Instant HTML: Programmer's Reference

Assuming knowledge of the basics, this guide covers the latest version of HTML plus Netscape and Microsoft extensions.

Even if you rely on online documentation for Web-page design, there's nothing like a handy, one-volume guide to the essentials of HTML and dynamic HTML (DHTML) standards. That's the idea behind Instant HTML, a much-needed reference that helps you get the most out of Web-page design and create cutting-edge cross-browser content.

Early chapters describe the basic terms and technologies, including HTML, JavaScript, VBScript, ECMAScript (a new, vender-neutral alternative), and DHTML. The authors then give a step-by-step tour of basic Web-page design, from the basic tags used in creating simple pages to style sheets, images, and links to other pages. Further chapters take on tables, frames, and forms and teach you how to use Java applets and ActiveX components within HTML. The authors show the differences between JavaScript and VBScript and, where appropriate, point out new features in emerging HTML 4 specifications. Each topic is illustrated with concise examples, and the authors note what does and doesn't work in Netscape Navigator 4 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.

The last part of the book will probably be useful to even the most seasoned HTML developer. Chapters explain how to design with DHTML in both Navigator 4 and Internet Explorer 4, displaying useful sample pages for each browser and offering tips on how to create cross-platform content for both browsers. Finally, since this is a reference book, valuable appendices are included for HTML tags, JavaScript and VBScript basics, and other information Internet developers will find useful.