice (trial & error). Taking courses certainly helps, but is not
required. Scripting languages like CGI scripting, JavaScript, and Visual
Basic Script allow you to add more functionality to your web page. If
you have ever taken a programming class and are familiar with C and C++
terminology, you can learn these on your own. To do what I would call
advanced web design (real fancy stuff!), it's important to understand
C++ -- especially since most Windows95/97 apps rely on C basics.
Programs like FrontPage are a quick & relatively easy way to create Web
pages without having to program or even know HTML. But FrontPage has
limitations -- like it only runs on FrontPage Server, which is not
compatible with all servers; thus your site will not be accessible to
everyone.
Programming Languages
---------------------
JavaScript and Java are not the same thing! To learn Java, you should be
familiar with C and C++. Here, classes are probably the way to go. These
languages take time to learn (try a 4-year college -- haha). As an
alternative, start out with scripting languages.
You can also use Delphi 3 to create Web-enabled applications. It's based
on ObjectPascal. (It is supposedly very powerful and intuitive, but I'm
not sure how much programming background you need to use it). For $99,
it's worth checking out: http://www.borland.com.
Server Issues
-------------
If you're using scripting language, always ask your service provider
which scripts they'll accept. Many don't accept scripts they don't
write, since scripts reduce a server's security level; and many won't
give you access to change the WWW service settings necessary to enable
your scripts.
The ideal situation is to run your own server, with a mini TCP/IP
network (even if it's only got one computer on it). This gives you
ultimate control over the WWW service settings, which you need to code
and test CGI or other scripts. It also helps you to understand how the
basic code, server, browser, scripts, etc all interact.
If you're running NT 4.0, then install that along with the Microsoft
Peer Web Services that comes with it. For Windows 95 users, the Personal
Web Server that comes with Front Page 98 supports Java applets and
Active X (I didn't see anything about CGI support).
Most servers for Windows 95 do not support CGI, Perl, redirection,
server-side includes, and many standard server features.
Design Issues
---------------
Don't get too carried away with programming bells and whistles; always
keep the user in mind when designing web pages. Here it helps to read up
on design principles and user interface design. Basically, try to
anticipate how users will read the page and design accordingly (and keep
it simple).
Recommended Books
------------------
Dynamics In Document Design by Karen Schriver
ISBN 0471306363
Designing Web Graphics 2 by Lynda Weinman
1997 New Ryder Publishing
ISBN 1-56205-715-4
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html
