HTML: The Definitive Guide

by Chuck Musciano, Bill Kennedy

Learning HTML is like learning any new language, computer or human. Most students first immerse themselves in examples. Studying others is a natural way to learn, making learning easy and fun. Imitation can take you only so far, though. Examples can be both good and bad. Learning by example will help you talk the talk, but not walk the walk.Computer-based languages are precise. You've got to get the HTML syntax correct, or it just won't work. And, there is the problem of "standards." Committees of academics and industry experts try to define the proper syntax and usage of a computer language like HTML. The problem is that HTML browser manufacturers like Netscape Communications choose what parts of the standard they will use, and which parts they'll ignore. They even make up their own parts, which may eventually become standards.The better way to become HTML fluent is through a comprehensive language reference, a resource that covers the language syntax, semantics, and variations in detail and helps you distinguish between good and bad usage. The Definitive Guide helps you become fluent in HTML, fully versed in the language's syntax, semantics, and elements of style. The book covers the most up-to-date version of the HTML standard, plus all the common extensions and, in particular, Netscape extensions. The authors cover each and every element of the currently accepted version of the language in detail, explaining how each element works and how it interacts with all the other elements. They've also included a style guide that helps you decide how to best use HTML to accomplish a variety of tasks, from simple online documentation to complex marketing and sales presentations.With a practical, hands-on style, this book helps you to create truly effective Web pages and to master advanced features, such as tables and equations. The Definitive Guide shows you how

Genres: Reference, Programming, Nonfiction, Computers, Technology, Technical, Computer Science

385 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

Chuck Musciano is the Chief Information Officer for Martin Marietta Materials, a $2.2B producer of construction aggregates. He is responsible for all aspects of Martin Marietta's enterprise information systems, including their ERP, document management, point of sale, business intelligence, and customer information systems.

From 1997 to 2003, Chuck served as CIO of the American Kennel Club. During this time, he architected the AKC's transition from a legacy mainframe system to a client/server web-based computing environment. Using this platform, the AKC was able to re-engineer all of its principal business processes, reducing costs and increasing customer services as a result.

Mr. Musciano began his computing career in 1982 with Harris Corporation, enjoying a variety of roles during his 15 year tenure there. He has written compilers, developed user interfaces, designed multiprocessors, developed shared Unix data centers, and was fortunate enough to be a part of the seminal development of the ARPANet and Internet.

Mr. Musciano is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. He resides in Cary, NC with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Lady3jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taught myself HTML with this book. I still reference it frequently, though I should probably get something a little more up to date.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a critical reference book for any web developer's library.

[Ais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not "finished" but I have read what I needed to for now.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an earlier version of this book in 1996 to teach myself HTML. It was a great initial introduction to web development and made for an excellent desk reference once I worked through it. Unlike some of the more visual books on the market now, this one made you read and think. The version I read pre-dated CSS and XML/XHTML. A classic for any “old school” web developer who hand-codes websites. Although there are better books on the market now, I felt obligated to review this one because it literally helped launch my career in web project management and now I currently own a web design studio. Having a keen knowledge of HTML can help web designers and developers (include CSS now though, you need both structure and style).

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for anyone doing web design. However, it is a bit dated since it covers XHTML and HTML 4, not 5. Still, its explanations of things make it a valuable reference that I still use rather often.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, wonderful in this contemporary with no fantastic or sf elements but a surprise in the ending!

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Pretty much love everything.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the book I learned HTML from! It was very clear, great descriptions of browser support and caveats, plus all of the brand new HTML 4 stuff ( tags were my favorite!) There was lots of sample code, a lot of it about Kumquats... which I didn't believe was a real fruit until I finally saw one in real life, almost ten years later.

[TK Keanini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good to have a book with both HTML and XHTML side by side.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

required text for a class - not too difficult and interseting.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I've read for by Web publishing class. Very useful, but very long and dense. It will be a great reference work to have on my shelf!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're teaching yourself HTML, you must own this book. It includes all the basics, along with sample pages coded and displayed. Very well explained.

[Rullsenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic html coding skills still carry me a long way. This remains helpful, even after all these years!

[Les Gehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to creating web pages using raw HTML commands.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to understand and easy to use. Great Guide!

[Adnan Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Test

[Dave Huish · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is what it is.

[Dave Huish · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great guide.

[Saciid Example]

it will be ok

[Dave Peticolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fine O'Reilly book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quickly reviewed for e-pub class. May become source for recommended readings in future classes.